This document outlines the steps of Genius Hour, a project that allows students to independently research and create a product on a self-chosen topic over 3 months. Students will brainstorm topics, create an elevator pitch to propose their topic, plan their study with goals and timelines, research and document their findings, and finally present their completed project to the class. The goal is for students to learn a new skill or investigate an interest of their choosing.

1. Introduction to
Genius Hour

2. What is
Genius
Hour?

3. What Will You Study?
• The project is a time for you to learn how
to do something new or to pursue a topic
that interests you most.
• You can select a problem to solve, an issue
to debate, a topic to investigate, or a
product to create.
• The topic can be anything you want as
long as it is appropriate and can be
researched or experimented.

4. How Will the Project
Work?
• The project will be completed
independently and in stages over the
next 3 months.
• 60 minutes each week will be given to
work on the project.
• Google Sites will be used to keep us
informed of your progress and
learning.

5. Step 1: Brainstorm and
Choose a Topic
During this phase of Genius Hour, you will decide
on the topic that you wish to investigate. Here are
some questions to help you get started:
• If I could spend all day on one project or
activity, what would it be?
• What activity or skill has always interested me?
• What topic do I really want to know more
about?
• If I could choose my own classes for next year,
what would they be, and why?
Tip: When selecting a topic for your project, try to
word it as a thick question.

6. Step 2: Create an
Elevator Pitch
During this phase of Genius Hour, you will
propose your idea/topic to the class and teacher.
You will have 30 seconds to propose your idea.
Here are some question to consider when
making your pitch:
• What’s the issue? OR What do you want to
learn about?
• Why are you choosing this topic for your
project?
• What will you be doing in the next 3 months?
Tip: You may consider using a 3-4 slide Google
Slides presentation as reference during your
pitch.

7. Step 3: Plan Your Study
• Create a project proposal based on the
input of your teacher and peers.
• Use Google Calendar to plan out the
steps of completing the project based
on the timeline and your goals set.
• Meet with your teacher to discuss your
plan and get it approved.

8. Step 4: Gather Information
and Create Product
• Document your research in a journal or blog
format.
• Do not copy and paste the information word for
word. Use your own words.
• All resources used must pass the CRAAP test.
• Both in-print and online resources must be used. A
minimum of 5 resources should be cited.
• All Genius Hour Projects must have a product. It
can be a website, a video, a Prezi or Google slides
presentation.

9. Step 5: Present
• You will have 3-5 minutes to present
your research and work.
• Final presentations can be presented
live or pre-recorded.
• All presentations should be carefully
written using proper grammar and
spelling, choregraphed and rehearsed.

10. And Now a
Word from
Kid President!