All Activities

The Wonderful World of Feelings

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Whole Body, Whole Self

The Wonderful World of Feelings

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this opening activity, students will explore their emotions and feelings by using a worksheet with pictures. This activity is a great way to start the class, as it helps understand the emotional state students are in when they arrive.

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One Thing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

One Thing

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this closing, reflection activity, students think actively about doing something positive before the next time they meet. When students can think about kindness without prompting, and it becomes second nature, they are displaying positive character qualities and building empathy skills. Empathy encourages kindness, cooperation, and sharing, and it helps youth learn how to support one another. It also promotes emotional intelligence, allowing them to manage their own feelings better and respond to others in caring, thoughtful ways.

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Action Packed ABC

Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

Action Packed ABC

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

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Celebrating Earth Day

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Celebrating Earth Day

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

This activity allows children to take action for the planet and express their ideas for change.

The first Earth Day, founded by Gaylord Nelson, was celebrated in 1970 to mobilize citizens around growing environmental concerns such as toxic waterways, the polluted atmosphere, litter, and dangerous chemicals. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the U.S. — took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate a healthy, sustainable environment. By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day led to creating the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide and is marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and advocate for policy changes.

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What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about key events and ideas of the Cold War. They begin by watching a primary source video from the Federal Civil Defense Administration and discuss the origins of the term “duck and cover.” Students then break into small teams to read articles on key events and aspects of the Cold War. After doing research, students take on the role of television news broadcasters to report on the events.

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Case Studies of Business Failures

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Case Studies of Business Failures

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

“Too big to fail” is a popular phrase in business, but what exactly causes a once-thriving company to fail? In most cases, there is not a single answer to this question because several factors often contribute to driving a company to the brink of going out of business or actually pushing it over that edge, as students will discover during this activity.

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Superhero Lair Part 2

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Superhero Lair Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students continue to read books about superheroes, finish their superhero lairs, and start to work on comic strips.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 activity series: Creating a Superhero, Creating Superhero Suits, Superhero Lair Part 1, Superhero Lair Part 2, and Superhero Comics.

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Run-of-Show B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Run-of-Show B

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Final preparation for interview mastery! In today’s lesson, students polish their run-of-shows to perfection.

This is lesson 30 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

The only way to conquer the animal kingdom and find your lost teammates is to close your eyes and scream out your animal sounds!

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Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students read articles in children’s magazines and explore reading in large groups, small groups, and individually.

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Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students learn and play 3 playground games that originated in different places around the world. Then they vote on their favorite game to play again. This activity builds listening and cooperative learning skills and promotes physical fitness.

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Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

What would your mobile device, bank card, and fridge say about you? Let's find out!

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Simple Clay Animal Figures

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Simple Clay Animal Figures

OregonASK

3 - 12

30 Minutes

Students create animal figures by using clay and their hands. Also, students learn about the symbolic meanings that animals bring to all cultures, especially the Mayans.

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Fish, Birds, and Mammals

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Animals can be categorized in many different ways. Scientists and community scientists use taxonomy or the system used to sort living things. One way animals are classified is by phylum-sorting animals into categories starting with first, whether they have a backbone or no backbone.

Elementary-aged children do not need to know the scientific systems by which animals are categorized, but they do need to begin observing and identifying characteristics that place-specific animals in specific groups. For this activity, children will focus on fish, birds, and mammals.

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Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Interview Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to conduct mock job interviews. They evaluate the interview process from the perspective of both the applicant and the employer.

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Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Whole Body, Whole Self, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore the positive and negative effects of social media and whether it affects mental health. First, students work in small groups to research how social media affects people. Then, they discuss their personal experiences with social media and how it affected them.

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Democracy in Action

We The People, Belonging and Community

Democracy in Action

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students model aspects of democracy as practiced in the United States. They form political parties, hold an election, and observe their representative decide issues that affect their lives as students. Students learn that in many ways our government functions differently than its founders had intended.

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The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

We The People, Belonging and Community

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore significant examples of ways people have exercised their right to assemble, and they model assembling for a purpose of their own choosing. Students will practice key skills including decision-making, collaboration, and advocacy.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students use mechanical engineering to build a catapult that will fling a marshmallow projectile, testing and modifying it for speed, aim, and distance.

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Helicopter Engineering

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Helicopter Engineering

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students work in teams to engineer an optimal paper helicopter design

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Paper Structures

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Paper Structures

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students explore how to support weight using lightweight materials to build a structure.

