Discovery Year 5. Session 6. Week 4.

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In Week 4, Discoverers continued working hard towards their goals in Work Cycle, Astronomy Quest, and Writers’ Workshop! 

WORK CYCLE

Discovery learners participated in a morning launch on the power of support this week. When asked what support looks like in their community, one Hero noted that support is holding others accountable. A Fellow Traveler shared the sentiment, saying that sometimes supporting someone on their Hero’s Journey takes a tough-minded approach in the face of distraction obstacles. In Friday’s Work Cycle, the Studio was challenged to find an opportunity to lend their light by supporting those around them. 

QUEST

Astronomers in Discovery had the chance to meet a Hero from the field this week! Alongside Explorers, Discoverers listened with intention and awe. Throughout Week 4, Discovery Astronomers explored our Solar System by creating scale models. Energy and focus peaked in a challenge to paint and recreate a 3D model of the Solar System with their Quest group. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

On Thursday, Discoverers wrapped up their second research report of the Session on Astronauts. Learners received peer reviews from Fellow Travelers before working on final drafts. 

We can’t wait to see what Discoverers do next in Session 6! 

Discovery Year 5. Session 6. Week 3.

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In Week 3, Discovery Heroes explored big forces in Astronomy Quest, new tools in Work Cycle, and astronauts in Writers’ Workshop!

WORK CYCLE

Discovery learners took a deep dive into the wide range of tools they use throughout the day. First, the Studio refreshed the tech guardrails. Learners shared their thoughts on each existing line and proposed new guardrails that felt relevant to their community. Discovery Heroes also received new focus boards this week and discussed the purpose the tool. 

QUEST

This week in Quest, Discovery Astronomers learned about big forces in the Universe. Heroes learned about our planet’s tilt and orbit by modeling the Earth’s movement around the sun with a globe and flashlight. Learners experimented in creating an electrical circuits as they researched conductivity and magnetism. Finally, the Studio compared the effects of various weights on elastic fabric to understand gravity and the fabric of space. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

Discovery Writers began their second research project of the Session. The theme is astronauts! Learners eagerly searched for facts on moonwalkers, rocket pilots, and cosmonauts. Wonder and curiosity filled the yurt as the Studio discovered the intense training required to be an astronaut and read otherworldly accounts of Heroes in space. 

Just like that, we’re halfway through the Session. See you in the second half! 

Discovery Year 5. Session 6. Week 2.

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This week, Discoverers dove deeper into Astronomy Quest and Writers’ Workshop while working together as a community to discuss obstacles on the Hero’s Journey. 

WORK CYCLE

Learners in Discovery continued to work towards their goals in Math Power Hour. In Socratic Discussion, Heroes created posters with examples of what resistance and distraction might sound like in the studio. They also brainstormed tools and solutions to overcome each of these obstacles. 3rd-year learners continued the conversation on work ethic by creating action plans to finish the year strong. 

QUEST

Discovery Astronomers explored galaxies, stars, and black holes in Quest this week. Through a series of 10-minute mysteries, learners raced to research the answer to space science’s biggest questions: How old is the oldest galaxy? How many stars are in the universe? What happens when you get too close to a black hole? Astronomers also worked to classify galaxies by shape and to sort stardust according to each element. 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

Writers in Discovery reached the peer review stage of their first research report. Learners shared their findings on Astronomy Heroes and received warm and cool feedback from a Fellow Traveler. After this stage, many Discoverers began work on their final draft!

Week 2 brought great challenges and great rewards. As a tribe, Discovery Heroes remain committed to growing, learning, and working hard. 

Discovery Year 5. Session 6. Week 1.

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Spring has sprung in Discovery! As nature starts anew in the orchard at Ascent, learners blossom into a fresh start for the Session. 

WORK CYCLE

Heroes were eager to resume work toward their goals after the break. Squad Leaders and 3rd-year learners held small group meetings to discuss practices of accountability and support in the Studio. As a whole, Discoverers have dedicated themselves to growing as mathematicians during Math Power Hour this Session. Learners pushed themselves to set challenging SMART goals and found flow throughout Work Cycle.

QUEST

Discoverers transformed into Astronomers in Tuesday’s Quest launch with Explorers. Their Astronomy Quest journey began with a deep dive into the science behind solar and lunar eclipses. Then, the Studio worked together to recreate the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere night sky. On Friday, Heroes gathered to hear ancient star stories from different cultures and called upon their imagination to write their own creation myths.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

Writers in Discovery began research for their first biography of the Session. To start, the Studio is delving into the life and work of Astronomers and Astrophysicists. Learners search for facts on the education and training of notable space scientists while collecting information on their scientific contributions and how they have or will change the world. 

