Welcome to Genius Hour!
What is Genius Hour?
Every Thursday in February we will spend 1 hour working on our project. Genius Hour allows students to take something they are passionate about and want to know more about and have the opportunity to research it and create a presentation to teach others about what they are interested in. During this time students will learn how to plan, organize and prepare research and information to create it into a presentation of their choice. Students can and are encouraged to do some research at home, but will have more than enough time to do so in class. Here is a closer look as to what we will be doing.
Day 1: Plan and Prep - students chose their topics and drafted a plan of what they think they will need and how they will organize their research and materials
Day 2 - Research - while some students began their research today, I will formally show students how to look up the questions they have on their topics and choose reliable resources. We will be using KidRex as our search engine. This is a student friendly search engine that will filter only appropriate websites, images and videos. Students know they can use Google at home, as long as they have your permission.
Day 3 - Finish any research they might still have and begin creating their final product. I will provide the students with posters, paint, markers, glue, tape, and anything they may need printed. That being said please know you are not required or encouraged to go out and spend money on anything extra. That is all choice and something that the class and I have discussed. I want them to be able to bring their ideas to life but not have to worry and feel that they need to go over and beyond with outside materials. Students know they can also create a power point slide show, a Prezi, a poster, or even a video!
Day 4 - Students will finish their presentations
Friday before spring break students will be able to share and present them to the class.
Genius Hour Research Sheet
Every Thursday in February we will spend 1 hour working on our project. Genius Hour allows students to take something they are passionate about and want to know more about and have the opportunity to research it and create a presentation to teach others about what they are interested in. During this time students will learn how to plan, organize and prepare research and information to create it into a presentation of their choice. Students can and are encouraged to do some research at home, but will have more than enough time to do so in class. Here is a closer look as to what we will be doing.
Day 1: Plan and Prep - students chose their topics and drafted a plan of what they think they will need and how they will organize their research and materials
Day 2 - Research - while some students began their research today, I will formally show students how to look up the questions they have on their topics and choose reliable resources. We will be using KidRex as our search engine. This is a student friendly search engine that will filter only appropriate websites, images and videos. Students know they can use Google at home, as long as they have your permission.
Day 3 - Finish any research they might still have and begin creating their final product. I will provide the students with posters, paint, markers, glue, tape, and anything they may need printed. That being said please know you are not required or encouraged to go out and spend money on anything extra. That is all choice and something that the class and I have discussed. I want them to be able to bring their ideas to life but not have to worry and feel that they need to go over and beyond with outside materials. Students know they can also create a power point slide show, a Prezi, a poster, or even a video!
Day 4 - Students will finish their presentations
Friday before spring break students will be able to share and present them to the class.
Genius Hour Research Sheet
Online Resource