Genius Hour Technology

In our K-5 Gifted classroom, our children will be introduced to Genius Hour, which will provide children with the opportunity to research a topic or idea that he/she is passionate about.

Why is Genius Hour important? The number one reason Genius Hour is important is because children will take ownership in his/her own learning. This research is intended to spark curiosity and encourage life-long learning, imagination, perseverance, self-awareness, and adaptability. It’s also intended to provide a sense of purpose for learning. With these technological devices, students will be able to conduct research, take photographs and/or videos, utilize video editing software, and develop presentations to share with others. After this project is complete, students will have been exposed to most of gifted goals from the Florida's Frameworks for Gifted Learners K-12.

How will Genius Hour work in our classroom? Students will first choose a project topic of his/her interest. After that, students will formulate a question that will guide his/her research. Once the project is approved, he or she will then be given time in class to work on the research and project. Research materials such as books and computers will need to be provided for the students to conduct research with. When the research is complete, students will be asked to present his/her learning to an audience. The presentation will be any medium of the child’s choice. For example, he/she can create a demonstration, slide show, movie, diorama, etc…the sky’s the limit!

What supplies will the students need? Well, that all depends on what the child chooses to do for his/her presentation. All students will need access to a computer equipped with internet in order to complete his/her research. Most students will need additional programs such as Word and/or PowerPoint. Many students will require video cameras in order to record themselves giving a demonstration and/or presentation.

What is the timeline for the project? Students will be given at least 1 hour a Challenge day to be working on the project. It is student driven, so students will be at different parts of the project at different times. Students will move through the following phases of the project: Plan, Research, Organize, Create, and lastly Present. Of course, timelines are dependent upon how labor intensive the final product is (for example a Power Point can be completed in less time and can be completed entirely in class versus building a robot).