Across the day, Discoverers remain committed to strengthening their community and deepening their connection with one another. In a reflection after a team-building game, one learner shared, “I’m proud of us for continuing to improve our culture.” When asked what growth areas were most noticeable, the Hero stated, “I see it mostly in our kindness, our accountability, and our support.”

Discovery Year 5. Session 5. Week 6.

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Heroes in Discovery brought energy, excitement, and determination into the final week of the session. The Studio celebrated their hard work with an Exhibition of Learning and an adventure to a cavern! 

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: QUEST

Guests at Session 5’s Exhibition of Learning had the chance to experience one challenge from each week of Quest. Family and community members tried their hand at designing earthquake-resistant structures, creating salt dough fossils, making an aquifer, simulating a volcanic eruption, and mapping lava flow. Discoverers guided guests through their cave, a community creation crafted with diligence and attention to detail.

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Discovery Heroes displayed courage and creativity in sharing their favorite short stories of the session. In small groups, learners read stories they wrote on friendship, animals, memorable vacations, and exciting locations.

CALL TO ADVENTURE

Discovery learners became Geology Heroes through Quest this session. Like all Heroes on a journey, they answered the call to adventure! The Studio headed on an expedition alongside Explore learners to a nearby cavern. Heroes explored natural rock formations like stalagmites, stalactites, columns, limestone, and flowstone. Discoverers and Explorers alike marveled at massive sinkholes and breathtaking underwater chambers. 

Session 5 allowed Heroes to recommit to a culture of kindness, excellence, and effort. In Week 6, the Studio experienced the fruit of this labor as they supported one another in finishing strong. Cheers to Discovery! 

Discovery Year 5. Session 5 Week 5

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Change is a constant in a learner-driven environment. Discovery learners reflected on the importance of their responsibilities within this community, directly influencing the freedoms they hold dear. This week, with a heightened awareness of the respect given to the space and their Fellow Travelers, Heroes in Discovery faced shifts with grace and courage. As they progress through this time of reflection, each day creates a new opportunity to focus on building the foundations for a culture of excellence. A culture that encompasses strong work habits, kindness, peer accountability, and respect for the learning environment that will ultimately lead to each Hero finding their calling.

WORK CYCLE 

Work Cycle looks and feels different from previous sessions. Discovery learners are raising the standards they hold themselves and their Fellow Travelers to when producing excellent work. Heroes reframed their approach to goal setting this week, focusing primarily on setting goals that push their limits and striving continuously to create space for growth.

QUEST 

What leads people to travel deep into a cave? Is it a thirst for knowledge? An appetite for adventure? Discovery Geologists went spelunking in this week’s Quest! The first step to exploring the mysteries of the underground world is to examine the rocks and minerals comprising it. After testing samples using the MOH’s hardness scale, Heroes were ready to begin designing and building their cave!

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP 

In Week 5, the Studio explored mentor texts like The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein and Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel. Using the themes found in each story as inspiration, learners challenged themselves to write short stories all about friendship!

Discovery Year 5. Session 5. Week 4

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This week, Discoverers explored volcanic eruptions in Geology Quest and exciting settings in Writers’ Workshop. Keep reading to learn more! 

WORK CYCLE

The Studio welcomed guests into the space during silent Work Cycle. The guests, learners from Explore and guides from Spark, were asked to observe the studio with fresh eyes. As Discoverers reflect on their culture and work ethic, they invite feedback from across campus. In a powerful morning launch, learners reflected on an essential question: Why am I here at Ascent? One Hero responded, “I am here to go forward. I’m motivated to work to move to a new environment.” Another learner shared, “I’m at Ascent for the freedom and the choice.”

QUEST

Discovery Geologists investigated the science behind volcanoes in Week 4 of Quest. To start, Squads researched historical eruptions and fascinating facts about volcanoes. On Wednesday, Scientists in Discovery created volcanic eruptions using vinegar and baking soda. Beyond making a volcano, learners also explored how to map lava flow using a compass and graph. On Friday, the Studio received another opportunity to hear from a Hero in the Geology field before diving into a challenge to recreate the Earth’s molten core! 

