Learning Objective

• Discover how to challenge students using IWonder Genius Hour.

What is Genius Hour

Genius Hour developed from a practice known as "20 percent time." Google started the practice of allowing employees to devote 20 percent of their time to passion projects. According to the article, "Unlocking Genius: How Genius Hour can spark your students' creativity and love of learning," 20 percent time led to the creation of some of Google's most successful products including Gmail and Google Maps. As you read the article by Jennifer Fink, note the lessons learned by teachers that have implemented a Genius Hour practice into their curriculum by reflecting on these three questions. 

• What are some of the challenges teachers encountered when first implementing Genius Hour practice into their classrooms?
• How did teachers overcome these challenges?
• What benefits did teachers notice after implementing Genius Hour practice into their classrooms?

Learn more about Genius Hour with this Learn with INFOhio webinar, Support Ohio's Remote Learning with Quality Content from INFOhio: IWonder and Genius Hour.

Locating the IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide 

There are two ways to locate the IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide.

From IWonder resource box 

1. Go to the INFOhio homepage (www.infohio.org).
2. Click the Grades 6-8 button.
3. Scroll until you find IWonder and click the gray "i" in the right corner of the resource box.
4. Beneath Training and Support, select IWonder Genius Hour. 

From the IWonder webpage

1. Go to IWonder.
2. Click on Teacher Resources in the top right corner.
3. Beneath Training and Support, select IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide.

Exploring the Genius Hour Teacher's Guide

The teacher's guide is designed to help you implement a short and sustained Genius Hour project in your classroom.  Genius Hour is a great place to start with guided or free inquiry. Refer back to the class "What is Inquiry?" and "The Four Types of Inquiry?" lesson located in 6-12 Digital Resources Pathway to learn more. 

1. Begin by exploring the resources listed in the teacher's guide and consult the time needed for this short, yet sustained, inquiry activity. 
2. Skim the reading and writing anchor standard met through IWonder Genius Hour. Learn more about the Ohio Department of Education College and Career Readiness Standards for Reading and Writing by following the link here. 
3. Read through the lesson plan instructions once  and understand  the overview of the process.
4. Plan your time by dividing the lesson plan over the number of days you have set aside for Genius Hour. 
5. Make copies of the IWonder Genius Hour worksheet and any additional materials.

Exploring the Genius Hour Worksheet

The IWonder Genius Hour activity leads students through the inquiry process, helping students to strengthen their research skills. Students record what they learn about their topic on the IWonder Genius Hour Worksheet. The Genius Hour Worksheet, provided in two formats, can be shared or printed for student use. 

• PDF 
• Word.dox to customize for your students

Download an editable Genius Hour Worksheet. Once you have downloaded the Word.dox, below are options for customization. 

• Upload the worksheet into your Google Drive and Open with Google Docs.
• Share an editable version of the worksheet with students through your learning management system.
• Add or delete the number of websites or articles students must locate.

Reflecting on Your Learning

Answer these questions in the INFOhio Resources for Research Open Space group. Go to the Discussions tab and find the Genius Hour post. Reply to the thread and view other participants' responses.

1. What is one thing you are already doing in your classroom that will make implementing Genius Hour easier?
2. What is one challenge you anticipate when implementing Genius Hour in your classroom? 
3. What steps will you take to overcome this challenge?