Genius Hour
Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom. It provides students a choice in what they learn during a set period of time during school.
Step 1: Set Parameters
You may want to establish some rules/parameters so that the kids’ projects are manageable. Examples:
The project must be created from materials available at school. This keeps the project from sprawling too much, and also promotes equity because you won't kids bringing expensive gear from home.
The project needs to be realistic. Students should keep in mind the classroom setting and the time frame you've allotted.
Step 2: Establish a Theme
You can guide Genius Hour by establishing a theme for the kids' projects. This can be helpful for kids who might otherwise struggle to develop an idea, and it also provides structure to Genius Hour. Here are some examples:
Curricular: You could restrict the kids to exploring something related to what they've learned in class this year (e.g. Gold Rush, explorers, magnetism, circuitry). The projects need only be loosely connected to classroom studies––an interest in electricity might lead to creating wearable circuits, for example.
Store/market model: The kids could make things with the idea of "selling" their products. This can lead to some interesting conversations about supply and demand, upscaling, etc., and creates an automatic and genuine connection to mathematics. You might have the kids present their project by setting up a “store” and selling their product.
Public service: The projects need to improve the world in some small (or big!) way.
Passion Project: Allow students to choose a project that inspires them.
Step 3: Schedule Genius Hour
Consider establishing a regular Genius Hour time for the duration of the project (e.g., Friday afternoons). It could also be a choice time/early finisher option if the project isn't too disruptive. Set a deadline for completion so that the project doesn’t sprawl too much.
Step 4: Launch Genius Hour
Lesson 1 PBL Freewrite: Students brainstorm ideas, complete a gallery walk of each other’s ideas, provide constructive feedback and/or find potential partners with similar ideas
Lesson 2––PBL Focus Area: Students start thinking about the logistics of their proposed project
Lesson 3––Genius Hour Proposal: Students submit a formal proposal of their project to the teacher
Subsequent sessions: Research, development, testing, reiteration, upscaling, etc.
Conclusion: Students present their projects. This can take many forms (e.g., traditional whole class presentation, Shark Tank “investor” style, store/market)
Skill Lessons
It is helpful for the kids to have some skills and materials to draw from when creating their projects. Consider teaching mini-lessons covering some or all of the following skills:
Internet research
Digital collaboration (e.g., sharing Docs and Slides) for group projects
Digital presentation skills via Slides or PPT
Programming
3D modeling
