Explore Studio

Explore Year 6. Session 4.

February 24, 2025/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

In Session 4, Explorers embraced challenges and found flow during Art, Writers’ Workshop, Quest, and Work Cycles.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

The learners in Explore wrote biographies about one of their ancestors in Session 4. They interviewed family members, researched the historical context within which their ancestor lived, and organized their findings. They drafted their biographies, conducted peer reviews, and made edits. After publishing their work, they shared their biographies with their families.

TYPING TIME

Explorers practiced their typing every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Session 4. In Typing Time, a focused 10-minute sprint dedicated to typing practice, learners challenged themselves to boost their words per minute—and many hit their stride, finding moments of deep concentration.

ART

Session 4 has brought collaboration between Explorers and Discoverers in both Art and P.D. In Art, learners dove into the world of songwriting! Heroes crafted lyrics for their songs, created egg shakers to add percussion to their songs, and experimented with digital tools to build instrumental backings for their compositions. To land the session, musicians from both studios came together to showcase their progress and celebrate their creative journeys with a campus-wide concert.

QUEST

In Session 4, learners in both the Explore and Discovery studios rose to the challenge of Chess Quest! Learners ins each studio chose a superpower, such as focus, strategy, and self-motivation, they wanted to grow during Quest. Over the course of the 6 weeks of Session4 they learned about each piece and how they move, they practiced notating each game they played, they were introduced to chess clocks, and they played in chess tournaments. Each Quest day, the learners were challenged to play a 30-minute timed chess game and notate each move. On one day, the learners played a game of human chess! Many learners shared that the timed games felt more thrilling and intense. During Socratic Discussions, Heroes explored topics like sacrifice in chess, the dynamics of fast vs. slow thinking, and the critical role of rules in games.

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING

At the Session 4 Exhibition of Learning, Explore and Discovery learners played their final tournament, a 30 minute game based on their rankings, in front of their guests. They silently and strategically played their opponents and notated every move. After their games ended, learners showed their guests some of the studio tracking visuals they use in their studios, such as their year-long maps of their Big Session Goals. After this learner-guided tour, the Explore learners shared their reflections from the session in their Showcase Presentations and fielded questions from their guests.

FRIDAY OUTINGS

Explorers visited the downtown Austin Public Library on a few of their Friday outings and had fun playing regular, and giant, chess. They also did not let the cold bother them as they hiked and splashed around at Bull Creek District Park on multiple occasions!

See you in Session 5!

Explore Year 6. Session 3. Week 2.

December 15, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners took on the role of immigrants applying for U.S. Citizenship in Citizenship Quest, dove deeper into their prewriting in Writers’ Workshop, and created prints in Art.

QUEST

On Monday, each Explorer drew the name of a country from a jar and took on the role of an immigrant from that country. They researched facts about their country, then began their deep dive into facts about the U.S. to prepare to take their Naturalization test next week! The Explore learners practiced together to memorize the Preamble, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, with some making flash cards to memorize U.S. states and capitals.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Explorers continued the process of prewriting in order to prepare for interviews with relatives to write their biographies. The learners sat in a circle during the work time to collaborate and support each other with being prepared for the final step on Tuesday.

ART

Working alongside Discovery learners, the artists in Explore carved designs they created into rubber pads and rolled on ink to stamp their block print onto handmade paper.

FRIDAY OUTING

On Friday the Explorers traveled to Pease Park and spent their whole outing climbing a beloved tree and playing in the fallen leaves. They stepped out of their comfort zone and bravely climbed higher than they had before, cheering one another on as they climbed.

For more from Session 3 Week 1, click here: Explore Session 3, Week 2 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 3. Week 1.

December 7, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners researched the history of immigration in the United States in Quest, practiced new techniques in Art, and found flow in their Work Cycles.

QUEST

Explorers looked to the past to create immigration infographics about the history of U.S. immigration. The Explorer learners worked in groups with Discovery learners to conduct research research and create infographics. Each group chose a decade between 1820 and 2010 and presented their completed infographic to the studio on Friday. Learners found the answers to questions such as, “what countries did the majority of immigrants come from, what languages did they speak, what conditions caused them to immigrate, and what kinds of jobs did they do when they arrived.”

