For those who are new to Genius Hour, it is a project sweeping the nation that mirrors off of companies that allow their employees time to work on projects that inspire them. Students are asked to figure out what inspires them, to create a driving question. Then they research, read, watch, take notes, do whatever it takes to learn more about their question. Then they create a product or project to share and implement. The possibilities for end products are endless. Students are given guidance, inspirational videos, access to articles, technology and some time in class. Some students work alone, others in small groups. The end results vary, but they are all inspired and amazing.
This is my experience with the students at Orchard Valley this year as they tackled Genius Hour.
The project had been introduced and the students had already selected their topics based on what interested them. They had started researching their topics and I came by their class to help them find online resources and web tools to help them get their projects off the ground. I approach the first student to check in, he immediately starts describing his project. He wants to help the homeless get more access to food and shelter. He was researching how shelters work and learning how he could help. From there he created a plan, one that he could and would actually carry out. It is in these moments, that I am totally sold. The passion, the drive, the LEARNING... These middle school students made a difference in the world, on top of learning and meeting the standards.
Here is what inspired some of our students.
This is my experience with the students at Orchard Valley this year as they tackled Genius Hour.
The project had been introduced and the students had already selected their topics based on what interested them. They had started researching their topics and I came by their class to help them find online resources and web tools to help them get their projects off the ground. I approach the first student to check in, he immediately starts describing his project. He wants to help the homeless get more access to food and shelter. He was researching how shelters work and learning how he could help. From there he created a plan, one that he could and would actually carry out. It is in these moments, that I am totally sold. The passion, the drive, the LEARNING... These middle school students made a difference in the world, on top of learning and meeting the standards.
Here is what inspired some of our students.
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Turns out, the learning didn't stop just because the project ended. Also, the students thought beyond the four walls of our school, and went out into the community.
So, turns out I learned a lot too. About middle schoolers, and what they are REALLY like. About what happens when you give students choice and a global audience. About what school should ultimately feel like.
To learn more about Genius Hour and how you can incorporate it into your classroom visit http://www.geniushour.com/.
To learn more about Genius Hour and how you can incorporate it into your classroom visit http://www.geniushour.com/.