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We're learning about bugs!

By Hero's Journey Academy

Session 5, Week 1, 2, &3, Year 2

We’re learning about bugs!

In this quest, the Eagles will be entomologists! Entomologists are people who study the world of insects. They’ll work in teams to get through these challenges. This first week, the learners will gather in their quest teams to go through the first step of understanding insects: why we name them the way we do, and how we determine which categories they belong to. This process is called “taxonomy,” which basically means the classification of life.

Four learners work together at a table with papers and laptops during a bug taxonomy quest
Three learners use laptops around a white table during a bugs lesson
Two learners and two guides stand in a classroom, with one child holding a poster board during a bugs lesson
Learners gather around a table with a guide during a bugs lesson

Special Guest: Mr. Mason

Frozen play is still in the making! Our play days consist of a lot of practice, Eagle-led directing, and teamwork! We had a special guest from the community theater come in to help the Eagles with their play.

Children and a guide stand in a classroom around a whiteboard during play practice
Eagles and a guide stand in a classroom around tables during play practice
Children sit in a classroom circle while a guide stands by a screen and tables during a bugs lesson

Science-based fiction: Writer’s Workshop

During this Writers’ Workshop, the Eagles will have the opportunity to create their own characters and settings. Perhaps the story takes place in the darkest crevices of the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest part of the ocean. Perhaps the main character is an astronaut on Mars. Or perhaps the hero of the story runs into a conflict with a vicious Venus flytrap and some bindweed. The sky’s the limit!

Eagles gather around a table with laptops and paper during Writers’ Workshop in a classroom
Four children sit at a table writing and drawing in notebooks with books and pencil boxes around them
Two boys at a classroom table write on papers during Writers’ Workshop

Virtual Presentation!

The Eagles got to participate in a bug presentation via Zoom. They got to learn all about different types of bugs and got a goody bag! We went outside to let the Eagles explore and examine bugs.

Children sit on the classroom rug for a bug presentation on the screen beside a long white table
Eagles sit around a laptop during a virtual bug presentation
Children and a guide gather around a table with bug worksheets and books in a classroom
Children at a table coloring bug drawings while a guide stands nearby in a classroom
Three children on grass crouch and stand together examining bugs during an outdoor learning activity
Two learners outdoors examine a bug in a clear cup together
A young girl holds a magnifying glass and cup while exploring bugs outside
A smiling child in a hooded jacket holds a clear bug cup outside while another child stands nearby
A girl holds a small bug container up to her eyes outdoors, with another child in the background

Socratic Discussions!

Socratic discussions at Active Leadership Academy demonstrate to Eagles that their thoughts matter and are valued. In a traditional adult-centered classroom/world children are taught that they are to learn from adults and that adults have the answers. At Active we do things differently. We want to hear their thoughts. We believe that the learners are creative, intelligent, and very capable beings. Our goal is to empower them.

Learners sit in a circle in a classroom for a bugs discussion
Learners sit in a circle on a rug around a laptop during a bugs discussion
Children gather around a floor bug activity together
Two learners sit at a partitioned table reading and writing in the classroom
Two children work at computers in a classroom with string lights and room dividers
Eagles sit at tables with privacy dividers and laptops in a classroom with TVs and shelves

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