Pomegranate’s Promise:
through quests & life skills workshops
Develop Life/Career Skills
life Skills & real-world/career skills
Due to the effectiveness of adaptive self-paced learning applications/programs, our students are able to achieve their academic objectives in half the time compared to traditional schooling. Consequently, we have ample opportunity to dedicate time towards developing essential life/real-world skills that are beneficial regardless of their future paths. These skills encompass a wide array of subjects including personal finance, computer science, physical and biological sciences, writing, public speaking, fitness, social media, and beyond. We facilitate the acquisition of these skills through engaging workshops led by our esteemed Guides and other guests. Please note: Quests are part of tuition. Workshops are not part of tuition, but some are offered at no cost. Please ask for details.
quests: real-world/career skills
In a traditional school, STEM courses have learners spending far too much time memorizing and regurgitating facts, replaying 18th-century experiments, or worshiping science as Scientism rather than finding ways to solve real-world problems.
In contrast, a Quest is a five- to eight-week series of learning challenges and role plays. It is bound by individual and team-based gamification, a compelling narrative, and ends with a high-stakes Exhibition. Quests are designed to deliver 21st-century “learn to learn” (processes, frameworks, and algorithms), “learn to do,” and “learn to be” skills.
A Quest starts with crafting a powerful Exhibition plan. As teams of learners compete individually or in teams (or both), they must conquer one challenge in the Quest to move forward to the next — often role-playing, in character as real-life heroes.
Our Quests measure and track outcomes in a way that mirrors the real world. For example, if building a bridge, the costs are calculated based on the time and materials consumed.
Quests focus on the analysis and critical thinking skills needed to make thoughtful tradeoffs, and organizational skills needed to lead a team to accomplish the impossible under real-time pressure, and are measured by the customer satisfaction of visitors to an Exhibition — not arbitrary grades from an adult.
Quests
Entrepreneurship
Narrative: E-Ship is a game in which Heroes seek to find and create a business that is right for them. In an “Entrepreneur-ship,” Heroes travel across a game board (the quest map) to islands that represent different questions an entrepreneur asks along his or her journey.
Coding & robotics
Narrative: On this quest, Eagles embark on a journey to learn the basics of coding, a journey that culminates in a real-life exploration of the world of robotics.
game design
Narrative: On this quest, Eagles become game designers. They explore probability and game design while playing and analyzing games of luck, strategy, and skill. The quest culminates with learners each designing an offline game and an online game to present at a public Game Expo.
entomology
Narrative: In this quest, the Heroes become entomologists. They take on the title of “scientist” as they explore life in the undergrowth, the critical relationships between insects and humans, the harsh truths and beauty of life cycles, and the complex classification of life. As entomologists, they take on the responsibilities of raising insects and observing with intentionality and diligence, like a scientist. Exploring in this way ignites a curiosity and appreciation for the natural world and creates a safe and open place to discuss and face real fears.
edison’s Lab
Narrative: On this quest, Heroes take on the role of scientists in Edison’s Menlo Park lab. They conduct experiments, consider experiment costs, and write patents. The studio itself is transformed into a science lab, and the Hero innovators wear a uniform of goggles and lab coats.
cartography
Narrative: On this quest, Eagles become modern-day Magellans: cartographers and explorers attempting to circumnavigate the globe. Along the way, Eagles collect clues that lead them on a trip to a final destination (a field trip within the community).
travel in history: Ancient Greece
Narrative: In this quest, Eagles become heroes living in Ancient Greece. Using their imaginations, they enter into Acton Athens as their chosen avatars (Greek mythological characters), and explore the city by completing challenges in different areas.
community garden
Narrative: In this quest, Eagles become gardeners, and they take on the title of “scientist” as they explore plant science, including cellular biology, photosynthesis, decomposition, capillary action, germination, and pollination. As gardeners, they take on the responsibilities of planning, building, and raising a garden, then observing it and maintaining it with diligence.
the story of energy
Narrative: Eagles have arrived to Acton one day and their guide tells them: a local entrepreneur and engineer has taken note of all the great work you’re doing and thinks that you will change the world. She knows that there are a lot of problems facing our world and believes you will find the solutions. In order to do so, however, she knows that you have to understand the past and how we got to now. She’s been working with the top quantum physicists in the world and has finally invented a time machine that will travel through history to better understand energy—how it works, how we’ve used it, and how it has changed life on Earth. On this quest, you will travel in time to understand the story of energy and the rise of civilization. At each point in time, you’ll be presented with challenges that will deepen your knowledge, you’ll help fellow travelers you meet along the way, and you will equip yourselves with the tools you need to change the world.
travel in history - US Immigrant
Narrative: In this quest, Heroes immerse themselves in the history of immigration in the United States and experience what it’s like to be someone seeking to become a naturalized citizen. Through a series of challenges, they assume the role of immigrant and prepare for a naturalization test, all while reflecting upon the experience.
physics: Newton’s toy workshop
Narrative: On this quest, Eagles use physics to become toy designers. They take on the title of “scientist” as they explore concepts in physics such as gravity, thrust, momentum, displacement, elasticity, and mechanical advantage. As toy designers, they take on the different challenges each week that provide a tactile understanding of physics.
detective
Narrative: As detectives-in-training, Eagles work through a series of hands-on challenges and crime simulations where they apply forensics and biology to solve crimes. The detectives-in-training are tested in a final crime-scene simulation at the end of the quest.
travel in history: british colony
Narrative: Over a period of three to seven days, Eagles imagine that Acton Academy is a British colony. They must pay taxes to King George and are subject to royal proclamations and taxes imposed by the King (via his Royal Governor played by a guide). To end Colonial Acton, Eagles must draft a Declaration of Independence and roll a die to determine the consequences.
architecture
Narrative: In this quest, Heroes play the role of architects designing ideal Acton Academy buildings for new owners.
marine science
Narrative: In this quest the Heroes become marine scientists. They take on the title of NASA Earth Explorer as they examine the following questions: What is life like in the ocean and how is it interconnected? Is it more important to explore, or to invent? What problems are facing our oceans, and what are the possible solutions?
As scientists, they learn to observe with intentionality and diligence and to embrace their curiosity. Using their imaginations, they are challenged to bring the marine ecosystems into their studio, curating an environment of wonder about the natural world.
chess
Narrative: In this quest, Eagles commit themselves to Chess for one session, and commit themselves to transforming a strength of theirs, one that supports them in their responsibilities at Acton, into a superpower.
survivor
Narrative: In this quest, Eagles play the role of heroes learning to survive in the wilderness as they discover more about their identities and self-knowledge.
workshops: Life skills
The anticipation surrounding workshop sign-up days, held prior to each six-eight week session, is palpable at Pomegranate. The workshops themselves offer a diverse range of experiences, from hands-on baking and live performances to teaching game design using popular games, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable learning environment for our students.
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Complete games on Kidpreneur webste
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Master problem-solving with Synthesis Teams. Synthesis’ collaborative games unlock your child’s problem-solving and communication skills. Spun out of the SpaceX school.
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Virtual travel around the world - building portfolios
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Coding on Code.org
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Master math. Synthesis partnered with DARPA researchers to make the first superhuman math tutor that actually works. Watch your child develop superpowers.
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Fitness, Food, Faith, Family, Friends, Focus, Finances