Student Name:
Parent Signature:
Exploratorium - Agenda for August 31st-September 4th, 2015
Big Question: How do gifted learners develop the critical and creative thinking skills
required to successfully navigate the 21st century?
Words to Think About:
“If a proper inquiry question has been asked, no
answer could possibly be final enough to end
exploration and discussion, no matter how impressive it sounds.
The ideal response to answers therefore, should be to
call for further answers and further questioning of all answers”
Wiggins and McTighe
Statements to think about and add to:*
A 21st century learner needs to be self-aware.
A 21st century learner to needs to ask questions and understand
metacognition.
The origins of an individual identity are complex.
Questions for August:
What are the principles of Genius Hour?
What is identity? What is myth? What are the narratives and myths that impact you,
your culture, and your perspective?
How does analyzing “The Hero’s Journey” improve your ability to influence the story of
your identity?
What can we learn from Greek mythology about the power of myth in shaping identity?
The Story So Far …
Archetypes, Heroes, Quests, Journeys …We ended our month with Jung, Campbell and
Perseus. We developed an evaluated our presentation skills using The Hero’s Journey
and Archetypes in story and myth.
And Now:
We begin our individual endeavors or Genius Hour projects. This week will provide time
to investigate both a question of our won and the processes involved in Genius Hour.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE for August - September: Have you
addressed some or all of the weekly questions in your journal?
Week 1: Can you answer all the questions from week 1? Can you argue your position
with evidence?
Story - We are shaped by the stories we tell and the stories we hear. Since recorded history and
probably since the beginning of man, story has been a defining characteristic of being a human.
Generate questions about the story of you.
Why do we need story?
Who tells the story of you?
How does media impact the message? What are some 21st century media that are both gifts and
curses in your story?
Week 2:
Myth: - By studying the myths of a culture, you can learn how people in that culture
thought, lived and expressed themselves.
Generate questions about both Greek myths and personal myths.
What is a myth?
How are stories and myths different?
What is a hero? What is “the hero’s journey?”
Week 3 and 4:
Individual Endeavor: Story, Myth and Identity - Go deeper. Find something you
want to know more about. Ask a question. Present your answer / data in class on
Friday, September 4th.
ASSESSED TASKS:
1. Note-taking and Journal Reflections
2. The Hero’s Journey Presentation
3. Mythological Me – “Fakebook” Page
TASKS: WEEK 4 : Complete all in class assignments.
DON’T PANIC!
1. Refine your plan for record keeping and reflecting.
2. Keep a list of topics you might want to investigate in an ID or
Genius Hour Project.
3. Use these and other questions to begin you “Genius Hour”
journey. Be the hero /heroine of your own story.
4. TREMONT TRIP INFORMATION and forms.
5. Science Olympiad Parent / Student Meetings – This Friday
Contact information:
1. Clayton School District Website – Teachers
2. Sandrasermos@claytonschools.net or 314.306.4393 please text
JohnDeGuire@claytonschools.net