The Power of Experiential Learning
What does learning at school look like?
The traditional school approach is a teacher-led model where the knowledge is passed onto a student, perhaps through a textbook. There is heavy emphasis on what is inside the textbook and rote memorization. In other words, there is a focus on “Learning to know.”
At Acton Academy Columbus, we believe the most profound learning happens through experience. Experiential learning is about hands-on learning to do - it engages the senses, emotions, and intellect, allowing learners to make deeper connections with the world around them. In other words, we believe it is critical to “learn to do.”
“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”
The Acton approach is to transform traditional academics into meaningful, real-world challenges that inspire curiosity, foster independence, and ignite a lifelong passion for learning
Experiential Learning Through Quests
The US Road Trip Quest: Exploring the Country One State at a Time
Imagine setting off on a cross-country adventure without leaving the classroom. That’s exactly what our learners will do in their upcoming US Road Trip Quest. This Quest will provide them opportunities to “visit” each state, uncovering its unique culture, history, and geography.
In this quest, younger learners will create hands-on projects inspired by their discoveries. For example:
They might build iconic landmarks with loose parts in our Reggio-inspired Spark Studio.
They will learn about the interestate highway and build out their own travel map as they journey across the US.
Older learners will dive into deeper research, creating travel guides and even pitching their favorite states as destinations.
Learners will become travel bloggers and document their experiences.
This quest brings geography to life and helps learners develop skills like research, public speaking, and teamwork—all while fueling their curiosity about the world around them.
Learning Beyond the Textbook
The US Road Trip Quest is just one example of how we turn traditional subjects into engaging, hands-on experiences. At Acton Academy Columbus, our quests are designed to inspire curiosity, foster independence, and build real-world skills. Here are some of the other quests our learners have gone through.
1. Community Gardening
Learners work together to create and maintain a garden, learning about biology, sustainability, and teamwork. From planting seeds to harvesting vegetables, they experience the full cycle of growth while exploring how plants impact the environment and the community.
2. Survivor Quest
What does it take to survive in the wild? This quest challenges learners to develop practical skills like building shelters, purifying water, and making fire—all while learning the science behind survival techniques. It’s a blend of STEM and life skills that’s as empowering as it is fun.
3. Marine Science Quest
In this ocean-themed adventure, learners explore marine ecosystems, from coral reefs to the deep sea. Through experiments, research, and storytelling, they gain a deeper understanding of the ocean’s role in the global environment. This quest culminates in projects that advocate for marine conservation.
4. Personal Finance Quest
Teaching financial literacy is critical for young learners. In this quest, middle schoolers tackle topics like budgeting, investing, and saving for future goals. Activities include creating a mock budget, exploring compound interest, and comparing mortgage options in Google Sheets.
5. Detective Science Quest
Learners become detectives, solving mysteries using forensic science techniques like fingerprint analysis and DNA matching. They also dive into problem-solving and logical reasoning, sharpening their analytical skills in an exciting and immersive way.
Why Quests Matter
Quests are more than just fun projects—they’re transformative experiences. By engaging in these hands-on, real-world challenges, learners:
Build critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Learn to take ownership of their education through self-directed learning.
Discover their unique strengths and interests in a supportive environment.
Unlike traditional schooling, where knowledge is often disconnected from its practical applications, quests show learners how what they’re learning matters in the real world.
Experiential Learning Through Field Trips
At our microschool, field trips are an essential part of our experiential learning approach. These excursions allow learners to step out of the classroom and into the real world, where they can connect with their studies in meaningful and memorable ways. Field trips aren’t just about seeing something new; they’re about engaging the senses, sparking curiosity, and deepening understanding.
Here are a few of the field trips our learners have experienced:
Ohio Statehouse
During our visit to the Ohio Statehouse, learners explored the heart of our state’s government. They walked through the historic halls and participated in discussions about democracy. This trip brought our studies of civics and American history to life, showing learners the real-world impact of governance and civic engagement. The learners
Newport Aquarium
At the Newport Aquarium, learners got up close with marine life, from playful otters to mesmerizing jellyfish. This field trip complemented our Marine Science Quest, allowing learners to witness aquatic ecosystems firsthand. Through hands-on exhibits and guided tours, they gained a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation and the incredible biodiversity of marine life.
Sunrise Sanctuary (Marysville, OH)
A visit to Sunrise Sanctuary offered a powerful lesson in compassion and empathy. This farm animal rescue in Marysville provided learners with the opportunity to interact with rescued animals, learn about their stories, and understand the importance of kindness and respect for all living beings. This experience ties beautifully into our values of character development and environmental stewardship.
Aquarium Adventures
At Aquarium Adventures, learners explored the fascinating world of fish and aquatics. They learned about the science behind maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and even got hands-on experience with aquarium maintenance. This trip was a fantastic way to combine biology, ecology, and STEM in a fun and engaging environment.
Why Field Trips Matter
Field trips give learners the chance to:
Connect classroom learning to the real world.
Develop social and emotional skills like teamwork, empathy, and communication.
Spark curiosity through hands-on experiences and direct observation.
Whether visiting a statehouse to understand government, an aquarium to explore marine life, or a sanctuary to learn about compassion, each trip enriches our learners’ education in ways that textbooks alone cannot achieve.
We believe that learning is an adventure —and field trips are one of the many ways we make that belief a reality.
Join the Journey
Whether learners are traveling “across the country” in the US Road Trip Quest, diving into the mysteries of the ocean, or tackling financial literacy, they’re not just gaining knowledge—they’re building confidence, independence, and a sense of purpose.
At Acton Academy Columbus, we believe education should be meaningful and engaging, preparing learners for life, not just tests. If you think Acton might be a good fit for your child, then join us on this journey and see how quests can transform the way your child learns.
Ready to learn more? Visit our website or schedule a tour to see how we empower learners to thrive.