All Activities

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students practice presenting a short story in a flexible reader's theater format. They plan their presentation in small groups. Then they read aloud and add special effects in a group performance.

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Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice presenting short stories and poems in a flexible Reader's Theater format.

Discover Activity

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades K-2)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children present the story “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in a modified reader's theater format. They are encouraged to be expressive and use character voices. Children experience ways to dramatize any story and increase their ability to sequence a story and retell it to increase fluency and enjoyment.

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Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Using “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in a modified reader's theater format, children experience ways to dramatize any story and increase their ability to retell stories, as well as increase fluency and enjoyment.

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Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Setting goals is an important part of growing as a person. In today's activity, students set goals in 3 different areas of their lives: school, family, and self.

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Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Setting goals in different areas of our lives is an important part of growing as a person. In this activity, children set goals for 3 different areas of their lives: school, family, and self.

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Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Relay races are a great way to get students moving while working together. In this activity students will be broken into teams to brainstorm different tasks for their fellow students to complete in a variety of relay races.

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Reclaiming Narratives: Creative Accounts of Black History

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Reclaiming Narratives: Creative Accounts of Black History

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students explore creative accounts of underrepresented or misrepresented events in Black history. After considering the power of creative writing as a means to process and interpret history, they will write their own creative reimagining of a historical event.

This activity is designed for two 45-minute periods or one 90-minute period.

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Recycling

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

Recycling

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students discuss the 3R's: reducing, reusing, and recycling and evaluate the programs in their homes, school, and community.

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Reflecting on Slavery and Resistance with Born on the Water

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Reflecting on Slavery and Resistance with Born on the Water

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students read the picture book Born on the Water and explore the stories of African people who were kidnapped and brought to America, experiencing years of enslavement and oppression. Through reading and class discussion, students explore a legacy of Black American resilience, resistance, and joy.

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Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

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Relentless (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Relentless (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

You only have seconds to design, destroy, and rebuild clay art as you swap seats working on a variety clay sculptures!

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Replicating DNA

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

Replicating DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students make a model of a double-stranded DNA molecule. Then they cut the strand in half and replicate it to make 2 copies of the molecule. This activity builds understanding of DNA and how it is replicated.

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Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

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

Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Animals can be categorized in many different ways. Scientists and community scientists* use taxonomy or the system used to categorize 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 reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Both reptiles and amphibians have a backbone, while invertebrates, as the name implies, do not.

*Community scientist is the inclusive term and is synonymous with citizen scientist.

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Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will identify what they know and don’t know about their story’s topic. Once students know what they don’t know, they will use curiosity to guide research that will result in better developed stories.

This is activity 8 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Researching Robotics

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

Researching Robotics

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research topics in robotics, then present what they learned to the whole group by making a human timeline.

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Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore the concept of tolerance. As they learn about members of the group, they recognize and appreciate their similarities and differences. This activity builds communication and listening skills and helps students get to know their peers and respect one another’s strengths, interests, and perspectives.

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Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about tolerance by learning about their peers and recognizing and appreciating their similarities and differences. The activity builds communication and listening skills and also helps students learn to respect one another’s strengths, interests, and perspectives.

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Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about tolerance by learning about their peers and recognizing and appreciating their similarities and differences. This activity builds communication and listening skills and helps students learn to respect one another’s strengths, interests, and perspectives.

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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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Responding to the News

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Responding to the News

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students reflect on how to find hope in news stories about global issues. Students will identify an underreported news story that interests them, and use visual art or found poetry to creatively call attention to the issues it raises.

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Reverse Engineering an Affinity Map

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

Reverse Engineering an Affinity Map

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore affinity maps—in reverse! They form groups according to how an affinity map describes them, look for properties that each group has in common, and analyze the different ways these maps visually represent the whole.

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Reviewing and Writing a Blog

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Reviewing and Writing a Blog

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn that people use blogs to share ideas, opinions, and information about topics that interest them. They begin by defining blog and blogger and then explore and review blogs written by kids their age. Finally, they choose a topic or theme for a blog of their own and write a blog entry.