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Difficult Decisions

Belonging and Community, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Difficult Decisions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students role-play in groups to act out a business-related conflict and work together to resolve the conflict.

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Respecting Others

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respecting Others

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn that everyone has traits that make them unique and play a game to explore their similarities and differences.

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Make a Counting Book

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Stories and Perspectives

Make a Counting Book

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children make pages for a counting book for the numbers 1 through 20. This activity builds number sense and counting skills.

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Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

The Natural World, We The People

Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss the importance of preventing deforestation. Students then work in pairs or small groups to design an infographic to emphasize the issues involved with deforestation.

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Brief but Spectacular

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Brief but Spectacular

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Essential Question: Who in your community is raising awareness around an issue that they are passionate about and spurring others to action?

Overview

To date, Brief but Spectacular has produced over 200 episodes with a mix of well-known guests like Alec Baldwin and lesser known guests like a musician who uses his art to “groove change.” The videos have earned millions of views and students have also engaged with the series to create their own videos. That’s where you come in: shoot a conversational interview with someone in your community who is making a difference and edit it using Brief but Spectacular’s storytelling style.

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Something-Is-Missing Stories

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Something-Is-Missing Stories

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Based on the popular Mad Libs activities, students write a story with a partner, leaving out key words but replacing them with the part of speech or a similar description. They exchange their stories with another pair to fill in the missing words.

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How Can My College Major Lead to a Career?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Can My College Major Lead to a Career?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

What potential career paths await students based on their choice of major in college? Students relate majors to subsequent careers and discuss their findings.

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Building an Interview Set B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Building an Interview Set B

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

It’s day two of building an interview set. Today, students will backgrounds, props, and furniture of their news sets.

This is lesson 25 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Personal Information on the Internet (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Personal Information on the Internet (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Maintaining privacy on the internet can be a challenging goal for anyone to achieve. In this activity, students will make and evaluate choices for a variety of online situations, including commenting on social media, instant chatting, and game playing.

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The Price Is Close! (Grades 9-12)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

The Price Is Close! (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students play pricing games presented in a game-show style. This activity builds analytical and math skills, as well as collaboration skills.

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Model of the Seasons

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Model of the Seasons

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students make a model of the Earth demonstrating why we have seasons.

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Bees

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Bees

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Like all insects, a bee’s body is divided into three parts: a head with two antennae, a thorax with six legs, and an abdomen. All bees have branched hairs somewhere on their bodies and two pairs of wings. Only female bees have stingers. Many bee species have black and yellow coloration, but many do not—they come in various colors, including green, blue, red, or black. Some are striped, and some even have a metallic sheen. They range in size from large carpenter bees and bumblebees to the tiny Perdita minima bee, which is less than two millimeters long.

There are over 20,000 bee species worldwide, including the honey bee, which originated in Eurasia and has been imported worldwide as a domesticated species. Wild bee species live on every continent except Antarctica. In North America, there are approximately 4,000 native bee species occupying ecosystems from forests to deserts to grasslands. Bees feed exclusively on sugary nectar and protein-rich pollen from flowering plants, unlike the predatory wasps from which they evolved. As they forage, bees perform the critical act of pollination. Bees pollinate a staggering 80 percent of all flowering plants, including approximately 75% percent of the fruits, nuts, and vegetables grown in the United States. Though all female bees can sting, they only do so when threatened.

Unlike the hive-forming domesticated honey bee or wild bumble bee species, most bees are solitary nesters. They don’t form hives, create honey, or live a communal lifestyle. Instead, they lay their eggs in a series of tiny chambers in tunnels in the ground, hollow plant stems, or decaying wood.

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Dream Team

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Dream Team

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create their ultimate entrepreneurial "dream team" poster. Students first create an image of themselves as an entrepreneur (as creatively as they like), highlighting their entrepreneurial strengths, and then they will add team members to their poster (real or fictional), highlighting the mindsets and skills they will bring to the team to make up the ultimate entrepreneurial dream team - ready to take on any challenge!

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Mindfulness (Grades K-2)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Teach mindfulness and strategies for focus as you lead students through slow and measured breathing techniques.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Cars and Ramps

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Cars and Ramps

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students design a car that will roll straight and far down a ramp. They learn about Mechanical Engineering as they test and modify cars to meet their goals.

