Genius Hour 2.0 with Lauren Lavelle

In this episode of the 10 Minute Teacher podcast, host Vicki Davis sits down with Lauren Lavelle to discuss the transformative educational approach known as Genius Hour. Recorded live at ISTE, the conversation delves into how Genius Hour has been revamped and integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum, offering students a full-year exploratory course that goes beyond traditional learning. Vicki and Lauren also touch on the importance of generational connectedness in education, emphasizing how mentors and older students can offer invaluable perspectives. Additionally, the episode explores the role of blogging in the Genius Hour process, serving as a tool for reflection and continuous improvement. 

Full transcript and show notes: https://www.coolcatteacher.com/e813 

Show Sponsor EVERFI

Want to prepare your students for career and life success but short on time? Busy teachers use EVERFI’s standards-aligned, research-based digital lessons, recently awarded with the ISTE Seal for high-quality curriculum, to teach students to thrive in an ever-changing world. Interactive, game-based lessons designed by experienced educators help you engage students at all grade levels and bring critical real-world skills like financial education, early literacy, character education, health & wellness, and more to your classroom. Thanks to partners, these lessons are FREE for all K-12 schools and students. With back-to-school season gearing up, now is an exciting time to give your students a jumpstart on their future.  Go to everfi.com/coolcat to learn more and sign up to get a virtual swag bag full of free goodies to get the school year off to a great start. 

Key Segments in this Podcast

Introduction to Genius Hour 2.0

Timestamp: 00:00:44:20 - 00:01:08:15

Description: Lauren Lavelle talks about the next iteration of Genius Hour, called Genius Hour 2.0, and how it's integrated into the sixth-grade curriculum.

The Importance of Generational Connectedness

Timestamp: 00:02:55:25 - 00:03:21:17

Description: Vicki Davis discusses the concept of generational connectedness and how it's important for students to see that they're part of a bigger world.

Blogging as a Reflective Process

Timestamp: 00:03:57:44 - 00:04:16:57

Description: Lauren explains that students are blogging throughout the Genius Hour process, focusing on reflection and continuous improvement.

Real-world Genius Hour Projects

Timestamp: 00:08:05:02 - 00:08:36:38

Description: Lauren shares an example of a student who created a pedaling system under his desk that also charges his Chromebook, exemplifying the real-world application of Genius Hour projects.

Hosts, Guests & Featured People:

• Lauren Lavelle @MrsLavelle
• Michael Davola @Mrdavolatech
• Jesse Lubinsky @jlubinsky

Resources:

• Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds by Julie Lindsay and Vicki Davis
• Google Sites - the student blog platform
• Google Forms - how students secure feedback from each other
• "Yes and" protocol with lesson plan and handout
• Google slides - how to automatically add transitions

News:

• Why You Should Give a Lightning Presentation

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored podcast episode.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via cash payment, gift, or something else of value to include a reference to their product. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers and are from companies I can recommend. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Check out this episode!