Explore Year 6. Session 7. Week 5.
This week, Explorers embraced the cozy rhythm of rainy days by settling into corners of the studio and getting lost in a good book or finding flow in Beast Academy. But that’s not all—Explorers also kicked off a new week of Growing Curiosity Quest and dove into their passions in their Personal Passion Quest!
QUEST
Another group of Explorers lead the Quest that they worked together to write and prepare for the Discovery learners. This week, it was Cold-Blooded Quest! The studio plunged into the fascinating world of cold-blooded animals—researching everything from water striders, to squids, to the powerful mantis shrimp. A midweek launch, led by Explorers, sparked fresh curiosity as learners worked to create detailed 3D models of the animals they had researched. On Friday, a shrimp model showdown was planned—but Discoverers were so immersed in the design process part of the challenge that time ran out before the tournament began! Undeterred, a crew of enthusiastic learners proposed organizing the event during free time next week!
While some Explorers were leading Discovery learners deep in Cold-Blooded Quest, others focused on their Personal Passion Quest—a unique, self-designed learning journey. Earlier this session, each learner identified a topic they were deeply curious about and crafted a SMART Goal to guide their progress. This week, they gathered materials, designed their own challenges, and spent focused time diving into their passions. Along the way, they reflected on their progress, refined their goals, and explored how to measure success in meaningful ways. Some topics include building a Lego car that can drift, baking, coding, and learning Danish!
ART
In Art this week, Explorers got their hands messy with a different medium: clay. The challenge was to sculpt miniature versions of the items that helped them with their hobbies this year, such as a tiny camera, a bird’s feature, or a microphone. Learners reflected on their gratitude for the objects and tools that support their curiosity. 
SHOWCASE PRESENTATIONS
Explorers closed out the week with Showcase Presentations, reflecting not just on the past session—but on their entire year. Earlier in the week, learners practiced their presentations with one another, offering honest, helpful feedback to strengthen each other’s delivery and message. On Thursday, each Explorer took the stage ready to share their Big Wins, moments of growth, and the toughest challenges they faced. They spoke about how they’ve changed, what they’ve learned, and what they’re most proud of, and they responded to thoughtful audience questions with courage.
For more from Session 7 Week 5, click here: Explore Session 7, Week 5 photos & videos
Explore Year 6. Session 7. Week 4.
This week, Explore Heroes practiced leadership while guiding the learners in Discovery through a Quest that they wrote for them, as well as while working together in their studio, facilitating Socratic Discussions, following their Studio Contract, and much more.
QUEST
As part of an Ascent Session 7 tradition, Explorers stepped into leadership roles this week to launch and guide the Growing Curiosity Quest for the Discovery studio! Explorers lead Socratic Discussions to launch into the introduction of the quest they wrote in Session 6, Play Quest! Throughout the week, the Explore learners guided the Discovery learners in the day’s challenge. Discovery learners worked in small groups to write original scripts, assign roles, design props, and bring their stories to life on stage.
LEADING SOCRATIC DISCUSSIONS
This week, Explorers facilitated some of their own Socratic Discussions. They upheld their own Rules of Engagement, listened actively, and challenged each other with thoughtful follow-up questions. An example of a question from this particular discussion was, “What does it look like to have a culture of curiosity?” One Explorer answered, “having the courage to ask questions”, another said, “When you see someone needs help you are curious and ask, ‘what’s wrong?’ instead of thinking, ‘it’s not my problem.’ A third learner responded, that it’s “supporting others, not giving them the answer, but being curious as to why they’re getting the wrong answer.”
ART
Explorers joined Discovery learners for art this week. Together, they looked back on moments from the school year that made them feel astonished—whether it was a surprising discovery, a brave performance, or a breakthrough in learning. Then came the artistic challenge: capture that powerful memory using the technique of pointillism! With patience and intention, learners used tiny dots of color to bring their moments to life, turning reflection into vibrant, meaningful works of art.
FRIDAY OUTING
On Friday, the Explorers visited the Central Austin Public Library. Surrounded by endless shelves of books and cozy reading spaces, learners explored new genres, swapped recommendations, and discovered hidden gems.
For more from Session 7 Week 4, click here: Explore Session 7, Week 4 photos & videos
Explore Year 6. Session 7. Week 3.
The Studio wrapped up Biology Quest with energy, focus, and a shared commitment to excellence as they prepared for their Exhibition of Learning: Curiosity Con! All week long, learners encouraged one another, collaborated with other lab groups, and rose to the challenge of bringing their best work forward.
CURIOSITY CON
In the days leading up to Curiosity Con, Explorers were hard at work. Each lab group brought their experiment to life with a creative and informative display. When Wednesday arrived, the energy was electric! Young scientists proudly presented the results of their Biology Quest research, demonstrating not only what they discovered—but how they discovered it. A visiting epidemiologist from the Austin area served as a guest judge and recognized learners whose work stood out for scientific thinking and attention to detail.
ART
Meanwhile in art, Explore learners tapped into their creativity through reflection and design. The challenge: to create a sidewalk chalk mural that represents who they are and brings joy to the Ascent campus.
BOOK CLUB
The Explorers have started reading I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World for their studio Book Club. On Friday, one Explorer stepped into the role of discussion leader as they facilitated their own book club discussion. With thoughtful preparation and a spirit of curiosity, they explored the incredible bravery Malala Yousafzai showed in the face of danger—and what it means to stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard. Each Explorer came ready with questions, insights, and connections that led to a rich, respectful dialogue. Together, they reflected on moments in Malala’s life where she chose courage over fear, and many learners began to see reflections of their own challenges in her story.
For more from Session 7 Week 3, click here: Explore Session 7, Week 3 photos & videos
To see more photos and videos from Curiosity Con, click here: Curiosity Con 2025