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Jingle and Mingle

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Jingle and Mingle

kid-grit

K - 2

15 Minutes

In this closing, reflection activity, students are invited to share songs from their cultural backgrounds. The activity aims to explore both the richness of diversity and the common threads that bind us together. This cultural exploration isn't just a celebration of traditions—it's a strategic approach to fostering better cultural awareness and emotional connection, using music to explore perspectives and experiences of others.

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Team Work and Planning (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Team Work and Planning (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Working in groups can be challenging for even the best students and so helping kids learn how to work well together can be an invaluable activity not only in journalism but in life.

This is activity 16 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Answer This!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Answer This!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Students form two concentric circles to discuss different topics and learn more about their peers.

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Emoji Detectives (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Emoji Detectives (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Put on your detective's hat as you and your group decode a series of emoji puzzles and translate them into everyday sayings!

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First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

In this activity, students explore how understanding frost dates and using a seed-starting calculator can help them plan a successful school garden. Working in small groups and using data-driven tools, students will create a collaborative class-wide garden collage that reflects their local growing season, planting schedule, and the specific needs of different crops.

This activity is 2 of 4 in the "Things to Know Before You Grow" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 2 of the module series, "How to Grow Dahlias."

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Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to create a short, persuasive piece (either oral or visual), which they present to the whole group. This activity provides practice in persuasion, logic, and teambuilding, as well as builds speaking and listening skills.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnets & Circuits

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnets & Circuits

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students experiment with objects to see which ones react to a magnet, becoming magnetized and capable of picking up other metal objects.

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Should the Electoral College Be Reformed? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Should the Electoral College Be Reformed? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

The electoral college has served the United States since the beginning of the nation. Is now the time to reform this method of electing the president? In this activity, students present arguments for or against this question based on the perspective of citizens from various states. They may reach the conclusion that replacing the electoral college may address only some of the complaints that people have leveled at it.

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Persuade Me!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Persuade Me!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students develop a persuasive argument to convince you why a particular after-school activity should be chosen as tomorrow's activity.

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Job Interview Round Robin

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Job Interview Round Robin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will prepare and conduct mock interviews for a business of their choice. They will practice speaking skills and thinking on their feet—both important skills in the business world.

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How Have Cell Phones Improved?

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

How Have Cell Phones Improved?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

50 Minutes

The first mobile phones were more like walky-talkies and were used for communications in the military and emergency services. Steady improvements led to the first cellular phone in 1973. Now, 1 study reports that 90% of all adults in the United States own a cell phone. In this activity, students will explore the history of cell phones and the improvements in communications technology.

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Human Rights: Meaning and Importance

We The People, Belonging and Community

Human Rights: Meaning and Importance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn what constitutes a human right and become familiar with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, published by the United Nations. Students work in small groups to demonstrate 1 of the rights in the document using a format of their choice.

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Escape Room (Grades 9-12)

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Leadership and Teamwork

Escape Room (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Teams work together to solve clues and puzzles to escape from a room. This activity builds collaboration, creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

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Our Tapestry of Belonging

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Our Tapestry of Belonging

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this collaborative art experience, youth explore the relationship between identity and a sense of belonging. Each person receives a strip of canvas fabric and reflects on a word or short phrase that represents a part of their identity and what they bring to the community. After writing their identity word(s) and using paint to visually express their identity, all strips are tied to a large stick or branch to create a unified tapestry. The final artwork visually represents how each individual’s uniqueness strengthens the sense of belonging within the whole group.

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The Big Easy: Day 6 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 6 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 6 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Harness creativity as students utilize dance notation to choreograph expressive dances imbued with symbolic meanings.

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Plan A Community Dance

Leadership and Teamwork, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Plan A Community Dance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students practice teamwork and collaboration as they work together to plan a mock event for the students in their school or community. This activity introduces students to an organizational model that is used in many businesses.

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One, Two, Three (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

One, Two, Three (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Having fun by connecting with others is literally as easy as one, two, three! Join other players as you learn to "count" on each other to do this challenge!

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Storytelling Shipwreck

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Storytelling Shipwreck

PowerUp Fitness

K - 5

15 Minutes

PowerUp Storytelling Skills - strengthen literacy skills with this creative fitness game connection

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NBA Math Hoops Lesson 2: Field Goal Percentages

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 2: Field Goal Percentages

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

Understanding percentages is the first fundamental math skill in NBA Math Hoops. In this activity, students use basketball statistics to develop an understanding of the relationship between fractions, decimals, and percentages.

