Roesland Sixth Graders Host Genius Hour

After weeks of extensive research, the creation of artworks, videos and webpages, Roesland sxith graders opened the doors to the community this spring to share “History Genius Hour.”

The culmination of this quarter-long project drew Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson, state representatives, Roeland Park city officials, state school board member Melanie Haas, and numerous family members and friends to the presentation event.

Weeks prior, students started their Genius Hour projects by selecting a historical topic they found interesting. Then, they started researching, dedicating two weeks of book notetaking and digital notetaking. Their research was followed by completing multiple components for their project, including websites that featured a home page with an introduction, three content pages, an artifact page, bibliography page, an instructional video, four resourced images, and a bibliography. Students also created an original art piece and museum placard to further share what they had learned.

With so many components to this project, starting with four weeks of research and culminating with public speaking and conversation, this was much harder than any daily assignments or wiring assignments in class, Sixth grade teacher Michelle Tapko shared. Yet, every student finished.

“They all showed learning, and they all required perseverance over an entire quarter,” she explained. “I believe this project was valued by students because they knew they would be presenting to a legitimate, authentic audience, not just turning it in for a grade.”

Lea Davis shared a project on Alexander the Great. She was initially interested in the topic because several family members have Alexander in their name. She was particularly interested in information she learned about his horse, Bucephalus. For her art project, she created body armor out of a cardboard box and papier-mâché.

“I was nervous, but I learned a lot,” Davis said. “I learned I can do a bunch of tasks at the same time.”

Miguel Galindo, sixth grader, focused on Tikal in Guatemala, because his family is from Guatemala, he said. The project helped him learn much more about Mayan history and culture. He said he was especially interested in learning about the resilience of Mayan culture. 

“When I feel sad or anxious about something, when I think about the Mayans, I feel braver,” he shared.

One of the best parts about working on this project was the chance to work independently and work at your own pace, even though there were deadlines, sixth grader Amelia Ott shared about her experience working on an Alexander the Great project.

“It seemed overwhelming at first, Ott reflected. “But I’ve learned I can break it down and take it step by step.”  

“My biggest goal for students through this very intense process is to prove to themselves that they can do hard things…and do them well!” Tapko shared about the project. “I’d say mission accomplished for this year’s students!”