Discovery Year 6. Session 6. Week 5.

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Discoverers landed Session 6 with gratitude and reflection. Here’s a glimpse into how the studio connected with their work in Week 5. 

WORK CYCLE

Discoverers checked in with their Big Time goals and reflected on their personal experiences of working towards a long-term aim for the whole Session. Many Discoverers reflected that they wished their goal had been more achievable, while others shared their plan for challenging themselves even further in Session 7. As a community, learners expressed and processed moments of pride, failure, learning, and growing with their Session 6 Big Time goals. 

QUEST

In Quest, Discovery Biologists began the exciting process of designing their experiments. Working alongside Fellow Travelers in trios, learners discussed what elements of science sparked their curiosity most. From there, Heroes practically planned what would be exciting and achievable to experiment on while determining instructions and procedures for their lab trio to follow. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Week 5, Discoverers focused on the final stage of their science-based fiction pieces: publishing! After receiving peer critiques from Fellow Travelers and reviewing the excellent work of others, Discovery writers began to title and illustrate their stories. On Friday, learners proudly shared their work with the community and listened intently to hear their studio mates’ creative writing. 

Cheers to an excellent Session 6. We look forward to even more growth and learning in Session 7!

Discovery Year 6. Session 6. Week 4.

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In Week 4, Discoverers collaborated with learners in Explore and reflected on their roles and responsibilities as members of the Ascent community. 

WORK CYCLE

During Socratic Discussions and one-on-one check-ins with guides, learners considered how well they have held themselves to high standards in the Studio. Discoverers openly shared which parts of their culture they believe to be the strongest, like work ethic. Next week, learners will dive into the areas they most want to improve in.

QUEST

Biology Quest brought the Studio to Rosalind Franklin’s laboratory! (And Watson and Crick!) Discovery Scientists explored the fascinating world of DNA by building giant models of DNA strands. Through research and collaboration, Discoverers learned about nucleotides, the discovery of the double helix shape, and DNA’s role as a building block of all life. On Wednesday, the Studios had the opportunity to meet and get to know a genuine molecular biology Hero who runs a lab at UT Austin! 

ART

In Art, Discovery and Explore learners finalized the scripts of their radio plays and began creating and recording sound effects. Artists leaned into their roles as actors by trying on costumes and rehearsing lines with Fellow Travelers. 

Only one week left in Session 6! 

Discovery Year 6. Session 6. Week 3.

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This week, learners examined topics closely in Biology Quest, Work Cycle, and Writers’ Workshop. 

WORK CYCLE

During Monday’s Discovery Mountain gaming ceremony, Heroes discovered new working spaces in their studio and on campus. Some learners found deep flow in the reset lodge, while others received an invitation to work in the courtyard and the yurt. During one-on-one check-ins and in small groups, Heroes reflected on their SMART goals: 1 action they want to “stop,” 1 action they want to “start,” and one action they want to “continue” in the Work Cycle. 

 

QUEST

In Biology Quest, Discovery Scientists entered Louis Pasteur’s lab to learn about germs, bacteria, and the human immune system. They simulated white blood cells engulfing harmful bacteria and set up long-term observation experiments to see mold grow on bread and in juice. Then, they completed research on the science of pasteurization and the discoveries that led to germ theory. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

This session, writers in Discovery will use their research skills and innate imagination to create science-based fiction stories. Discoverers began by selecting a scientific topic to gain factual information before drafting their fiction pieces. Learners are challenging themselves to incorporate 10 real facts into their stories, weaving together science with the fictional plot they develop. 

Discoverers concluded Week 3 with a celebratory Badge Ceremony and a round of callouts to Fellow Travelers!

Discovery Year 6. Session 6. Week 2.

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Discoverers leaned into leadership opportunities while bringing focus and determination to their Work Cycle, Biology Quest, and Art goals. 