ART

The learners in Explore began their journey of block printing by trying their hand at carving potatoes. They created designs on tracing paper, carved their design into a potato, applied paint, and made their first prints!

OFF-CAMPUS WORK CYCLE

On Friday, Explorers ventured off-campus to the Central Austin Public Library. They found flow in their silent work cycle and shared excitement over discovering new books, which they then checked out with their library cards. We will definitely be back!

For more from Session 3 Week 1, click here: Explore Session 3, Week 1 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 6.

November 29, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners ended Session 2 with a sense of accomplishment, reflection, and celebration. Through service, creativity, and connection, they showcased their growth and learning.

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: E-SHIP QUEST

On Thursday, Explore and Discovery entrepreneurs hosted an outdoor Trade Show. Learners presented their business ideas, complete with engaging pitches, prototypes, and insights into pricing and profit margins. Guests evaluated the presentations as learners competed for titles like Best Pitch, Best Branding, Most Original Business, and Most Viable Business. The event was a celebration of entrepreneurial creativity and innovation.

EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: PERSUASIVE WRITING

Inside the studio, Explorers invited guests to delve into their Writers’ Workshop journey. Learners shared their persuasive writing pieces, explaining their topic choices and presenting key research findings. Guests observed a reflective Socratic Discussion, where learners discussed their writing process, highlighted challenges, and celebrated their personal growth as writers and thinkers.

SHOWCASE PRESENTATIONS

Explore learners prepared thoughtful Showcase Presentations to share with the Discovery learners. In these presentations, they reflected on their Session 2 Big Wins, the challenges they encountered in their work, and the strategies they used to overcome those challenges. Discovery learners listened attentively, took notes, and asked insightful questions, creating a collaborative space for reflection and dialogue.

FALL FEAST SERVICE

Embracing the spirit of community, Explore learners prepared and hosted a heartwarming Fall Feast for the Spark learners. They worked together to make vegetable soup, chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients. During the feast, Explorers served warm soup and cider to the Spark learners, fostering connection and joy through their acts of service.

END-OF-SESSION OUTING

The week concluded with a visit to Bull Creek, where learners scaled rocks, splashed in the water, and celebrated the end of an incredible session surrounded by nature.

Wishing the Explore community a restful and refreshing fall break!

For more from Session 2 Week 6, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 6 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 5.

November 16, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners honed their entrepreneurial skills in Quest, embraced artistic flow in Art, and made strides in Writers’ Workshop. A visit to Bull Creek capped off the week with adventure and discovery!

QUEST

This week, Explore entrepreneurs reviewed the essential elements of an excellent pitch as they prepared for their upcoming Exhibition Trade Show. They drafted pitches, rehearsed them aloud, and exchanged warm and cool feedback with Fellow Travelers. After refining their presentations, the Explorers elected an Exhibition Planning Committee. Creativity came alive as learners began designing banners and signage for their booths, setting the stage for a dynamic showcase of their ideas. On Friday, a Guest Hero in Entrepreneurship visited Ascent to share his Hero’s Journey with the Discovery and Explore leaners.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

The authors in Explore advanced in their writing process, completing drafts and preparing for the critical stage of final editing. Focused and determined, they worked toward refining their pieces, laying the groundwork for polished and impactful, Persuasive writing.

ART

In Art, the Explore learners were immersed in the flow of the creative process. They continued painting their canvases, collaborating to mix primary acrylic colors to achieve their desired hues. Learners also supported each other in keeping their studio sacred, sharing responsibility for cleaning and organizing supplies. The artists in Explore completed a writing piece that was “All About the Artist,” to showcase their individual styles and artistic influences.

FRIDAY OUTING

The week ended with a trip to Bull Creek, where the Explore learners let curiosity lead the way. They encountered wildlife, scaled heights, and splashed in the water, celebrating the joy of exploration and the natural world.

For more from Session 2 Week 5, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 5 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 4.

November 9, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners started prototyping in E-Ship Quest, celebrated achievements in Work Cycles, and added paint to their canvases in Art.

