Click on the image below for a link to a quick video explaining the origin.
Literally, students get to design, plan and execute their entire project. They may choose to learn about a topic, learn a new skill, make or create something, test or experiment and/or make a change in the world. Students are in the process of creating incredible projects.
Here are a few examples:
- A hoverboard
- A natural formula to help plants grow
- Art installation (Rube Goldberg like)
- A manual/non-electric pac-man arcade game
- Small planter boxes for apartment porches
- A model to protect towns from volcanoes
Why partake in GN?
At QAE we use Blooms Taxonomy to help guide our teaching and design opportunities for students. Bloom's taxonomy (pyramid below) is a way of distinguishing the fundamental questions within the education system. It is named after Benjamin Bloom, who chaired the committee of educators that devised the taxonomy.
Genius Hour is a perfect project for students to reach the top of the pyramid. We love that creativity is the highest level of learning!
While students end up producing some sort of product, its more about the process, reflection and gain of 21st century skills.
Here is a list of skills students will gain:
Ambiguity
- be okay with a little confusion
- know there is more than one way to do the task
Inquisitiveness
- ask questions and want answers
Generating Ideas (brainstorming)
- think of and be open to possibilities
Originality of Ideas
- unique original thinking (okay to build of others ideas)
Flexibility/ Adaptability
- bend ideas but not break and give up
Self-Reflection
- be honest with self and evaluate work
Intrinsic Motivation
- find purpose and push self to keep going
Risk Taking/Problem Solving
- not afraid to try something difficult and challenge self to push further
Expertise
- open to find out as much as possible about topic
This is a student driven project yet you are encouraged to be involved. Rather than solve problems for students, ask questions instead.
Sample questions:
What inspired your idea?
What is your plan?
What aspect are you most concerned about?
What aspect are you most excited about?
How can you add on or improve your project?
What aspect are you proud of?
What aspect have you pushed yourself on?