We are introducing a new project called
Genius Hour starting October 15.
Our presentations will be the afternoon of November 22.

Genius Hour

Goals of this project:
*to promote, support, and model creative, innovative thinking and inventiveness
*to allow students an opportunity to discover/investigate one of their passions and reflect on/share their learning with others
*provide students and teachers an opportunity to develop skill sets that are valuable in any learning situation (research, experimentation, collaboration, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking)
*to provide an opportunity for classes to share their Genius and Passion Projects with others 
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Learning About Genius Hour
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​First we will learn about Genius Projects and examine the topics we have been wondering about. 

Brain-storming 
At the beginning of the project, students will begin brainstorming ideas for a project. For our first Genius hour project students will work alone. Within the first few classes we want all student to have a project idea, and to have a few BIG questions about their topic. We will meet with the students frequently to help them stay focused on their questions and provide assistance, structure and research suggestions so they can succeed.
At the end of the time we want them to have made something that they can present to the class. 

Weekly Journals 
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Genius Hour Days
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The Final Presentation 
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Assessment 
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Each week each student is required to write a journal entry to discuss their progress. Each student will also have a conference time with the teacher. They will write about the week, what they worked on, what they learned, what challenges they faced, and what they anticipate in the future. 

​Students will have two classes a week to work on their projects.  Some of this time will be working time, some will be conference time, and some will be journaling time. 

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On Nov. 22 each individual will give a presentation to students, teachers, and community members where they will show off their work. This will be carefully written, choreographed, and rehearsed to produce the best presentation they’ve ever given. Parents are invited. 
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​Students will be evaluated on the various elements of the project. A significant portion of their grade will be dependent on the following elements:
 
1. Journal Do the journal posts meet the required length, address the required topic? Do they show that the process and how the presentation evolved? 
2. Productivity Did the student spend their Genius hour time actively and passionately working on your project? If not, we need to quickly adjust the project so you are working on something that they are curious about. 
3. Final Presentation Does your presentation meet all of the required elements? 
Picture
O 17  I wonder... 
Bree- Tigers- how do tigers hunt?
Mikaela- Eiffel tower
Evan- Human evolution- How did this theory originate?
         What is this theory?
April- Giraffes- 
Brielle- Allergies- Why do people get allergies?
Livia- Allergies- 
Trevor- Semi trucks- how are the engines different from car engines?
​Thor- dinosaur- What did they look like? How did dinosaurs go extinct?
Aiden- Box Tortois- How do they help other animals?
Kennedy- sloths- 
Gracie- birds- 
Cooper- people made?
Magnus- magadron shark
Ava- Halloween
Braylin- olden days? 1800? personal family tree
Logan- Trucks- 
Gavin- ancient Greeks mythology
Liam