QUEST
This week, the Explore learners dove into the world of prototyping in their E-Ship Quest! Building on their entrepreneurial skills, they brainstormed creative ideas and crafted initial prototypes of their products. This hands-on stage was all about trial, feedback, and iteration as they refined their designs. Learners also practiced giving and receiving constructive feedback, helping each other enhance their prototypes to reach the highest standards.

WORK CYCLE
The Explorers celebrated big achievements in Work Cycles, reflecting on their personal goals and the progress they’ve made so far. They shared milestones they’d reached, along with challenges they’d overcome, and set new objectives to keep the momentum going. There was a sense of accomplishment in the Studio, as learners recognized the growth they’ve experienced individually and as a group.

ART
This week, the studio was filled with creativity and color as Explorers added paint to their canvases! With brushes in hand, they experimented with different techniques and colors, bringing their unique ideas to life. Each canvas told its own story, with learners exploring new styles and expressing their individuality through their artwork.

FRIDAY OUTING

On Friday, the Explorers traversed the creek at Willowbrook Reach, hiked along the trail, and swung beneath the trees.

For more from Session 2 Week 4, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 4 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 3.

November 2, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

This Week in the Explore Studio

The Explore learners journeyed to Hiring and Competition + Substitute Islands in E-Ship Quest, began drafting their persuasive essays in Writers’ Workshop, and celebrated the fall season in Art.

QUEST

This week, Explorers dove into an experiment on production efficiency, comparing assembly line and individual production methods. As a Studio, they collaborated to develop a rubric, establishing clear standards of excellence for their work. Armed with their rubric, teams got to work assembling care kits, using both production styles. Afterward, they analyzed their results and found that while the assembly line method appeared to be the most efficient, they noted that the sample size was too small to confirm universal results. The experiment sparked thoughtful discussions on teamwork, quality, and productivity!

On Friday, the Explore and Discovery Studios came together for an entrepreneurial challenge: The Trail Mix Stand-Off. The Explorers were challenged to work in teams to create a Trail Mix Stand. Each team started with $15 Hero Bucks to purchase ingredients for the trail mix they would sell. They had to consider what would make their trail mix stand out to customers over their competitors. Discovery learners allowing heroes to step into a customer’s shoes to better understand buyer behavior. The Discovery learners each had $5 Hero Bucks to spend at the Explorers’ Trail Mix Stands. After the experiment, the entrepreneurs in Explore counted their profits and reflected on how the choices they made when setting their prices, decorating their stands, and choosing ingredients impacted the success they had.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

In Week 3 of Writers’ Workshop, learners launched into the drafting phase of their persuasive essays. As a Studio, they reviewed the 6 Traits of writing, focusing on Voice as they typed their first drafts.

ART

Explorers embraced the season’s spirit by carving pumpkins with the Discovery learners. They saved the seeds to share a special fall treat during the campus pumpkin party. The learners from Spark, Discovery, and Explore gathered to enjoy the fall festivities.

On Thursday, Explorers engaged in a learner-led launch about Diwali! One of their fellow Explorers facilitated a thoughtful Socratic Discussion on Diwali’s traditions and significance. Explorers then created rangolis and mandalas, experimenting with colored rice to create vibrant, intricate designs inspired by traditional Indian art.

FRIDAY OUTING

After donating the care-kits to Caritas, the Explore learners played in Pease Park. They hung around, climbed to new heights, and looked at the world around them from different perspectives!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the Session! The Explorers’ journeys are just getting started, and we’re excited about what’s to come.

For more from Session 2 Week 3, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 3 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 2.

October 26, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

TOWN HALL

The Explorers held their weekly Town Hall on Wednesday. They made announcements and shared what they perceived to be problems in the studio, then collectively agreed upon solutions to those problems.

SUPPORTING SPARK

On Thursday, the Explore learners joined the Spark learners to plant herbs and flowers in the Spark Courtyard. The Explorers supported the Sparks with choosing their tools – gloves and trowel – and a plant. They worked together to dig a hole and add new life to the Spark garden!