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Reviving a Brand

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Reviving a Brand

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students often purchase clothing, athletic gear, and other products based on the company that sells them, or on the brand name. While many companies and brands have retained their popularity for many years, others lose customers and may fail over time. In this activity, students work in small groups to plan their own branded product and explore the reasons why customers select a brand and then perhaps lose interest in the brand over time.

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Shadow Scenes

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Shadow puppets are tools for telling a story. Children will create their own shadow puppets to set up a scene from a familiar story. Will the group be able to guess which story they are viewing?

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Revolving Door Cardboard Art Technique

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Revolving Door Cardboard Art Technique

Rediscover Center

3 - 8

25 Minutes

In this activity, makers will learn how to make artwork using the Revolving Door Tiny Technique. This technique uses a skewer as an axis and allows the cardboard to flip over while still being attached to the base cardboard.

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Rhyme in Super-Quick Time

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Rhyme in Super-Quick Time

Foundations, Inc.

K - 5

20 Minutes

This game practices rhyming and is excellent for pre-school and younger elementary age kids as well as English Language Learners (ELLs). Rhyming is a great way to help children and youth develop vocabulary, pronunciation, and listening skills.

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Rhythm and Language

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Rhythm and Language

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students play with sounds to determine their ability to invoke imagery. They then create a soundscape poem using onomatopoeia.

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Robins

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

Robins

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

American robins are year-round visitors to suburban and rural settings. A male robin is often easier to identify than a female. Males have rust-colored feathers on their chest, a yellow bill, a black head, and white outlines around their eyes. They also have gray wings and backs. Female robins look similar to males, but their colors are much duller and sometimes blend, making identification difficult. Males are also easier to identify because only male robins sing their “cheerily, cheer up” song. This song is usually heard in the early morning, before and after sunrise. Robins also sing at dusk or when it’s about to rain.

American robins live in woodlands, suburban backyards, parks, and grasslands with shrubs. Robins can be found year-round in the continental United States, and some migrate north to spend summers in Alaska. Squirrels, snakes, and other birds have been known to eat robin eggs and chicks. Predators to adult robins include hawks, snakes, and cats. These birds are easily spotted hopping around city parks and lawns, searching for food in flocks. They have flexible diets and will eat whatever is most readily accessible, which can be dependent on the season. Robins often depend more on insects and earthworms in the spring, and consume more fruits and berries during the colder winter months.

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Rock Cycle Roundabout

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

Rock Cycle Roundabout

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

After playing a board game to learn how to differentiate the three ways rocks can form, students analyze maps of local topography, water sources, and volcanic activity, to better understand how geology affects a given region. They also experience scale, recognizing geologic processes as fast or extremely gradual.

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Role Playing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Role Playing

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Role-playing can provide a safe environment for acting out stressful situations. In this activity, students role-play a variety of scenarios. The role-playing can prepare them for handling similar situations when they occur in real life.

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Roll Out the Snakes!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Roll Out the Snakes!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Rolling out clay coils is a great way to create a snake. Children create their own snakes from clay and decorate them with geometric shapes and patterns.

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Rollercoasters (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Rollercoasters (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Quickly compete and create a make-shift rollercoaster to successfully deliver a ball to its location!

Discover Activity

Round Robin Storytelling

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Round Robin Storytelling

Foundations, Inc.

K - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a group story by adding a few lines at a time.

Discover Activity

Round and Round We Go: A Model of the Solar System

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

Round and Round We Go: A Model of the Solar System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The movement of planets around the Sun is an example of a system that is too large to observe directly, but can be well understood with models. In this activity, students work together to develop a human-sized, functional model of the 8 planets (plus dwarf planet Pluto) and the Sun.

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Roundtable Review

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Roundtable Review

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

5 Minutes

Use this creative way to get students ready to learn by reviewing previous lessons. Students help each other remember the highlights of past lessons and be ready to move on to new information.

