Amanda Schwarz and Christine Hurley

Schwarz’s and Hurley’s innovative teaching idea, “Genius Hour,” is focused on empowering students to select a topic that inspires them and apply the skills they learn in science and project execution to develop a product from start to finish. Students will first pick a research topic, create several inquiry questions and then submit a proposal. Once approved, Schwarz and Hurley will act as facilitators and provide guidance to students as they work to bring their product to life. The type of projects students will undertake is only limited by their imagination, but most will likely focus on computer programming, robotics and engineering. The teaching duo hopes students will learn to apply their talents to topics they are passionate about while also becoming better critical thinkers.