Genius Hour

Ms. Davis's Grade 4 Daily Genius Hour

Over the past two weeks, students in Ms. Davis's class have been given the opportunity to spend one hour each day to research any topic.  These topics could be something the students were passionate about or just wanted to learn more about.
Students were required to convince teachers and interns that their chosen topic was worth researching.  Students were also tasked with coming up with a "mile-deep" question to answer based on the topic.
Students completed research using the internet, conducting surveys with Google Forms, organizing and recording interviews, asking questions via Twitter, Live Chats and in Google Hangouts (these last few with teacher help of course!)
Some examples included: Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream:  "Why should I buy Ben & Jerry's brand?" Matchbox & Hot Wheels Toy Cars:  "Why are they still popular today?" Celebrities:  "What is the difference between being famous and going viral?" Smart Phones & Computers:  "How has technology changed the way we live?"
Final projects were presented in many forms including Google Slides presentations, a mock newscast, a replica newspaper, tri-fold presentations and even ice cream samples.

students researching and presenting

Introduction of a daily Genius Hour in the classroom is part of the personalization of learning:

Technology Essential Questions:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we implement a Genius Hour to help students create original, innovative works and ideas?

How can a Genius Hour address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework: 3-5.CAS.a.3; 3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.b; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c