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Rubber Band Helicopter

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

Rubber Band Helicopter

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop rules for discussions to help them be thoughtful participants within a discussion.

Discover Activity

Rules of Discussion (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together in teams to come up with rules for discussion and then test out the rules as they discuss a topic that may generate differing opinions.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Gravity & Circuits

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Gravity & Circuits

OregonASK

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Students will use knowledge about conductive materials to build a circuit using at least 3 different materials.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see which objects are attracted to the magnet and which objects aren't.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students move simple objects through a maze using a magnet, experimenting with various metal materials and reflecting on what worked and what didn't.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Strength

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Strength

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students connect paper clips, one at time to test the strength of their magnet. They will test two different magnets to see which can hold more, and then try to make their magnetic force stronger.

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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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S.INQ Invisible Forces Relay

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Relay

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students compete with each other to move objects from one place to another using magnets.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Static Electricity

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Static Electricity

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

This activity helps students test various objects to see which are affected by an electrically charged balloon.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

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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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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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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students learn about Mechanical Engineering as they use the Engineering Design Process to make a catapult that will fling a marshmallow the furthest, focusing on distance and power as they test and modify their designs.

To gather background information on this activity, try the activity "S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults".

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Students create a car that can safely transport an egg when it comes in contact with a wall. They learn about mechanical engineering as they use an engineering design process grid to build, test, and modify their designs. This activity can be done in one day or over several days.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students have the opportunity to build, test, and modify self propelled cars using an engineering design grid. Students will build cars with sails, testing them with a fan to see what kinds of sails work best to propel their vehicle.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Tops

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Tops

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students learn and become familiar with mechanical engineering by making and testing their own spinning tops.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Design an Instrument

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

S.INQ Sound Design an Instrument

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students create an instrument that has vibrating pieces, produces high and low sounds and has a way to amplify the volume. They build, test, and modify their designs to meet their goals.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Introduction

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

S.INQ Sound Introduction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students have an opportunity to learn about how sound is produced with simple hands-on materials.

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S.INQ Sound Pitch

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

S.INQ Sound Pitch

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students use bottles of water, tuning forks, and other instruments to learn about pitch as the quality of sound. This hands-on activity gives students the opportunity to experiment with pitch and order instruments from highest to lowest.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

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

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students will have the opportunity to experiment with pitch in sounds by designing and testing their own "Sound Contraptions" which can make four sounds each at a different pitch, arranged in order from low to high.

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S.INQ Sound Telephones

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

S.INQ Sound Telephones

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students have the opportunity to investigate which simple telephone device makes our voices the loudest when they travel from one person to another. Students explore and test various materials to act as phone cords, carrying the vibration of sound.

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S.INQ Sound Telephones Part 2

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

S.INQ Sound Telephones Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students investigate which simple telephone device makes our voices the loudest when they travel from one person to another. Students explore and test various materials to act as the earpiece of the phone, amplifying the vibration of sound.

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S.INQ Sound Vibrating Musical Instruments

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

S.INQ Sound Vibrating Musical Instruments

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students design and build their own finger guitar from simple materials.

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S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

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

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build, test and modify their own megaphones using a variety of simple materials.

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S.INQ Sound: Sound Travels

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

S.INQ Sound: Sound Travels

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students will use a tuning fork and place it on different objects in order to find out through which material sound travels best, and through which material sound doesn’t travel well. These experiments in sound conductivity will help them visualize sound as a wave that travels through matter as a vibration.

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S.INQ Up Careers Creative Communication

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

S.INQ Up Careers Creative Communication

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students explore the communication skills needed to design and engineer as they build from verbal instructions. This fun, hands-on activity gets everyone engaged!

