ESCONDIDO - Baking soda and grape juice chemistry projects, weather-themed riddles and fluorescent origami cranes are some of the classes that Rock Springs Elementary School students say keep them focused on their studies and not the clock as their week comes to a close.

The activities make up a program that Rock Springs introduced this year called Friday Academies, where students are rewarded for completing their work and behaving each week by spending the last 45 minutes of Friday studying in a class of their choice.

"I think (the academies) are really cool," said 10-year-old Tyler Harding, as he took a break from an origami academy on Friday. "I think that last year it was really boring here, but the academies are adding some excitement and fun."

Each week, teachers meet by grade-level to decide what subjects and activities they can offer in the free afternoon time slot. The classes the first six weeks of school have included everything from chemistry and critical thinking to drama and Harry Potter reading classes.

"It's really fun … and it motivates us," said 7-year-old Carson Roddy, as he lined up with some of his second-grade classmates to go to a bingo class. "We have to finish our (work) each week to go."

Students who complete all of their homework and have earned the most points for classroom behavior are allowed to select their activities first - a significant reward, they said, as the best activities in science and art fill up fast.

As the program continues, however, some grade-level teachers have said they may even raise the stakes for participation by requiring that all students who don't finish their work go to a study hall period instead.

"At first we didn't want to do that because we wanted to let all (the students) enjoy it," said Principal Kathy Morris. "Now, they will know what (the academies) are like and have some more motivation to do the work."

Morris added that the students aren't the only ones benefiting from the class time.

Teachers said that like the students, the period gives them the ability to pursue what they are interested in teaching outside of the required curriculum. It also provides them with the opportunity to develop their own curriculum and plans.

"I just think it's invigorating and rejuvenating and inspirational and meaningful for both the students and the teachers," said fifth-grade teacher Aaron Horstrom, who runs a critical thinking academy. "This is valuable."

- Contact staff writer Shayna Chabner at (760) 740-5416 or schabner@nctimes.com.