TAG Week #8

Genius Hour!

This week in TAG, most classes had a flexible, shortened schedule due to IOWA testing, so we spent our TAG time working on Genius Hour projects!

Students in all grades have now committed to a Genius Hour topic and developed their Driving Question(s). All students have defined what they want to spend their allotted Genius Hour time learning about in TAG. Next week, students will continue with their Genius Hour projects by conducting research. I have asked all students to please bring in one print resource pertaining to their Driving Question or topic. This could be a book from the school or local library, a magazine article, something they've printed from the internet, an encyclopedia entry, etc. Students are also encouraged to bring in a device if they have one available to use next week for research. 

All classes also watched an awesome, inspirational 10 minute video called "Caine's Arcade." Caine is a boy living in East LA who created his own arcade using recycled boxes from his dad's used auto parts store. We discussed Caine's "genius" and what character traits led him to be so successful with his project of constructing a cardboard arcade: determination, perseverance, and research and observation skills. Although Caine's Arcade was probably not an assigned Genius Hour project, he certainly demonstrated many of the IB attitudes and profiles I encourage students to use everyday: risk-taker, thinker, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, inquirer, and more! Please take a moment to check out the video, or watch it again with your child. It was certainly a favorite activity this week in TAG!

As always, thank you for your support! 
   Mrs. Husack