Genius Hour
Time to find your passion!
Class Options (meets once/week)
(Wed-2) 10:10-11:30
Pre-Requisites
None
One-Time Class Fee
$0, see materials*
Course Description
“There is genius in all of us.” Albert Einstein
What are YOU passionate about? What do YOU want to learn, create, or solve? What is your genius?
In Genius Hour, you’re in charge of your learning. Each week, you’ll get dedicated time to explore a topic of your choice—anything from building a robot, writing a book or song, designing a video or board game, researching animal behavior, creating a business plan, starting a YouTube channel, solving a problem in your community, the skies the limit.
Your instructor will guide and mentor—helping you refine questions, assist in research skills, encourage perseverance, and support you as you take ownership of your learning.
You’ll ask big questions, have “idea storms” with the class, create a vision board, do independent research, create something original, and share your discoveries with the class. At the end of the first semester, you will present your mid-year update to the class on how your project is coming along. Then, in a final showcase, second semester, you will present your final passion project.
Along the way, you’ll learn valuable skills like critical thinking, project planning, creative problem-solving, and how to turn your curiosity into action! Second semester the group will work on an outreach project while finishing up their final projects.
There are only three rules:.
You must come to class with an attitude of fun, curiosity, ready to work (mostly independently) each week, and know that there are no bad ideas, just ideas to be discovered.
You must create something related to the topic of your choice, set weekly goals, and present what you have learned.
Your project must be driven by a question or subject you’re genuinely curious about.
Ready to take charge and become an independent creative thinker and doer? This is your chance to find your genius, shine, and show what you're passionate about!
Want more information about Genius Hour? Click here to see an introductory video.
Homework
Approximate time for homework each week outside of class: 30-45 minutes
Graduation Requirements
None
Notes
During Genius Hour, students will have supervised access to the internet during class time in order to research their chosen topics and gather information for their projects.
In Genius Hour, the teacher acts as a guide and mentor— students must be able to come to class each week with a set goal on what they would like to accomplish.
Contact the instructor with questions.
Required Books & Materials
(Students are responsible for purchasing textbooks unless stated otherwise.)
Each student must bring a Chromebook, laptop or iPad style tablet to class each week. Phones are not preferred. (If your student wants to join the class, but does not have one of the above options, but does have a phone or iPod, please let me know. We can talk through some options.)
Notebook for writing down their ideas.
Pen or pencil
Any materials the student will need to complete their project. (Students will be required to get approval from their parents if there is any cost associated with their project.)
Students may need to check out books from the library or purchase a book depending on their project and research. This will be up to them as they plan.