Developing Our Passions
We will start by examining information from a very erudite source. We will learn from the masters at TED Talks to start the unit, and we will similarly end the unit with Ted. The point of Ted talks is often to promote or start a discussion. Some teachers have used them effectively with novel studies or to make connections.
In our class, we have looked at Shawn Achor's work and then undertaken his suggestions.
Other teachers have taken a more synthesis based approach --- Ie: What advice would the Ted Talk speaker have for the character in your novel (in a sense, students could empower themselves over their learning and find a Ted talk that suits their novel and do that).
Today, we will view a humorous Ted talk (two options below) and discuss. Our goal is to look at how great presenters show their learning, since at the end of this unit, you will also show your learning in an engaging manner.
In our class, we have looked at Shawn Achor's work and then undertaken his suggestions.
Other teachers have taken a more synthesis based approach --- Ie: What advice would the Ted Talk speaker have for the character in your novel (in a sense, students could empower themselves over their learning and find a Ted talk that suits their novel and do that).
Today, we will view a humorous Ted talk (two options below) and discuss. Our goal is to look at how great presenters show their learning, since at the end of this unit, you will also show your learning in an engaging manner.
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Now students get a chance to go online and find a Ted-Talk they are interested in. They may use computer lab or their own personal devices.
Notice format - always have a compelling story; then teach something; then examples; then a thoughtful conclusion.
We will complete the Ted assignment below.
Trouble finding a great Ted Talk:
1. http://mashable.com/2013/07/08/ted-talks-change-your-life/#JIIu.2P6uiqp (15 Ted Talks that will change your life)
2. https://www.ted.com/playlists/180/the_10_most_popular_tedx_talks (Ten Most watched Ted Talks)
3. https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all (Most popular Ted talks of all time)
Notice format - always have a compelling story; then teach something; then examples; then a thoughtful conclusion.
We will complete the Ted assignment below.
Trouble finding a great Ted Talk:
1. http://mashable.com/2013/07/08/ted-talks-change-your-life/#JIIu.2P6uiqp (15 Ted Talks that will change your life)
2. https://www.ted.com/playlists/180/the_10_most_popular_tedx_talks (Ten Most watched Ted Talks)
3. https://www.ted.com/playlists/171/the_most_popular_talks_of_all (Most popular Ted talks of all time)
tedassignment.pdf | |
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Instructions Assignment --- See Separate Tab Under English 11 for a more comprehensive look at the unit, with pictures etc.
Instructions assignment. Goal, to scaffold clarity for our eventual Ted Talk assignment or our Passion project which will broader audience.
1. hook - Mr. Fitton will either make a sandwich or put on a pair of coveralls using only student instructions (student will look at class, Mr. Fitton will follow instructions behind them - student cannot look back).
-Or class will have to get into partners and Mr. Fitton will provide an object that one partner can describe, and the other has to draw... but can only describe (not allowed to look at the person's picture)
2. Go over "Ultimate Manskills Guide" and students can pick one to explain to the class.
3. Write own instructions assignment (clarity, conciseness, pictures).
1. hook - Mr. Fitton will either make a sandwich or put on a pair of coveralls using only student instructions (student will look at class, Mr. Fitton will follow instructions behind them - student cannot look back).
-Or class will have to get into partners and Mr. Fitton will provide an object that one partner can describe, and the other has to draw... but can only describe (not allowed to look at the person's picture)
2. Go over "Ultimate Manskills Guide" and students can pick one to explain to the class.
3. Write own instructions assignment (clarity, conciseness, pictures).
directions_assignment.docx | |
File Size: | 43 kb |
File Type: | docx |
Identity Day Project
1. We do an "Identity Day" borrowed from George Couros. This will give us a sense of what students are interested in.
https://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/791
The thought behind Identity Day was that every single student and staff member would share something that they were passionate about and create some type of display or presentation to show this interest. This would be similar to a science fair, but it was specific to the interests of each individual. This was done for all grades from 1-6 and all staff. Although there was certain criteria that was expected to be met for this day, there were no marks for the projects. It was all about learning about other people in the school, while also learning about yourself. Basically, you could share anything in any way you wanted.
Since it was the first year of this school-wide initiative, our Assistant Principal went around with each class and discussed the project several months ahead of time. The process was simple; you were to collect items to show one thing that you were passionate about and write a short paragraph that said what it is you were sharing and why you were sharing it. This made it simple enough that all ages could do it, but also ensured that it was powerful for all students.
Identity Day is day dedicated to students/teachers interests that they want to share. The students (and teachers too) create a project on themselves but there is no criteria, no grade and no set topic. It is then set up like a ‘science fair’ or museum where people can go and read/talk to others.