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S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing

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

S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students discover the kinds of thinking and 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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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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S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

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

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about the water cycle, detailing the ways that water changes states as it supports life on earth.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up History of Earth

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

S.INQ Up History of Earth

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about Earth's history and create a timeline that represents the Earth's history. Students also learn about the wonders of evolution.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Human Impact

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

S.INQ Up Human Impact

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students learn about human impact on our climate through the distribution of greenhouse gases.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 1

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 1

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a diagram of the solar system to give a good idea of space in their minds. Students will see a visual representation of space is really like. This activity is a good foundation for the students to learn about the basics of science in space.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Time Odyssey

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

S.INQ Up Space Time Odyssey

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a model of the Universe, thinking about scale. In teams, students share and explain their models.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students conduct their own investigations to find out the truth behind climate change; also, they brainstorm ways to preserve Earth with each other.

Discover Activity

STEM Identity

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

STEM Identity

Foundations, Inc.

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Enjoy bringing out the importance of careful observation, drawing, and note taking with this yummy activity! Students will think critically, stay engaged, and even get a little silly!

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Same as Me

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Same as Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children learn how they are similar to other members of the group. First, the adult gives prompts from the Similarities Sheet, such as “Find someone whose favorite color is the same as yours.” Next, the children walk around the room, asking each other questions to determine which traits they have in common. Then they write down a different child’s name next to each trait on the worksheet, just one name per trait. Finally, the children reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Satisfying a Client: Logo Design

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Arts in Action

Satisfying a Client: Logo Design

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Middle school students are familiar with a variety of experiences in completing school assignments. They may recognize that some assignments are easy to complete, others take an extra effort or revision to get right, and some involve many trials and failures before finally achieving success. In this activity, students discover that the same range of efforts are required in the business world, too. They model the job of designing logos for 3 businesses and discover how the opinions and feedback of clients affect each task.

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Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students practice presenting a short story in a flexible reader's theater format. They plan their presentation in small groups. Then they read aloud and add special effects in a group performance.

Discover Activity

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice presenting short stories and poems in a flexible Reader's Theater format.

Discover Activity

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades K-2)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Setting goals is an important part of growing as a person. In today's activity, students set goals in 3 different areas of their lives: school, family, and self.

Discover Activity

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Ready, Set, Goals! (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Setting goals in different areas of our lives is an important part of growing as a person. In this activity, children set goals for 3 different areas of their lives: school, family, and self.

Discover Activity

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reclaiming Narratives: Creative Accounts of Black History

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Reclaiming Narratives: Creative Accounts of Black History

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This activity is designed for two 45-minute periods or one 90-minute period.

Discover Activity

Recycling

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

Recycling

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students discuss the 3R's: reducing, reusing, and recycling and evaluate the programs in their homes, school, and community.

Discover Activity

Reflecting on Slavery and Resistance with Born on the Water

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Reflecting on Slavery and Resistance with Born on the Water

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

Discover Activity

Relentless (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Relentless (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

You only have seconds to design, destroy, and rebuild clay art as you swap seats working on a variety clay sculptures!

Discover Activity

Replicating DNA

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

Replicating DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

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

Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

*Community scientist is the inclusive term and is synonymous with citizen scientist.

Discover Activity

Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

This is activity 8 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Researching Robotics

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

Researching Robotics

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research topics in robotics, then present what they learned to the whole group by making a human timeline.

Discover Activity

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

Responding to the News

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Responding to the News

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reverse Engineering an Affinity Map

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

Reverse Engineering an Affinity Map

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reviewing and Writing a Blog

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Reviewing and Writing a Blog

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Reviving a Brand

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Reviving a Brand

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Shadow Scenes

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Shadow puppets are tools for telling a story. Children will create their own shadow puppets to set up a scene from a familiar story. Will the group be able to guess which story they are viewing?

Discover Activity

Revolving Door Cardboard Art Technique

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Revolving Door Cardboard Art Technique

Rediscover Center

3 - 8

25 Minutes

Discover Activity

Rhyme in Super-Quick Time

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Rhyme in Super-Quick Time

Foundations, Inc.

K - 5

20 Minutes

Discover Activity

Rhythm and Language

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Rhythm and Language

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students play with sounds to determine their ability to invoke imagery. They then create a soundscape poem using onomatopoeia.

