From simple machines to cat scratching posts, Agassiz Christian students showed their passions at the school’s first Genius Day event Wednesday (Feb. 6).
Set up like a science or heritage fair, Genius Day is meant to spark the students’ interest about learning, according to parent and Kindergarten teacher Melanie Victor.
“We wanted to really get into the kids passions so they can be passionate about learning,” she said. “I think it’s been successful in that the kids have become passionate. We hope that they become life-long learners and keep learning and exploring.”
Her Kindergarten students were given the challenge of seeing how something has changed over the years — Aria Notenbomer did her project on how mail has changed over time — and worked with their big buddies to research the topic. The students also did an interview with an expert in their topic, or someone who was knowledgeable about the history.
RELATED: Heritage Fair at Agassiz Christian School goes off without a hitch
Older grades used different formats to develop their genius projects. Katie Van Oort, Grade 7, looked at recipes from around the world and showcased samples of cookies and churros with her display. Victor’s son Elijah, Grade 5, delved into film making and produced his own 10-second stop-motion animation, which he said took an hour and a half to produce.
“He just talked to his sister, and his sister helped him find an app and they’re creating this stuff,” his mom said. “I still don’t know exactly how they all did it, but it came together.”
Other projects included examinations into swimming, gold mining, dairy farming, ice rinks, dog breeds and survival kits.
Check out more of the Genius Day projects here:
grace.kennedy@ahobserver.com
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