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State Capitals Freeze Tag

We The People, Leadership and Teamwork

State Capitals Freeze Tag

PowerUp Fitness

3 - 8

10 Minutes

PowerUp with Geography - practice state capital memorization with this fun freeze tag game.

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Benjamin Franklin

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Benjamin Franklin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about Benjamin Franklin by listening to the leader read a picture book. Then the work in small groups to create a poster about Franklin.

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Design an Ad

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Design an Ad

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Advertisements are all around us and are a part of our everyday lives. Students will be looking at different advertisements to figure out their purpose, what message they send, and who the audience is. After analyzing different advertisements, students will design an advertisement for a product of their choice.

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Zoo Day

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Zoo Day

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to research an animal found in zoos and then create information cards about that animal to display.

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Genetically Modified Food Crops

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

Genetically Modified Food Crops

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research various genetically modified (GM) food crops. Then they prepare and stage a debate about the values and ethics of using genetic technology for this purpose. Their research should show that there are both pros and cons to the issue and that not all GM crops should be evaluated equally.

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What is a Pollinator?

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What is a Pollinator?

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

A pollinator is anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower (stamen) to the female part of the same or another flower (stigma). Over 100,000 invertebrates—including bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, wasps, and flies — and more than a thousand mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians take on the job of pollinating plants. This biodiverse group of wildlife buzzes, flutters, and creeps from plant to plant, dining on protein-rich pollen and high-energy nectar. As they move, they transport and deposit pollen, fertilizing plants and allowing those plants to reproduce.

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Messages to the Future

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Messages to the Future

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

In this activity, students write letters to their own future child or another young relative, to be read by the child 30 years from now. Volunteers can share the content of the letters or their thoughts about their letters.

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Functional Fitness Week 1: Day 2

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 1: Day 2

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Continue building week 1 skill of the week: Planks. In this activity, students challenge their planking skills in a relay race and game of crab walk soccer. Then, they make inquiries about nutrition and healthy eating.

This activity is part of the Active Kids and Minds Functional Fitness 12-week program. If you are new to the program, visit the Active Kids and Minds Functional Fitness: Weeks 1-4 Collection before getting started.

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Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

20 Minutes

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In Bird Search, youth will search for birds, identify them, and contribute observations to eBird, the world’s largest nature-based citizen science project.

By sharing their observations with the global community, eBirders help scientists around the world track the movement and needs of birds on a global scale and contribute to important conservation efforts. Scientists use many tools and strategies to identify and study birds. In this activity, youth learn and practice different bird identification techniques.

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Open Scenes (Grades 3-5)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Open Scenes (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs on an open script, which has dialogue but no indication of characters, plot, or setting. Students write and perform scenes for the open scripts, and the audience guesses what is happening.

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S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing Part 2

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students think about skills that go into manufacturing. Students work in teams to design, construct, test, and redesign an assembly line to manufacture a product as quickly and efficiently as possible to meet the quality control criteria.

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Factory Product and Promotional Material

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Factory Product and Promotional Material

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs and small groups to come up with an idea for a factory and a product the factory can make. Then they choose 1 visual item to design: a logo, a storyboard for a video ad, a poster announcing job openings, a drawing of their product, etc.

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Hands-on Games Exploring Senses

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hands-on Games Exploring Senses

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

These mini-activities all help students explore their senses.

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The Truman Doctrine

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The Truman Doctrine

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In a message to Congress in 1947, President Truman outlined a foreign policy designed to stop the spread of Communism. The policy became known as the Truman Doctrine. In this activity, students analyze the Truman Doctrine and the role this policy played in the Cold War. They practice critical thinking and collaboration skills as they explore the history of US foreign policy.

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Match the Program with Its Purpose

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

Match the Program with Its Purpose

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students analyze 1 or more computer programs in the BASIC language and then identify the statistics measurement it calculates. For students ready for a challenge, extend the activity by having them revise the programs to combine their functions effectively.

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Design Floral Ceramic Tiles

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Design Floral Ceramic Tiles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students sketch flowers and then turn those drawings into a painted square tile design. Students will learn that scientific illustration is a good career for those who love science and art.

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What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students write and rehearse their own narrations for video segments of interesting animal behavior. This enjoyable activity introduces students to an easy way of producing their own videos.

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Appeal to the Consumer

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Appeal to the Consumer

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the role of consumers in the economy. They begin by discussing what consumers are and how entrepreneurs develop ideas for goods and services to meet consumer needs and wants. In teams, they brainstorm innovations to existing goods and services to appeal to specific consumers. They do so by querying their fellow consumers about the existing goods and services. They then use what they learn to write a proposal for their innovative good or service.