Discover Activity

Robins

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

Robins

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Rock Cycle Roundabout

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

Rock Cycle Roundabout

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

Discover Activity

Role Playing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Role Playing

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Roll Out the Snakes!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Roll Out the Snakes!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Rolling out clay coils is a great way to create a snake. Children create their own snakes from clay and decorate them with geometric shapes and patterns.

Discover Activity

Rollercoasters (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Rollercoasters (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Quickly compete and create a make-shift rollercoaster to successfully deliver a ball to its location!

Discover Activity

Round Robin Storytelling

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Round Robin Storytelling

Foundations, Inc.

K - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a group story by adding a few lines at a time.

Discover Activity

Round and Round We Go: A Model of the Solar System

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

Round and Round We Go: A Model of the Solar System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Roundtable Review

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Roundtable Review

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

5 Minutes

Use this creative way to get students ready to learn by reviewing previous lessons. Students help each other remember the highlights of past lessons and be ready to move on to new information.

Discover Activity

Rubber Band Helicopter

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

Rubber Band Helicopter

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create rubber band helicopters and fly them!

Discover Activity

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop rules for discussions to help them be thoughtful participants within a discussion.

Discover Activity

Rules of Discussion (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together in teams to come up with rules for discussion and then test out the rules as they discuss a topic that may generate differing opinions.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Gravity & Circuits

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Gravity & Circuits

OregonASK

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Students will use knowledge about conductive materials to build a circuit using at least 3 different materials.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see which objects are attracted to the magnet and which objects aren't.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students move simple objects through a maze using a magnet, experimenting with various metal materials and reflecting on what worked and what didn't.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Strength

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Strength

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Relay

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Relay

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students compete with each other to move objects from one place to another using magnets.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Static Electricity

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Static Electricity

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

This activity helps students test various objects to see which are affected by an electrically charged balloon.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

To gather background information on this activity, try the activity "S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults".

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Tops

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Tops

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students learn and become familiar with mechanical engineering by making and testing their own spinning tops.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Design an Instrument

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

S.INQ Sound Design an Instrument

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students create an instrument that has vibrating pieces, produces high and low sounds and has a way to amplify the volume. They build, test, and modify their designs to meet their goals.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Introduction

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

S.INQ Sound Introduction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students have an opportunity to learn about how sound is produced with simple hands-on materials.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Pitch

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

S.INQ Sound Pitch

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

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

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Telephones

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

S.INQ Sound Telephones

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Telephones Part 2

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

S.INQ Sound Telephones Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound Vibrating Musical Instruments

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

S.INQ Sound Vibrating Musical Instruments

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students design and build their own finger guitar from simple materials.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

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

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build, test and modify their own megaphones using a variety of simple materials.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound: Sound Travels

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

S.INQ Sound: Sound Travels

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Careers Creative Communication

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

S.INQ Up Careers Creative Communication

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students explore the communication skills needed to design and engineer as they build from verbal instructions. This fun, hands-on activity gets everyone engaged!

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing

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

S.INQ Up Careers Engineering & Manufacturing

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

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

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about the water cycle, detailing the ways that water changes states as it supports life on earth.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up History of Earth

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

S.INQ Up History of Earth

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about Earth's history and create a timeline that represents the Earth's history. Students also learn about the wonders of evolution.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Human Impact

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

S.INQ Up Human Impact

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students learn about human impact on our climate through the distribution of greenhouse gases.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 1

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 1

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Time Odyssey

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

S.INQ Up Space Time Odyssey

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a model of the Universe, thinking about scale. In teams, students share and explain their models.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students conduct their own investigations to find out the truth behind climate change; also, they brainstorm ways to preserve Earth with each other.

Discover Activity

STEM Identity

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

STEM Identity

Foundations, Inc.

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Enjoy bringing out the importance of careful observation, drawing, and note taking with this yummy activity! Students will think critically, stay engaged, and even get a little silly!

Discover Activity

Same as Me

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Same as Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Satisfying a Client: Logo Design

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Arts in Action

Satisfying a Client: Logo Design

Mizzen Education, Inc.