This document discusses Genius Hour, an approach to learning where students choose independent projects to research on topics that interest them. It provides background on Genius Hour, which is based on Google's 20% model. The document outlines the steps for implementing Genius Hour in elementary classrooms, including using interest inventories, getting parental support, providing resources and supplies, and sharing completed student projects. Benefits highlighted are that both students and parents enjoy Genius Hour, it allows learning about students' interests and seeing their creativity.
3. What is Genius Hour?
Genius Hour is based on the
20% model used at Google.
Students CHOOSE what
they’d like to study from how
to bake a cake to how to
program a robot.
13. Groups
Try to group students based on their interests. It is easiest
when there is more than one student working on a topic.
14. Supplies
*Ask for donations from
parents and community
members.
*DonorsChoose
We’ve been able to fund
Dot and Dash Robots and
littleBits Electronics Kits
thanks to DonorsChoose!
17. Create a blendspace page for each topic of study. This gives
students access to credible resources to use during Genius Hour.
18. Expose Students to New Topics
Computer Programming - Dot and
Dash, Scratch, Tynker
Arts - Sewing, Pottery, Knitting, Music
Engineering - Goldiblocks, Roominate,
littleBits
Cooking
Movie Making
Fashion - Sewing, Jewelry Making
Gardening
Entrepreneurship
Community Service
Use Genius Hour to share with students topics that they
don’t usually have the opportunity to learn about during
the traditional school day.
29. Why Should You Do Genius Hour?
Students and Parents LOVE it!
You learn more about your students’ interests
Engaging and Fun
You get to see the creative side of students
Students control their own learning.
Students work with different groups because
they are group by interest.