WORK CYCLE 

During the Work Cycle, Discovery learners made moves on their studio tracking game, Discovery Mountain. Learners unlocked freedoms, solved problems, and experienced the efforts of their work in the studio reflected on the game board. At the end of the week, the Studio joined together to celebrate learners reaching milestones in their learning journey and listened in on their reflections on the process of achieving their goals. 

QUEST

In Quest, Heroes entered Maria Sibylla Merian’s life cycle laboratory. This week, biologists in Discovery planted seeds, observed caterpillars entering their cocoons, dissected flowers, sketched insects, and examined plants under microscopes. Learners also began experimenting with yeast to observe the living characteristics of fungi! 

ART

In Art, Discoverers joined Explorers to launch a session-long art project: radio plays! Discovery and Explore artists learned about the history of plays broadcast via radio. This Session, Learners will work alongside fellow travelers to develop their unique concept for a radio play. Their prompt: retell a well-known folk tale; each group. Artists and actors got to work brainstorming ideas based on the prompt before creating characters and roles.

 

Discovery Year 6. Session 6. Week 1.

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Discovery Heroes returned to campus with energy and curiosity. Keep reading to hear how the Studio continued connecting as a community, leading a powerful start to Session 6!

WORK CYCLE 

Discovery learners launched into the first Work Cycle of the session with a Socratic Discussion on the Question of the Year: Do heroes’ beliefs shape their experiences, or do their experiences shape their beliefs? Each learner was challenged to identify one belief they hold about themselves that will support them in achieving their session-long goals. Learners responded, “I believe I can ignore distraction.” “I believe I am hardworking.“ and “I believe I am always learning.“ 

QUEST

Imagine this: It’s the late 17th century, and you are peering through the lens of an early microscope, squinting down at small shapes under the light. You are standing alongside scientist Robert Hooke as he makes his remarkable discovery of living cells. That’s exactly where learners found themselves in week 1 of Biology Quest! Working alongside their lab partners, learners went on fact-finding missions to discover how cells duplicate and divide. Discovery Biologists dove right in by creating diagrams and 3D models of plant and animal cells. 

Here’s to a wonderful Week 1! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Session 6.

Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 6.

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Heroes landed the Session powerfully by setting big goals for the end of the school year, hosting a camping Exhibition, and celebrating Fellow Travelers who reached milestones in their Discovery Journey.

WORK CYCLE

In Work Cycle, Heroes began setting long-term goals for the next two Sessions. During check-ins with guides and Fellow Travelers, Discovery learners imagined what they could accomplish, if they dreamt as big as possible and worked hard along the way. Discoverers shared goals to finish challenging books, unlock new levels in online programs, and rise to new mountains within the Discovery badge plan. 

ART

Discovery and Explore artists joined this week to create nature collages and leaf stamps. After collecting materials from across campus, Heroes headed inside to find flow in their creative process. Learners worked, played, laughed, and designed together as a community and displayed their art in the studios. 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING

Friday’s Exhibition of Learning showcased the skills learned and practiced in Survivor Quest. In a mini campout on campus, Discovery survivalists pitched tents with their guests. Learners took pride in displaying their fire-making techniques, tying bear bags, and applying pressure bandages. Once learners successfully lead guests through the campsite challenges, they enjoyed smores with their friends and families while celebrating their hard work in Quest this Session. 

Have a wonderful break; see you in Session 6!



Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 5.

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Discoverers continued raising the standards of their space and creating systems to make their studio even more learner-driven. In Week 5, They overcame obstacles through tribe-building challenges and community work. 

WORK CYCLE

In Socratic Discussions before and during Work Cycles, Discoverers reflected on how they could step in as solution-minded leaders to further own their Hero Buck system and the peer approval process for badge submissions. Learners found flow through collaborative work and solo focus through their online programs, Montessori works, and badge books. 

