1. Genius Hour
Projects that encourage student choice through rigorous self-led research on topics of their choosing.

2. Genius Hour Project So… what is Genius Hour?
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?

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 _____________________.

9. 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.

10. Grading and Due Dates Grading Major Due Dates
Paper will be graded for a MAJOR grade.
Product will be graded as a MINOR grade.
Presentation will be graded for a MINOR grade.
Research proposal and binder will be graded as CLASSWORK grades.
Genius Hour Project Proposal due October 7.
Research Binder Check (at least 3 sources present with citation and research notes) due ___________________.
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.

11. World History Topics Prehistory: Paleolithic Era, Neolithic Era
Early Civilizations: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, India, Rome, Greece
World Religions: Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, etc.
The Dark Ages (Middle Ages): Europe and Asia
African Civilizations
Pre-European Civilizations in North America: Mayans and Incas
The Renaissance
The Age of Exploration
Protestant Reformation
Absolutism
Colonialism
Enlightenment
Revolutions: Haitian Revolution, French Revolution
World War I
Between the World Wars
World War II
The Cold War
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.