Explore Year 6. Session 6. Week 2.

In week 2 of Session 6, Explorers tested hypotheses and made observations in Biology Quest, researched in Writers’ Workshop, and brainstormed in Art.

QUEST

This week, the Explore Studio was alive with curiosity and transformation—literally! As part of Biology Quest, Explorers researched and illustrated the life cycles of animals and insects that undergo metamorphosis, and welcomed new living organisms into the studio: caterpillars! The Explore biologists began recording daily changes in their Caterpillar to Butterfly Observation Charts, excited to witness the magic of metamorphosis unfold right before their eyes.

Their investigation into life didn’t stop there. Learners planted seeds and launched their first plant growth experiment, placing seeds in three different light conditions—direct sunlight, indirect sunlight, and no light—to explore how environment affects plant development. They’ll continue tracking their results in Seed Experiment Observation Charts over the next four weeks.

In another hands-on lab, Explorers dissected real flowers to study how plants reproduce and even examined parts of the flowers under microscopes. By the end of the week, they launched a new experiment—this time involving yeast! They proved yeast is alive by conducting an experiment with yeast and sugar to create carbon dioxide and watched yeast reproduce under the microscope. They’re growing their very own sourdough starter, learning about the role of microorganisms in fermentation.

WRITERS’ WORKSHOP

Meanwhile, in Writers’ Workshop, the studio shifted from scientists to storytellers. Learners began researching heroes in biology as inspiration for the biographies they’ll be writing.

ART

In Art, the Explorers joined forces with the Discovery Studio to take on a new creative challenge: writing and performing their very own radio plays! They split up into groups and began brainstorming, scriptwriting, and recording sound effects for their plays.

FRIDAY OUTING

Explorers capped off the week with an outing to Bull Creek. They encouraged one another to step out of their comfort zone and celebrated each others’ bravery as they climbed boulders, slid down waterfalls and encountered new creatures!