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Question Slips

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Question Slips

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Proficient readers often ask themselves questions to guide their comprehension. However, developing readers do not always pay attention to their internal thoughts as they read. In this activity, students jot down questions that come to mind about the vocabulary or ideas they encounter. This encourages authentic reader engagement with texts and helps students build comprehension at deeper levels.

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Olympic Games (Grades K-2)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn and play a series of Olympic-style games and then vote on their favorite. This activity builds listening, cooperative learning, and reasoning skills and improves physical health.

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The Wonderful World of Feelings

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Whole Body, Whole Self

The Wonderful World of Feelings

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

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One Thing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

One Thing

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

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Action Packed ABC

Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

Action Packed ABC

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

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Celebrating Earth Day

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Celebrating Earth Day

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

This activity allows children to take action for the planet and express their ideas for change.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide and is marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and advocate for policy changes.

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What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Case Studies of Business Failures

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Case Studies of Business Failures

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Superhero Lair Part 2

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Superhero Lair Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students continue to read books about superheroes, finish their superhero lairs, and start to work on comic strips.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 activity series: Creating a Superhero, Creating Superhero Suits, Superhero Lair Part 1, Superhero Lair Part 2, and Superhero Comics.

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Run-of-Show B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Run-of-Show B

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Final preparation for interview mastery! In today’s lesson, students polish their run-of-shows to perfection.

This is lesson 30 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

The only way to conquer the animal kingdom and find your lost teammates is to close your eyes and scream out your animal sounds!

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Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students read articles in children’s magazines and explore reading in large groups, small groups, and individually.

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Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

What would your mobile device, bank card, and fridge say about you? Let's find out!

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Simple Clay Animal Figures

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Simple Clay Animal Figures

OregonASK

3 - 12

30 Minutes

Students create animal figures by using clay and their hands. Also, students learn about the symbolic meanings that animals bring to all cultures, especially the Mayans.

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Fish, Birds, and Mammals

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

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Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Interview Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to conduct mock job interviews. They evaluate the interview process from the perspective of both the applicant and the employer.

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Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Whole Body, Whole Self, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Democracy in Action

We The People, Belonging and Community

Democracy in Action

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

We The People, Belonging and Community

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students use mechanical engineering to build a catapult that will fling a marshmallow projectile, testing and modifying it for speed, aim, and distance.

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Helicopter Engineering

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Helicopter Engineering

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students work in teams to engineer an optimal paper helicopter design

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Paper Structures

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Paper Structures

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students explore how to support weight using lightweight materials to build a structure.

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Difficult Decisions

Belonging and Community, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Difficult Decisions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students role-play in groups to act out a business-related conflict and work together to resolve the conflict.

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Respecting Others

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respecting Others

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn that everyone has traits that make them unique and play a game to explore their similarities and differences.

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Make a Counting Book

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Stories and Perspectives

Make a Counting Book

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children make pages for a counting book for the numbers 1 through 20. This activity builds number sense and counting skills.

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Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

The Natural World, We The People

Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss the importance of preventing deforestation. Students then work in pairs or small groups to design an infographic to emphasize the issues involved with deforestation.

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Brief but Spectacular

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Brief but Spectacular

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Essential Question: Who in your community is raising awareness around an issue that they are passionate about and spurring others to action?

Overview

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Something-Is-Missing Stories

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Something-Is-Missing Stories

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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How Can My College Major Lead to a Career?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Can My College Major Lead to a Career?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

What potential career paths await students based on their choice of major in college? Students relate majors to subsequent careers and discuss their findings.

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Building an Interview Set B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Building an Interview Set B

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

It’s day two of building an interview set. Today, students will backgrounds, props, and furniture of their news sets.

This is lesson 25 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Personal Information on the Internet (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Personal Information on the Internet (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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The Price Is Close! (Grades 9-12)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

The Price Is Close! (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students play pricing games presented in a game-show style. This activity builds analytical and math skills, as well as collaboration skills.

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Model of the Seasons

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

Model of the Seasons

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students make a model of the Earth demonstrating why we have seasons.

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Bees

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Bees

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

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Dream Team

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Dream Team

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

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Mindfulness (Grades K-2)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Teach mindfulness and strategies for focus as you lead students through slow and measured breathing techniques.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Cars and Ramps

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Cars and Ramps

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students design a car that will roll straight and far down a ramp. They learn about Mechanical Engineering as they test and modify cars to meet their goals.

