What is a question you’ve pondered that doesn’t have an easy answer or doesn’t have an answer at all? One elementary learner has wondered, “Where did it all start?” What existed before the Big Bang? Another learner has asked, “Is there any alien life? And if there is, why haven’t we found it?” 

During the Growing Curiosity Quest, each learner chose a topic and was tasked with facilitating one quest session. They prepared a launch, an activity or challenge, and a close on the topic that they have chosen.  The learners were encouraged to choose a topic that they are very curious or passionate about because the final product of this quest requires commitment and a lot of hard work. To complete such a large challenge, the learners divided the work into smaller tasks. 

They began the week by researching questions that they are intrigued by. First, they made a list of potential topics and noted questions they would like answered for each. Second, they chose their topic and researched it, finding videos or stories that would work well for a launch. Learners have chosen subjects like baking, gravity, and detective science. Once their topic was finalized, they began brainstorming ideas for fun and interesting activities that would work as quest challenges. They were encouraged to reflect on their favorites quest days, what they liked about those in particular, and what components they might mimic with their challenge. 

Purposefully, this quest is more open-ended and flexible than in previous sessions. This is a time for the children to apply what they have learned throughout the year to something that they are curious and passionate about.