- Students/Teachers are doing a project on themselves and what they are interested in. For example: I might do a project on my favorite author because I like to read or on Yoga as that is a hobby I enjoy verse something on education because that is my passion.
Non-Fiction Information Circles
Non-Fiction Information Circles
-Mr. Fitton got a sense of what students were interested in. He then provided this information to the teacher librarian who helped us find articles on topics so that we can do an information circle.
-We will use this as the basis of our "passion project"
-Mr. Fitton got a sense of what students were interested in. He then provided this information to the teacher librarian who helped us find articles on topics so that we can do an information circle.
-We will use this as the basis of our "passion project"
- Fun article to pick out definitions in (as a practice) Or high interest articles.
-Then find them in a documentary.
-Then find them in a documentary.
informational_text_def.docx | |
File Size: | 159 kb |
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Passion Project
Mr. Fitton will go over some material from "The Inquiry Mindset" by Trevor Mackenzie and Rebecca Bathurst-Hunt. Then we will do an Inquiry!
1. We will start our passion project / Geek Out Blog / Learn Deeply about Something Project, with a video about the teaching philosophy of teaching "Questions" and about matching the right students with the right problems in order that they can regain their natural curiosity and begin deeply and genuinely learning. Discuss when done.
"A quick thought about the disconnect between how we prepare kids for work and how work actually operates:
In school, problems almost always are clearly defined, confined to a single discipline, and have one right answer.
But in the workplace, they’re practically the opposite. Problems are usually poorly defined, multi-disciplinary, and have several possible answers, none of them perfect.
Are timed, standardized tests the way to ready youngsters for real-world problem-solving?"
-Daniel Pink
In school, problems almost always are clearly defined, confined to a single discipline, and have one right answer.
But in the workplace, they’re practically the opposite. Problems are usually poorly defined, multi-disciplinary, and have several possible answers, none of them perfect.
Are timed, standardized tests the way to ready youngsters for real-world problem-solving?"
-Daniel Pink
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Hello Class: I am excited to announce that we will get a chance to research anything we are interested in. As we embark on our Genius hour challenge, I am want to show you some actual research articles from University Level Professors. We will not watch the last 45 seconds as it is inappropriate for school. These are the types of questions we will avoid during our journey. |
I am excited to try out some new concepts that are gaining traction in Schools. They go by many names - "Genius Hour," "Passion Project," "20% Project" or even "Geek out Blogs."
Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom. It provides students a choice in what they learn during a set period of time during school.
Genius Hour Origins: The search-engine giant, Google, allows it’s engineers to spend 20% of their time to work on any pet project that they want. The idea is very simple. Allow people to work on something that interests them, and productivity will go up. Google’s policy has worked so well that it has been said that 50% of Google’s projects have been created during this creative time period. Ever heard of Gmail or Google News? These projects are creations by passionate developers that blossomed from their their 20% time projects.
Genius hour is a movement that allows students to explore their own passions and encourages creativity in the classroom. It provides students a choice in what they learn during a set period of time during school.
Genius Hour Origins: The search-engine giant, Google, allows it’s engineers to spend 20% of their time to work on any pet project that they want. The idea is very simple. Allow people to work on something that interests them, and productivity will go up. Google’s policy has worked so well that it has been said that 50% of Google’s projects have been created during this creative time period. Ever heard of Gmail or Google News? These projects are creations by passionate developers that blossomed from their their 20% time projects.
Genius Hour Lesson Sequence
1. To start our Unit on "Genius Hour" we will look to the inspirational words of "Kid President" who will remind us to try new things and to work hard. You are awesome, kids! Then onto a teacher who explains the importance of "Genius Hour" and an explanation.
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-How to hel2. http://www.geniushour.com/2013/03/31/genius-hour-project-introdutions/ - Intro to watch is Genius hour. As a class, we will look at some of his simple rules on a slideshow.
3. Now it is time to choose your topic. Some topics I might be interested in would be "Fishing in the area around Penticton" or "How to best Parent my Son" or "How to be Happy" "Or more information about how to use a movie making program more powerful than iMovie" "or more information on Teenage Anxiety, Depression and Mental Fitness."
After you choose your topic, you need to refine an inquiry/Genius hour question and think about what you will need to answer the question. It should not be a simple, yes or no question. It should require research and work to delve into. If you would prefer, think of this as a "Wonder Week" where you get to explore a burning question you've been wondering about.
Remember, research and the creation of your project need not be done on computer. Researching from an Elder, or a parent, or a professional can work as well as computer/book/academic research.
If you plan to do a "Geek Out Blog" - Check out - http://www.spencerauthor.com/geek-out-projects/
-Read extensively on the item you want to learn more about; read articles, discuss them
As a class, let's generate a list of topics or projects. WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT/DEVELOPING?
