This week in the studio was full of challenge, deep thinking, moments of frustration, and meaningful growth.

Quest

As Menlo Park Lab scientists, Discoverers had many opportunities this week to test their tolerance for ambiguity, a concept introduced last week, as their water wheel challenges continued and grew in difficulty.

In Quest discussions, they considered essential traits of the innovator: curiosity and persistence. After taking a stand on which trait was more important for success, they were challenged to apply their ideas to their challenges. Learners were also put into the shoes of decision-makers in complex, real-world dilemmas around dam construction, energy, and the environment.

Writers’ Workshop

In Writers’ Workshop, learners began drafting their persuasive field trip pitches. After working together to create a rubric for their pitches, Discoverers were challenged to consider which rhetorical approaches would best convince their Fellow Travelers, then put those approaches into action.

The Discovery Community

Back in Session 4, a Discoverer had a strong call-to-action for his studio: to align principles with actions by reducing and correctly sorting studio waste. Working together through accountability and vigilance, Discoverers have succeeded in building new habits that support the Earth. And Earth Day provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate, with rainy day games, campus care, and tree planting. This is one excellent example of the way Discoverers are building their community through vision and accountability.