Quest

Quest is Lab's approach to challenge-based learning.

In a Quest, students investigate a problem, idea, or opportunity in our community. They partner with experts in the community and conduct research to acquire the same skills and knowledge the professionals in the industry have.

Using their newly acquired skills and knowledge, students work together on a final product that positively impacts the problem they investigated. At the end of the Quest, students are relative experts on the particular topic.

Quest is multi-disciplinary and narrowly focused. Students learn about a topic an inch wide and mile deep!

Quests are authentic learning experiences that mirror real work done by real people in the real world!

SAMPLE QUESTS

NC Animal Field Guides - 2nd Grade

In this course, which is aligned with 2nd grade NC Essential Science Standards of comparing animal life cycles, students will study different kinds of animals and create QR code linked posters for Charlotte Nature Museum visitors to learn about local animal life cycles. Students will study the five main animal groups: birds, fish, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians and be able to compare and contrast life cycles.

Let Us Let the Lettuce Grow - Middle School (7th/8th)

In this Quest, students will be the gardeners, grafters, tenders, and pickers as they explore both indoor and outdoor gardening. They will work with hydroponic gardening systems, box bed and square foot gardening, and possible construct an upcycled greenhouse. Students will eat what they grow and also host a pay-what-you-want farmer's basket in Uptown Charlotte once the plants mature.

The Lab Voice - High School (multi-grade)

You each have unique interests, perspectives, and ideas, and in this Quest we will turn them into your own creative writing using prose, poetry, and graphic comic strip design. We will learn the ropes of professional publishing from beginning to end, including: writing compelling stories, giving and using feedback, designing a beautiful layout and cover, and using publishing software. Together we will publish the 6th Edition of The Lab Voice, and sell copies via Amazon! (Link to past edition)