Explore Year 6. Session 6. Week 3.

QUEST

As part of their Biology Quest, Explorers worked in the lab of scientific hero Louis Pasteur. They conducted the iconic swan-necked flask experiment, just as Pasteur did, to challenge the idea of spontaneous generation. Through careful observation and setup, they began to see how bacteria in the air can spoil liquids over time.

They also launched a longer-term experiment with bread and bacteria, designing a controlled test to explore how germs spread. Each learner made predictions about which slice of bread would mold first: the untouched control, the hand-touched slice, the coughed-on slice, or the one rubbed on the floor. Explorers are keeping careful notes as the slices begin to reveal the results.

To bring germ theory to life, learners acted out the dramatic battle between white blood cells and pathogens by creating their own models and re-enacting phagocytosis—the process where white blood cells “eat” invaders. Later in the week, they turned their attention to Pasteur’s famous rival, Robert Koch, to understand how scientists identify specific bacteria and trace them back to their source.

PD

Even a stormy Tuesday couldn’t slow them down. During Physical Development, they kept their energy high with a group workout and an enthusiastic round of duck-duck-goose.

TEAM BUILDING

A council of elected Explorers met with representatives from the Discovery Studio to discuss shared challenges and brainstorm how their studios can support each other. On Friday, the whole studio tackled an obstacle course together. In their reflections afterward, many shared that the toughest parts of the course were also the most rewarding.

FRIDAY OUTING

To top it all off, the studio ended their week with an outing to Shoal Creek, where learners scrambled up their favorite climbing tree, tested their strength, and shared laughter among the branches.

From lab coats to muddy sneakers, this week was packed with curiosity, courage, and connection.