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Genius Hour: Passion Projects

Students will be completing several "Passion Projects” over the course of the year. "Genius Hour," which will take place during Academic Activity Period, will give students the chance to research and explore any topic of their choosing. They may work independently, with a partner, or in a group of three. Students will identify an area of interest, create an essential question, develop an action plan, conduct research, compile their research, and create an end product of their choosing. They will ultimately become an expert (or “genius”) on a topic they are passionate about. The final project can be a poster, video, website, PowerPoint, skit, song, comic or any other mode of presentation that your child comes up with. The end result will then be presented to the class.

A few things about Genius Hour:

  • All steps of the process must be approved by Mrs. Gestrich.
  • Academic needs come first – if a student requires extra help during activity period, his/her Passion Project will have to wait.
  • All work must be done in school, except for certain approved activities that can only be completed outside of school.
  • The end product will not be graded but will be presented to the class.
  • Students will be asked to complete a reflection after their project is completed. 

If you have any questions about Genius Hour or our Passion Projects, please feel free to email me. You can also view a short video introducing the idea here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMFQUtHsWhc.

Let the curiosity and research begin!

Passion Project Materials

Planning Sheet
Graphic Organizer - KWHLAQ
Research Sites/Resources

COMING SOON: Check out our Passion Projects

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