We love genius hour! Genius hour is where you allocate 1 hour of classroom time each week for student-led projects. The beauty of this time is that not only that this can very be much a time that student’s look forward to, it also can be a chance for you to identify hidden student skills or develop their skills further! Embedding genius hour into your weekly class schedule can be highly rewarding, however sometimes the challenge can be in providing stimulus to kickstart the ideas flowing. So with this in mind, here’s a list of ideas that you can give your students!

Downloadable PDF version for students

Genius Hour Ideas for Students

1. Create a podcast
2. Teach a younger student a skill
3. Build a website using WordPress, Wix or Squarespace
4. Film a science experiment
5. Make cartoon using Toony Tool
6. Build a Rube Goldberg machine
7. Learn to code using Scratch
8. Create a 3D model and print it
9. Make your own avatar with Bitmoji
10. Create a clay motion video
11. Begin a plant collection
12. Create a science toy
13. Raise money for charity
14. Plant a garden
15. Make a science song
16. Create a YouTube channel
17. Write a poem
18. Create a science cookery book
19. Investigate different careers
20. Write a book
21. Learn how to use a green screen
22. Link with another school for a shared project
23. Build a water-powered rocket
24. Grow crystals
25. Watch a student TED talk
26. Paint a picture
27. Skype a scientist
28. Make a simple motor
29. Pull apart a mechanical device and then put it back together.
30. Learn a new language
31. Make a birdhouse
32. Make an app
33. Solve a school issue
34. Invent something new!
35. Join a citizen science project
36. Learn photography
37. Create an exercise plan
38. Form a student forum or club
39. Learn morse code
40. Learn about local history from an elder
41. Identify birds in your area
42. Write a blog article
43. Make a science poster
44. Make a sculpture
45. Build a boat
46. Design a solar oven
47. Interview a teacher or local leader
48. Design a flag
49. Explore virtual or augmented reality
50. Create graphic designs with Canva

Downloadable PDF version for students

Some thoughts for students to consider

These ideas and investigations are just a starting point!

• Is there any current research happening now that you’d like to learn more about?

• What has been happening in your school?

• What has been happening beyond your school?

• What has made you say “Wow?” recently?

• Don’t be afraid to ask for materials & support

• Have fun with this, genius hour is your time!

So, what are you waiting for? Have fun and start building new skills!

Further enrichment ideas

Create a science festival at your school. You can also enrich this day with a science show, workshop or STEM activity!

• Primary science visits
• High school science visits
• Online programs

Happy teaching

Ben Newsome CF