What's in a name?

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/164240717634818781/

This is an elective where students will explore topics they are passionate about. You will research your topic, share your learning, and create a presentation. This class will be assessed and you will get a Grade 9 credit. What should we call it???

Some ideas I have are:

Genius hour: This name is already established to mean time where the individual determines what he or she wants to learn. In its original form it does not include formal assessment. Learning for the sake of learning! 

Passion project: This is also an established name but work called a passion project may be assessed more in school.

Exploration project: What the gr 8s are currently calling their project where they choose the topic.

Independent Studies Project

PBL elective

.... other ideas?

Steps in deciding...

1. Please take 5 min to come up with all the names you would like to call this class. Please write these on sticky notes.

2. All the sticky notes are put on the wall. Each person reads them all over.

3. Quietly, each person marks a check mark on their top 2 names. The names with no check marks are eliminated.

4. As a group discuss the pros and cons of the names and work on picking one. If the group can't easily agree on one, then the bottom ones are eliminated and the two or three remaining are discussed. Try to come to a consensus.

5. Tell Beth the name of the course she is teaching!


The course outline handout can be found here.