Download Genius Hour - History with Ms. Osborn

Genius Hour
Projects that encourage student choice through rigorous self-led
research on topics of their choosing.
Genius Hour Project
Social Studies courses assess a student’s ability to determine causation, continuity
and change over time, determine characteristics of a certain historical period, find
a comparison between historical events and periods, put historical events in the
context of the period in which they occurred, formulate a historical argument
based on evidence, analyze different historical interpretations, and make
connections across time periods to reveal how certain events reveal the nature of
future events. All of these skills will be used and assessed in this research project.
So… what is
Genius Hour?
Genius Hour Project
Students will be allowed to choose a specific topic of their choice in World History
and complete an argumentative research project that is composed of three parts:
research paper, product, and a presentation. The research paper will be based off
of a driving historical question that will guide the student’s inquiry throughout the
project. The product will reflect what the student learned about their particular
topic. The presentation will give the student the opportunity to share what they
learned about their topic and their product with others.
Genius Hour Project
The project is called “Genius Hour” because it will take place over the course of the
semester during a teacher selected one-hour period every week. This “Genius
Hour” time will vary from week to week. It is the expectation that 90% of the work
on this project will be completed during this time in class. Resources during this
time will be available on the basis of the project. Some “Genius Hour” periods will
be spent in the classroom, some in the computer lab, and some in the school
library. If a student misses a “Genius Hour” class period they may be required to
make up the time during a HOT Lunch tutorial.
Genius Hour Project – Research Paper
The research paper will exhibit what the student has learned about their particular
topic in World History by creating a historical argument based on their driving
question, citing sources to reflect their research, and then synthesizing the event to
create a deeper understanding of their research on historical understanding. The
research paper will be a reflection of the student’s own historical interpretation of
their topic of choice.
Genius Hour Project – Product
The product will reflect what the student has learned about their particular topic in
a visual way. The student’s product should represent the topic that they chose. For
example, if the student is researching the societal impact of soccer in 1980s the
student might create a diorama of women’s soccer uniforms vs. men’s soccer
uniforms. The teacher must approve all product ideas by
_______________________. At this time students must also make any wish list
requests for any items that they may have difficulty obtaining on their own.
Genius Hour Project – Presentation
During the Presentation student will present their product and their research to
school officials, parents, and other community members. The presentation will
occur in a gallery walk with eight students presenting per round. During the
presentation students will have the opportunity to present their research via
poster, PowerPoint, Prezi, or any other presentation format.
Genius Hour Project – Other Requirements
Research Proposal
Research Binder
Before writing, students must
complete a project proposal and have
the proposal approved by another
teacher other. The teacher must sign
off on their project proposal. This
teacher may give feedback or
suggestions to the student on their
research topic. The proposal must be
turned in to the teacher for approval
by
______________________________.
The research binder is a compilation of the
student’s research during their project. The
binder should be organized by bibliographical
source and be a record of what the student
learned from that particular source about
their topic. Student should include 3 sources
if academic level, 5 sources if honors level,
and 7 sources if AP level in their research
binder. Research binder will be turned in with
the paper, product, and presentation on
_____________________.
Expectations
It is the expectation that students will complete 90% of the project during class
time including research proposal, research, paper, product, and presentation. This
will require that the student use their class time appropriately and remains focused
on their project for the duration of the class period. The teacher will be available to
answer any questions and assist with each part of the project as students are
working. Students may also complete project during HOT Lunch Tutorials on
Wednesdays and Fridays. If a student misses a “Genius Hour” class period they may
be required to make up the time during a HOT Lunch tutorial.
Grading and Due Dates
Grading
Major Due Dates
 Paper will be graded for a MAJOR
grade.

Genius Hour Project Proposal due October 7.

Research Binder Check (at least 3 sources present with citation
and research notes) due ___________________.
 Product will be graded as a MINOR
grade.

Research Binder Check (at least 5 sources present with citation
and research notes) due ___________________.

Rough Draft of Research Paper due _________________.

Product Proposal due ________________.

Research paper, product, and presentation due December 15.

Research Symposium on December 16.
 Presentation will be graded for a
MINOR grade.
 Research proposal and binder will
be graded as CLASSWORK grades.
World History Topics
 Prehistory: Paleolithic Era, Neolithic Era
 Colonialism
 Early Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India,
Rome, Greece
 Enlightenment
 World Religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism,
etc.
 World War I
 Revolutions: Haitian Revolution, French Revolution
 The Dark Ages (Middle Ages): Europe and Asia
 Between the World Wars
 African Civilizations
 World War II
 Pre-European Civilizations in North America: Mayans
and Incas
 The Cold War
 The Renaissance
 The Age of Exploration
 Protestant Reformation
 Absolutism
 Post War World: Mohandas Gandhi, Israeli Palestinian
Conflict, NATO, NAFTA, Global Economy.
 Narrowing Topics: Technology, Politics, Trade and
Economy, War and Military, Society and Culture,
Migration, Laws, Agriculture and the Environment.
 Students may choose another World History topic of
their choice with teacher approval.