AOE Weekly Update Podcast

Our last episode of the year! Hear from every student about their highlights from this year. Also mentioned, back to school dates.

In our last regular season episode, we discuss what to expect at Dinner on the Trail, how to know which dinner you'll attend, and how many tickets you'll receive. Also discussed this week: our final Spirit Week of the year and Memory Book orders.

In this episode, we discuss RSVP for Dinner on the Trail as well as events in the final 3 weeks of school. Also included: upcoming spirit week and Memory Book information.

In this episode, we discuss the end of MAP testing, Dinner on the Trail, and the process for getting additional testing. Also with us is a special AOE alumni representative to discuss a new AOE Fund through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks.

This week we cover MAP testing exploratories and talk about our latest library fundraiser.

This week, we discuss Cultivate Unit part one plant projects and share tips to prepare for MAP testing, which begins on Tuesday.

In this episode, we discuss our trip to Laura Ingalls Wilder's homestead in Mansfield, Missouri and we learn the MAP Exploratory class options for this school year. Also discussed: multiple surveys that need immediate attention.

In this episode, we discuss our second week of the Cultivate Unit. Also mentioned: MAP testing and MAP encouragement notes.

This episode covers our first week back after Spring Break as we begin our Cultivate Unit and study the parts of plants as well as cultivation in ancient civilizations and modern day.

Looking ahead to our first week of 4th quarter includes information about MAP testing, exploratories, as well as upcoming field experiences for the Cultivate Unit.

In this episode we detail final information about the science fair, including our Discover Unit Showcase.

This episode covers science experiment procedures as well as data collection and more preparation for science fair. Also mentioned: re-scheduled 4th grade Springfield Symphony field trip.

In this episode, we hear about three more testable questions as we prepare to start our experiments. Also mentioned: Explore opportunities and registration window.

In this episode, we detail the specifics of our participation in the science fair, including additional dates and times students may be required to be present in order to participate or receive awards and prizes. Explore registration, which opens on March 4th, is also mentioned.

In this episode, we discuss students' testable questions for the science fair and the variables and controls within each. Also mentioned: opening date for Explore 2026 registration.

This week, we discuss an author visit by Taryn Souders, as well as upcoming writing units and the addition of new clubs to AOE.

In this episode, we discuss our Teambuilder field experience at Bass Pro Shops as well as our first set of inquiry lessons for our science fair preparation. Also mentioned: getting assistance with AMI day materials.

Our first episode of the New Year! This week, we discuss our back-to-school team builders as well as the Discover unit, including when your child needs to be available to attend the science fair.

Preparing for the first week back from Winter Break, we will be out of school from December 22, 2025 through January 2, 2026. When we return, the Discover Unit will begin, along with pod switches and preparations for the March science fair.

This week's episode discusses the end of our Motivate Unit, including our Give Back field experiences on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Our Winter Spirit Week has been officially announced, and our Winter Breakfast Party is among the Upcoming Events.

In this episode, we discuss the beginning of our Motivate Unit and the field experiences and Give Back Projects we're working on for our community. Also mentioned, AMI packets and picture re-takes.

In this episode, our final three robotics teams share about their experiences with our Envision Unit major unit projects. Also mentioned in this episode: picture retakes and our next unit: Motivate. Have a great Thanksgiving Break!

In this episode, we discuss our Mars Rover visit and hear from members of the Sphero and Artie3000 robotics teams as well as our 3D printing & videography team ahead of our major unit showcase next week.

In this episode, we welcome Nurse Jamie to share community resources for families who may be struggling right now to access food or other health and hygiene items. See our community resource list linked on the newsletter.

In this episode, we detail a field experience and guest expert within our Envision Unit and tease our major unit project, which will begin next week. Also mentioned: 4 day weekend and upcoming Thanksgiving Break.