Learning Objective

• Learn how to use IWonder Genius Hour. 

What is Genius Hour?

Genius Hour developed from a practice known as "20 percent time." Google started 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 who have implemented a Genius Hour practice into their curriculum by reflecting on these three questions. 

• Which challenges do teachers encounter when implementing genius hour practice in their classrooms?
• How do teachers overcome these challenges?
• What benefits do teachers notice after implementing Genius Hour practice in their classrooms?

Locate the IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide 

Find the IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide from the resource page. 

1. Go to the INFOhio homepage www.infohio.org.
2. Click the Grades K-5 or Grades 6-8 button.
3. Scroll until you find IWonder and click the blue "i" in the right corner of the resource box.
4. Select IWonder Genius Hour Teacher's Guide

Exploring the Genius Hour Teacher's Guide

Use the teacher's guide for a short and sustained genius hour project with your students.  Genius Hour is a great place to start with guided or free inquiry. 

1. Explore the resources listed in the teacher's guide. Consult the time needed for this short and sustained inquiry activity. 
2. Read through the lesson plan instructions. Understand the overview of the process.
3. Plan your time by dividing the lesson plan over the days you have set aside for the genius hour activity. 
4. 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 and strengthens 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 
• Editable Word Document 

Reflecting on Your Learning

Answer these questions in the Open Spave group INFOhio Resources for Research . 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?