Some topics our class / other classes / past classes have come up with include:
-How to create a blow gun
-Re-build an Engine
-A website documenting how to create wooden bangles
-How to create a deer-skin drum
-How to skin a deer or prepare a bird from hunting to cooking to ceremonial/spiritual uses
-How to fix a porsche
-How to bake difficult items (baked Alaska)
-Working out/Exercising
-Sleep
-Smoking Meat (wild game)
-Parkour
-Video Games
-Happiness
-Grunge rock and Country and Hiphop
-How to help a friend with Depression
-Snowboarding
-How to spread and promote kindness
-Martial Arts demonstrations presented in an artistic (comic form)
-A website for how to speak basic Swahili
-Creating a fitness and diet plan to maximize muscle mass, lifting ability or to shred
4. As a class, we will decide on the presentation criteria. The means of demonstrating your learning journey should be something you can share with a larger audience. Will you document with video? Pictures? A Website? A Blog. How will you share your learning and your passion with the world?
5. Here is a sheet we will fill out.
3. Now it is time to choose your topic. Some topics I might be interested in would be "Fishing in the area around Penticton" or "How to best Parent my Son" or "How to be Happy" "Or more information about how to use a movie making program more powerful than iMovie" "or more information on Teenage Anxiety, Depression and Mental Fitness."
After you choose your topic, you need to refine an inquiry/Genius hour question and think about what you will need to answer the question. It should not be a simple, yes or no question. It should require research and work to delve into. If you would prefer, think of this as a "Wonder Week" where you get to explore a burning question you've been wondering about.
Remember, research and the creation of your project need not be done on computer. Researching from an Elder, or a parent, or a professional can work as well as computer/book/academic research.
If you plan to do a "Geek Out Blog" - Check out - http://www.spencerauthor.com/geek-out-projects/
-Read extensively on the item you want to learn more about; read articles, discuss them
As a class, let's generate a list of topics or projects. WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE ABOUT/DEVELOPING?
Some topics our class / other classes / past classes have come up with include:
-How to create a blow gun
-Re-build an Engine
-A website documenting how to create wooden bangles
-How to create a deer-skin drum
-How to skin a deer or prepare a bird from hunting to cooking to ceremonial/spiritual uses
-How to fix a porsche
-How to bake difficult items (baked Alaska)
-Working out/Exercising
-Sleep
-Smoking Meat (wild game)
-Parkour
-Video Games
-Happiness
-Grunge rock and Country and Hiphop
-How to help a friend with Depression
-Snowboarding
-How to spread and promote kindness
-Martial Arts demonstrations presented in an artistic (comic form)
-A website for how to speak basic Swahili
-Creating a fitness and diet plan to maximize muscle mass, lifting ability or to shred
4. As a class, we will decide on the presentation criteria. The means of demonstrating your learning journey should be something you can share with a larger audience. Will you document with video? Pictures? A Website? A Blog. How will you share your learning and your passion with the world?
5. Here is a sheet we will fill out.
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Some Tips! What will help you out!
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Below are some documents that can help us on our journey.
Things to think about during EVERY single Passion Project Class
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Here are some student examples.
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Things to Think about: Daily Self Check ins and Checklist
- What do you need from me (the teacher)?
- What’s your newest knowledge?
- What would you never do again?
A video about the Launch Cycle - Design thinking framework
Other Resources: https://youtu.be/LhQWrHQwYTk
Possible Rubric and Grading Options
Possible Rubric and Grading Options
genius_hour_-_rubric.docx | |
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myp-9-10-individuals-societies-rubric1.docx | |
File Size: | 94 kb |
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See below for some student examples from 2017/2018
Some students used Google slides as well.
How to build a garden bed: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IKEuB8_qeQFpip1ESQAQFfbN0fXxHTR74lxuyWSISPs/edit?ts=5d0bc949#slide=id.p
Student Made Websites about their passions:
https://sites.google.com/view/video-games-and-the-world/home (The Good and Positive Aspects of Video Games)
https://ehollenbeck125.wixsite.com/website - Site on how to help people with depression
https://bretthammer100.wixsite.com/happiness/blog/how-do-you-help-someone-be-happy - Site on how to increase happiness
https://kyleconquergood.wixsite.com/passionproject/project - Site created by a student who's passion was to fix their Dad's luxury sport scar
https://lexiholmberg.wixsite.com/abaforava - A Website on ABA for Autism Treatment
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bulking.pdf | |
File Size: | 898 kb |
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humor_-_lysons.docx | |
File Size: | 471 kb |
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Teach Yourself Via Youtube Project
Try something new / teach self on youtube
Make own Ted talk or internet uploaded resource to help others learn something.
Documentary Mini-Unit
-Students / Class choose a documentary to view as another way to practice non-fiction terms.
-Students / Class choose a documentary to view as another way to practice non-fiction terms.