STEP 1: ESSENTIAL QUESTION
The purpose of Genius Hour is not just to summarize all that you can on your topic; instead you need to build on your
understanding of the topic, to become an expert on the topic. Your learning will answer an Essential Question.
An Essential Question will not have one final, correct answer; it will spark thought and sometimes debate. Often an
Essential Question will raise additional questions as you try to answer it. An Essential Question cannot be answered by
simple facts, or a “yes/no” answer. It will require support and justification, not just an answer. If you can easily Google
the answer to your question and find it quickly, it isn’t an Essential Question.
Essential Questions usually start with these kind of words:
How does this affect…?
Why does it matter that…?
How could things be different if…?
What is more important…?
What/Which is the best….?
What is the difference between…?
What if…?
Should this…?
Why does…?
Which one is best/most deserving/most useful/most effective/etc.?
How could this be implemented?
What would the result be if…?
What is the relationship between…?
How could this be improved?
How do you…?
The purpose of Genius Hour is not just to summarize all that you can on your topic; instead you need to build on your
understanding of the topic, to become an expert on the topic. Your learning will answer an Essential Question.
An Essential Question will not have one final, correct answer; it will spark thought and sometimes debate. Often an
Essential Question will raise additional questions as you try to answer it. An Essential Question cannot be answered by
simple facts, or a “yes/no” answer. It will require support and justification, not just an answer. If you can easily Google
the answer to your question and find it quickly, it isn’t an Essential Question.
Essential Questions usually start with these kind of words:
How does this affect…?
Why does it matter that…?
How could things be different if…?
What is more important…?
What/Which is the best….?
What is the difference between…?
What if…?
Should this…?
Why does…?
Which one is best/most deserving/most useful/most effective/etc.?
How could this be implemented?
What would the result be if…?
What is the relationship between…?
How could this be improved?
How do you…?