QUEST

The learners in Explore continued to dive deeper into E-Ship Quest this week! They decided on the business they will start, created surveys to get feedback from their fellow travelers – as well as family and friends outside of school – and dove into unit economics. They ended the week considering when to hire employees and when to go it alone!

MATH POWER HOUR

The Explorers got into flow during their Math Power Hours this week. They supported each other when they felt stuck, and when they needed breaks from their work, they stopped to solve the day’s math riddle together.

ART

The Explore learners began planning what they will be painting on their canvases. They reflected on what their personal styles are and let their creativity take the lead as they sketched their first drafts!

FRIDAY OUTING

The learners in Explore landed their week with their first Friday outing of the year. They ran through Pease Park with excitement, bravely climbed trees, and played on the tree house together.

For more from Session 2 Week 2, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 2 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 2. Week 1.

October 20, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

SESSION 2 BIG GOALS

The Explore learners made maps for their Session-long goals. They denoted each week in Session 2 on their maps and wrote the smaller goals they want to achieve to help them reach their Session 2 Big Goals.

ART

The Explore learners discussed the meanings of colors and shared the emotions and themes they associate with different colors. Then they used paint to mix primary colors, secondary colors, and tertiary colors for value scales.

WORK CYCLE

The Explorers dove right into flow in their Work Cycles this week and focused on the steps they decided to take to reach their Session-long goals. They supported each other with math as well as with holding each other accountable when the Monster of Distraction showed up.

QUEST

The Explorers set sail on their E-Ship Quest this week! They reflected on what their motivations are, where their interests and passions lie and brainstormed what kinds of businesses they would want to start. The Explore learners conducted research on businesses in three different industries and created surveys to get feedback from their community about their businesses ideas.

For more from Session 2 Week 1, click here: Explore Session 2, Week 1 photos & videos

Explore Year 6. Session 1. Week 5.

October 4, 2024/in Explore Studio/by ascentanactonacademy

The Explorers celebrated their many achievements from Session 1 this week. They shared their work with their community at their Exhibition of Learning, worked together to earn freedoms, and expressed feeling successful in their team building challenges.

TEAM BUILDING CHALLENGES

The learners in Explore worked together to write a word using the “Robot Writing Tool”. They discussed how they achieved success and shared that they followed the lead of one of their studio-mates. The Explorers reflected on what makes a good leader and came up with these traits: “someone you can trust, someone who is calm, someone who is a good communicator, someone who listens to everyone, someone who is helpful, someone who is confident, and someone who leads.”

The Explore learners worked to create their Studio Contract during Session 1 and after weeks of thoughtful debates, they voted enthusiastically to approve their Studio Contract on Wednesday!

EXHIBITION + SHOWCASE

On Thursday, the Explorer’s guests were invited to their studio for Work Cycle Check-Ins with their learners, a poetry reading, Showcase presentations, and to witness the signing of the Explore Studio Contract.

The Explore learners’ guests joined them at their tables for a Work Cycle Check-In. The Explorers guided their guests through their Badge Plans and learning programs, and their guests asked questions like, “Which program challenges you the most, and how do you stay motivated to work on it?” “Which of your programs do you find the most focus in and why?” and “Will you share your proudest Work Cycle moment from this Session?” to better understand the work they do during Work Cycles and the mindset that helps them succeed.

The Explorers were poets in Writers’ Workshop this Session and wrote Acrostic poems, Haikus, Nursery Rhymes, and Odes. They voted on three poems from each category to be read at their Exhibition based on the level of excellence of each poem and gave a reading of those poems for their guests to enjoy.

Over the last two weeks, the learners in Explore took time to reflect on their work and the culture they’ve been building in Session 1. They presented their reflections to their guests in their Showcase Presentations. The Explorers bravely shared about the challenges they faced this Session and how they overcame them, as well as their biggest wins and what they were proudest of in their goal setting.

The Explorers landed the Session by writing Thank You notes to community members who supported them in Session 1. In Closing Group, they read the letters they wrote to themselves in the first week of Session 1, and celebrated their hard work in their learning programs this week.

For more from Session 1 Week 5, click here: Explore Session 1, Week 5 photos & videos