Learning Objective

• Create a lesson plan using IWonder Genius Hour to stimulate student curiosity and sustain short inquiry projects.

Download the IWonder Teacher's Guide and IWonder Genius Hour Worksheet from the exercise files at the bottom of this page to help you with this lesson.  

IWonder Genius Hour Lesson Plan

Review the IWonder Teacher's Guide and consider how much time you will devote each day to the Genius Hour project. Some teachers choose to set the amount of time for the project to cover seven days while some teachers choose to set a specific amount of time each week over the duration of several weeks to complete each project. 

• Begin with the Time Needed section from the IWonder Teacher's Guide.  The following example is based on time each day. Determine the amount of time you will devote each day to the project.
• Use the Lesson Plan section to help you determine which objectives and tasks you plan to complete each day. 
• Record your daily objectives, tasks, and resources needed for each day of the Genius Hour project in the lesson planning format or template of your choice.
• Consider sharing with your students a class calendar including the objectives, task, and resources. 
• Plan for opportunities for students to share their Genius Hour projects with authentic audiences. Here are some suggestions.
  • Ask for student volunteers to share their Genius Hour projects at a school board meeting.
  • Display Genius Hour projects in your school library or media center.
  • Invite your school administrators to your classroom during Genius Hour presentations.
  • Partner with a teacher in an elementary building and ask your students to share their Genius Hour presentations with younger students. Encourage your students to include hands-on activities for younger learners.