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Do you prefer to read stories set in an imaginary world or tales from an actual location on Earth? Is the answer the same when it comes to writing your own story? Short story writers in Discovery had the chance to ponder these questions and come to their conclusions. This week’s prompt challenged Heroes to craft stories with an exhilarating setting!

Discovery Year 5. Session 5. Week 3.

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This week, Discoverers brought ample energy and excitement into Work Cycle, Quest, and Writers’ Workshop! 

WORK CYCLE

Learners in Discovery are sustaining their effort to create a more intentional and accountable Work Cycle. The cycle begins when a 10-minute timer appears. In these 10 minutes, Discoverers independently set goals before sharing them with a Squad Leader, who then offers feedback to challenge and strengthen each goal. As mentioned, the Studio reflected upon their Silent Work Cycle during Town Hall and voted to increase the length to 45 minutes. 

QUEST

How do oil spills happen? What is fossil fuel? Did dinosaurs ever roam in Texas? Discoverers challenged themselves with these inquiries in Quest this week. After solving a fossil identification mystery and building a model of an oil well, emerging Geologists in Discovery had an epic opportunity to meet with a real Hero from the field! 

WRITERS WORKSHOP

Discovery learners explored the difference between “showing” and “telling” in Writers’ Workshop. Heroes gathered around eagerly to hear an excerpt of Ronald Dahls’ The Twits, a story marked by its vivid and unique descriptive style. The Studio also had the chance to play charades; through the amusement, learners practiced describing emotions and portraying characters. This week’s prompt invited Discovery writers to share stories of memorable trips.

Week 3 allowed Discoverers to balance freedom and responsibility, challenges and rewards. We can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon in the second half of Session 5! 

Discovery Year 5. Session 5. Week 2.

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WORK CYCLE 

Learners tried out their first whole week of a Work Cycle that starts with a silent 30 minutes. Here’s what Heroes had to say about it during one-on-one reflection. One studio member shared, “It’s great, I love it! It makes me focus and calms my body, but it’s really hard when the silence ends and we transition back to regular Work Cycle. Sometimes I can’t find flow again.” Another learner commented, “I wish it were longer! It should be an hour!” 

 

QUEST

This week in Quest, Discoverers became Hydrologists! The Studio explored streamflow, aquifers, groundwater and the story of Hydrology. On Tuesday, Discovery scientists experimented in the Spark Play sand pit. The experiment involved creating streams, sending objects down the water, recording travel times across three trials, and then taking the average. On Wednesday, Squads created aquifers in a jar by layering natural materials, simulating rainfall, and then withdrawing groundwater using syringes and plastic tubing.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Heroes began working on their first short stories of the Session in Writers’ Workshop. The Week 2 prompt challenged learners to draft a story about an animal and to include facts about the selected animal within their writing. The Studio also learned about Pixar’s story structure and the function of a preposition! 

Have a wonderful weekend!

Discovery Year 5. Session 5. Week 1.

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Discoverers returned to campus with joy and purpose. From short stories to geology expeditions, here’s how the tribe set sail for Session 5. 

WORK CYCLE

Whether spending time in the Montessori area, finding flow in a learning program, or getting lost in the world of a badge book, learners were eager to resume work towards their goals. Discovery Heroes are feeling the collective call to make changes in their Work Cycle, hoping to raise intentionality in the Studio. In Town Hall on Thursday, one studio member proposed the idea of a silent Work Cycle. Points were made in agreement and opposition to the proposal before taking a vote. The majority of the Studio voted in favor and plans to reflect on the effects of this shift at next week’s Town Hall. 

QUEST

Wednesday marked the launch of Geology Quest! As Geologists on a rescue mission, learners will face a different impending geological disaster each week. Discovery scientists will work towards preventing the disaster through a series of squad challenges. The Week 1 challenge: design an earthquake-resistant structure for a community of artists living on the coast of Chile. To start, study the science behind earthquakes and tectonic plate movement. If the research is accurate and the experimentation is executed excellently, Discovery geologists will save the day. Stay tuned to see how each rescue mission turns out.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In the words of English novelist and short story writer Neil Gaiman, “Short stories are tiny windows into other worlds and other minds and other dreams. They are journeys you can make to the far side of the universe and be back in time for dinner.” Discovery Heroes are embarking upon the journey of writing their own short stories this session. This week, the Studio explored brainstorming tools to generate ideas while learning about plot mountains, the basic structure of a story. 

And just like that, the Session 5 adventure begins!