QUEST

Last week, the Studio worked together to tackle safety challenges during Survivor Quest. Learners explored nature dangers, wildlife protection, and first aid. This week in Quest, Discovery Heroes reflected on the importance of identity as a basic need for human survival. Discoverers and Explorers have joined together to hear stories of Hero’s journey’s related to the themes of Survivor Quest. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Writers in Discovery wrapped up their research reports on Heroes in environmentalism and began exploring famous survivalists. The studio found facts online and in books before starting their first drafts. After drafting, learners receive feedback on their research and writing from Fellow Travelers and make changes accordingly. 

Next week, the Studio will focus on finishing Session 5 strong!

Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 3.

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This week, Discovery learners discussed how their studio could be EVEN more learner-driven and the kind of leaders they hope to be in the community. Heroes continued working hard in Survivor Quest, Work Cycle, and Writers’ Workshop. 

WORK CYCLE

In Thursday’s launch, Discoverers learned about an obstacle that many Heroes may face on their journey: procrastination. The Studio discussed the science behind procrastination and why our brains do it, even when we know it isn’t helpful. Learners reflected on how they procrastinate in the studio and what small steps they can take to build better habits. 

QUEST

In Quest, learners focused on shelter as a basic need for survival. Heroes worked alongside their squad members to create shelters from minimal materials: 6 bamboo sticks and a roll of twine. Discovery survivalists called upon their creativity and resourcefulness to complete the challenge. Later in the week, learners practice pitching tents, designed identity maps, continue their firemaking challenges.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Writers’ Workshop, the Studio displayed effort and collaboration as they worked to complete their first research reports of the Session. Discovery writers finalized their first drafts on a Hero in the field of environmentalism. Fellow Travelers gave and received peer reviews before making edits and starting their final drafts. 

We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the second half of Session 5!

Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 2.

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In Week 2, Heroes made their first moves in the new studio game: Discovery Mountain! Through Socratic Discussion and Discovery Mountain challenges, learners reflected upon their responsibilities, their habits, and their studio systems.

WORK CYCLE

In Math Power Hour, Discoverers reflected on their progress toward their math goals for the Session. Learners who are on track toward their goal discussed their choices they’re making that are leading to success and celebrated their hard work with the community. Discoverers also collaborated with Explorers during the Montessori work cycle and found flow in DEAR.

QUEST

Week 2 of Survivor Quest centered on water and identity as basic needs for survival. Discoverers researched parts of the Water Cycle and created water filtration systems from coffee filters, rocks and gravel. In Socratic Discussion on Friday, Heroes shared their defining traits before painting their traits onto stones. To land the week, learners discovered their love languages!

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Session 5’s Writers’ Workshop, Discoverers will be researching Heroes in environmentalism. Learners completed a K.W.L. chart as a studio to share what they already know and what they want to learn about the environment before beginning research on the environmentalist they selected. At the end of the week, learners completed their K.W.L. chart, sharing what they’ve learned so far.



Discovery Year 6. Session 5. Week 1.

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Learners returned to campus with intention and momentum. Here’s how the Studio launched Quest, Art, and Work Cycle in Session 5. 

WORK CYCLE

Discovers started the Session by forecasting what they hope to achieve by the end. On Monday, Heroes updated the Math Power Hour and Montessori Works tracking posters to reflect their accomplishments and highlight the work that remains on their Discovery journeys. The studio leaned into tools like focus boards and a silent Work Cycle to support the community in finding flow and focus. 

QUEST

Food. Water. Shelter. Safety. Identity. These are the five basic needs that Discoverers will be investigating during Session 5’s Survivor Quest. Week 1 was all about food. From completing research on foraging in Texas to edible insects, Heroes explored the idea of nourishing yourself in a survival context. Learners also created humane mouse traps, practiced tying knots, and tried their hand at making fire!

ART

The theme of environmentalism continued in Art. Artists in Discovers have taken on the role of natural sculptors. Week 1 creations included rock towers, stick structures, and more. Stay tuned to see what the Studio builds next!