Extracurricular activities provide academic and non-academic experiences outside of school hours. They include sports, science and math clubs, writing and communication clubs, social science clubs, arts clubs, and community service opportunities.
Extra-curricular activities are opportunities to engage in extensions of academic and/or non-academic activities under the auspices of the school. In special circumstances, for example, when there are budget or scheduling constraints, these activities can provide experiences that would otherwise be offered during the school day.
There are many types of extracurricular activities. Athletics are important in many schools. In some schools, soccer is the focus of the athletic program, but depending on where you live, you may also find opportunities in baseball, basketball, bowling, cheerleading, rock climbing, field hockey, golf, ice hockey, ice skating, lacrosse , orienteering, rugby, downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, soccer, softball, swimming, table tennis, tennis, track and volleyball. Sports may have varsity and youth teams or be conducted as intramural clubs or opportunities.
Extracurricular activities in science and math often include clubs, such as those in astronomy, chess, computer programming, robotics, and ecology. Competitions are also offered through, for example, the Science Olympiad, the National Science Bowl, the American Computer Science League, and MATHCOUNTS.
For students interested in writing and communication, there may be clubs for broadcasting, debating, foreign languages, the school newspaper, and the school yearbook. Contests include Idea of America Writing Contest and Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Extracurricular activities in the social sciences include Geography Bowl, National Mock Election, and FED CHALLENGE High School, run by the Federal Reserve Bank to promote economic literacy. Opportunities to participate in student government may also require extracurricular commitments. And for students of the arts, one can find drama clubs, guitar clubs, ensembles such as choirs, bands and orchestras, and photography clubs.
Students who enjoy competition and have good general knowledge may want to try out for Scholar’s Bowl, National Academic Quiz Tournaments, or Odyssey of the Mind for extracurricular activities. And community-oriented students can find opportunities for community service, for example, in a Red Cross club or peer help group.
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