Genius Hour is Here! Students Have Begun Finding their Inner Genius!

In a previous post I mentioned that students were gearing up and learning about what Genius Hour was.  I found a wonderful video for those that are not familiar with Genius Hour as it does a great job explaining the basis for this change in education.  



After many weeks of preparing and gaining a better understanding of what Genius Hour is, students launched their own Genius Hour time last Friday.  It was amazing to see how engaged and eager they each were to learning about something they were interested in.  As with all Genius Hour projects, the students began with a question of something they wanted to learn more about.  After reviewing internet safety, they were off to explore their own topics and learning.  You could have heard a pin drop as they were so into their new learning.  Many comments were, "This is awesome!", "I don't want to stop!", "Can we do this every day?".  Music to my ears!!!  It was wonderful.

We still have some work to do on research skills and when do I have "enough" information?  They are 3rd graders after all and need guidance.  But I can tell this is going to be a powerful time in our day every Friday as it has been in the past.

I can't wait to hear what they are learning about and share it with you!  Some of their topics are wind turbine, race cars, lava lamps, video making, speed boats, light bulbs....just to name a few.