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Jingle and Mingle

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Jingle and Mingle

kid-grit

K - 2

15 Minutes

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Team Work and Planning (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Team Work and Planning (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Working in groups can be challenging for even the best students and so helping kids learn how to work well together can be an invaluable activity not only in journalism but in life.

This is activity 16 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Answer This!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Answer This!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Students form two concentric circles to discuss different topics and learn more about their peers.

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Emoji Detectives (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Emoji Detectives (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Put on your detective's hat as you and your group decode a series of emoji puzzles and translate them into everyday sayings!

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First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

First Frost, Last Frost, No Frost: Understanding Nature’s Garden Clock

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

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Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnets & Circuits

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, The Natural World

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnets & Circuits

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students experiment with objects to see which ones react to a magnet, becoming magnetized and capable of picking up other metal objects.

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Should the Electoral College Be Reformed? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Should the Electoral College Be Reformed? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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Persuade Me!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Persuade Me!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students develop a persuasive argument to convince you why a particular after-school activity should be chosen as tomorrow's activity.

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Job Interview Round Robin

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Job Interview Round Robin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour

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How Have Cell Phones Improved?

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

How Have Cell Phones Improved?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

50 Minutes

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Human Rights: Meaning and Importance

We The People, Belonging and Community

Human Rights: Meaning and Importance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Escape Room (Grades 9-12)

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Leadership and Teamwork

Escape Room (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Teams work together to solve clues and puzzles to escape from a room. This activity builds collaboration, creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

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Our Tapestry of Belonging

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Our Tapestry of Belonging

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

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The Big Easy: Day 6 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 6 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 6 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Harness creativity as students utilize dance notation to choreograph expressive dances imbued with symbolic meanings.

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Plan A Community Dance

Leadership and Teamwork, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Plan A Community Dance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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One, Two, Three (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

One, Two, Three (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Having fun by connecting with others is literally as easy as one, two, three! Join other players as you learn to "count" on each other to do this challenge!

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Storytelling Shipwreck

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Storytelling Shipwreck

PowerUp Fitness

K - 5

15 Minutes

PowerUp Storytelling Skills - strengthen literacy skills with this creative fitness game connection

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NBA Math Hoops Lesson 2: Field Goal Percentages

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 2: Field Goal Percentages

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

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State Capitals Freeze Tag

We The People, Leadership and Teamwork

State Capitals Freeze Tag

PowerUp Fitness

3 - 8

10 Minutes

PowerUp with Geography - practice state capital memorization with this fun freeze tag game.

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Benjamin Franklin

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Benjamin Franklin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about Benjamin Franklin by listening to the leader read a picture book. Then the work in small groups to create a poster about Franklin.

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Design an Ad

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Design an Ad

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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Zoo Day

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Zoo Day

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to research an animal found in zoos and then create information cards about that animal to display.

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Genetically Modified Food Crops

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

Genetically Modified Food Crops

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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What is a Pollinator?

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What is a Pollinator?

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

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Messages to the Future

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Messages to the Future

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 1: Day 2

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 1: Day 2

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

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Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

The Natural World, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

20 Minutes

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Open Scenes (Grades 3-5)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Open Scenes (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing Part 2

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

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Factory Product and Promotional Material

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Factory Product and Promotional Material

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Hands-on Games Exploring Senses

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hands-on Games Exploring Senses

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

These mini-activities all help students explore their senses.

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The Truman Doctrine

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The Truman Doctrine

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Match the Program with Its Purpose

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, We The People

Match the Program with Its Purpose

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Design Floral Ceramic Tiles

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Design Floral Ceramic Tiles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students sketch flowers and then turn those drawings into a painted square tile design. Students will learn that scientific illustration is a good career for those who love science and art.

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What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students write and rehearse their own narrations for video segments of interesting animal behavior. This enjoyable activity introduces students to an easy way of producing their own videos.

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Appeal to the Consumer

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Appeal to the Consumer

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Question Slips

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Question Slips

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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Olympic Games (Grades K-2)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn and play a series of Olympic-style games and then vote on their favorite. This activity builds listening, cooperative learning, and reasoning skills and improves physical health.

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Library

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Community

Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

Engage

Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy

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Library

Categories Collaborators Explore All Activities All Collections

Community

Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

Engage

Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy

Account