All Activities

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students discuss examples of lying in the course of daily life, and whether the lie was ultimately the best choice.

Discover Activity

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students improvise skits to show how fictional characters might respond to everyday situations and challenges. This activity demonstrates how fiction can differ from real life.

Discover Activity

Vacation On!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Vacation On!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Who doesn’t like a vacation? Students brainstorm places in the United States to take their next vacation and create a visual representation of their responses in an affinity map.

Discover Activity

The Meaning of Music

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

The Meaning of Music

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Through improvisational games, students identify music's ability to transcend language barriers when conveying emotion and experience. Students use this insight to create Sound Skits - or stories told only through sound.

Discover Activity

Thinking in Opposites: Optimism and Pessimism

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Thinking in Opposites: Optimism and Pessimism

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students will evaluate optimism and pessimism and also practice empathy to recognize and appreciate these different points of view.

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 2

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 2

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Continue building week 7 skill of the week: Burpees. In this activity, students partner-up for a relay challenge and free play. Then, they learn to discern which beverages are best to consume while exercising.

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.

Discover Activity

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 8: The Playoffs

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

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 8: The Playoffs

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

Now that students have made it through the regular season and the trade deadline, it’s time for the playoffs! All professional sports leagues hold end-of-the-year playoffs, culminating in a championship game (or series). This activity demonstrates an actual playoff bracket from a prior professional baseball season and provides instructions on constructing a playoff bracket for your classroom.

This activity contains a bonus lesson on Resilience. Students will need to explain what resilience means to them, how they have seen resilience in teams, and reflect on how someone they know has demonstrated it in the past.

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Functional Fitness Week 12: Day 1

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 12: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

In this activity, students wrap-up their training with end of session reviews and free play. Then, they put their nutritional knowledge to the test in a game of true or false.

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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

Conducting Focus Groups

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

Conducting Focus Groups

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the role of focus groups in product development. They watch a video to observe other teens serving on a focus group for a popular clothing line. They then form teams to prepare focus group questions for products. The teams pose their questions to others, which serve as focus groups. Finally, students analyze the focus group findings.

Discover Activity

Bad Day Charades

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Bad Day Charades

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn what insurance is, what main types are available, and who needs it. Then they play a game of bad day charades: Groups act out scenarios, and students must guess what is happening in the charade and what type of insurance could be used.

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Benefits of Martial Arts

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Benefits of Martial Arts

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research the benefits of martial arts and engage in a whole-group discussion about the practice and discipline of martial arts.

Discover Activity

What is Climate?

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

What is Climate?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students use data to explore the difference between climate and weather and to derive definitions of the two.

Discover Activity

Pacific Northwest Memory Game

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Pacific Northwest Memory Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research the states in the Pacific Northwest and then create a memory game to play as a whole group.

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Civil Rights in the United States

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Civil Rights in the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this team building activity, students explore tolerance and learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the civil rights movement. Students will develop key skills, such as communication, diversity and multicultural awareness, and collaboration.

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People Bingo

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

People Bingo

Foundations, Inc.

K - 5

30 Minutes

This game is great for building staff and/or student community and gets people up, moving around, and talking to lots of different people.

Discover Activity

Making an Informed Decision

We The People, Belonging and Community

Making an Informed Decision

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In the spring of 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to decide whether to remain as British colonies or to declare independence from Great Britain. In this fun activity, students role-play the decision-making process that occurred at these important meetings.

Discover Activity

Enunciation and Physical Awareness

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Enunciation and Physical Awareness

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students assess the clarity of their speech and the messages they deliver with body language when they communicate verbally.

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No to Totalitarianism

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

No to Totalitarianism

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

For citizens of a free country, it can be difficult to understand what life is like under totalitarian rule. In this activity, students explore this form of government and meet some of its infamous practitioners. They create a poster to oppose totalitarian rule.

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Broadcast News (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, We The People

Broadcast News (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

How does news get from the front lines to your feed? Let’s take a look behind the curtain...

Students will gain an understanding of what constitutes broadcast news and how it’s produced. They will use this knowledge to work backwards, investigating and critically analyzing news stories they’ve recently encountered.

This is activity 6 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Careers in the Armed Forces

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers in the Armed Forces

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students listen and speak to a local recruiter for the armed forces about careers in the military, including options, requirements, and benefits.

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Who Are You? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Who Are You? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore the idea that anyone can be anyone on the internet. They role-play various online interactions and try to determine which are truthful and which are fraudulent.

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Production (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Production (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

1 Hour

In this unique set of video tutorials produced by Gil Garcia of Austin High School, students learn about the different roles associated with video production, how to scout a location and set up, best practices for audio gathering, lighting basics, the importance of white-balancing, how to approach interview process, and how to gather different forms of b-roll.

This is activity 14 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Do Not Sell My Personal Information (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, We The People

Do Not Sell My Personal Information (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will learn about California’s new data privacy law and create a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to educate others about this legislation and how it will affect them. Students will develop key skills in communication, online awareness and safety, and collaboration.

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Definitely Different

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

Definitely Different

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

This is a closing activity to help students think about differences intentionally. These skills help them in school and real-life situations, like resolving conflicts with friends. Developing critical thinking early builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and prepares kids to face challenges more thoughtfully.

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How Can My College Major Lead to a Dream Job?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Can My College Major Lead to a Dream Job?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students identify their dream job, investigate a college major that could prepare them for this career, and learn what courses they need to take to earn their degree.

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Debate It!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Debate It!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Debating is a great way for students to work on their speaking, listening, and team-building skills. In this activity, students debate a topic that they can relate to and work in teams to develop arguments that support their side of the debate.

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Slot Construction Sculptures

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Sculptures

Rediscover Center

K - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will learn a cardboard construction technique called Slot Construction. This technique allows students to build almost instantly without any glue or adhesives so they can explore how to make fun sculptures without always using reinforcements.

This is part 1 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

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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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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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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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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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

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

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

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

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.

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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.

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

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.

Discover Activity

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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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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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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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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

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

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

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

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students discuss examples of lying in the course of daily life, and whether the lie was ultimately the best choice.

Discover Activity

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students improvise skits to show how fictional characters might respond to everyday situations and challenges. This activity demonstrates how fiction can differ from real life.

Discover Activity

Vacation On!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Vacation On!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Who doesn’t like a vacation? Students brainstorm places in the United States to take their next vacation and create a visual representation of their responses in an affinity map.

Discover Activity

The Meaning of Music

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

The Meaning of Music

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Thinking in Opposites: Optimism and Pessimism

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Thinking in Opposites: Optimism and Pessimism

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students will evaluate optimism and pessimism and also practice empathy to recognize and appreciate these different points of view.

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 2

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 2

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Discover Activity

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 8: The Playoffs

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

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 8: The Playoffs

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 12: Day 1

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 12: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

In this activity, students wrap-up their training with end of session reviews and free play. Then, they put their nutritional knowledge to the test in a game of true or false.

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

Conducting Focus Groups

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

Conducting Focus Groups

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Bad Day Charades

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Bad Day Charades

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Benefits of Martial Arts

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Benefits of Martial Arts

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research the benefits of martial arts and engage in a whole-group discussion about the practice and discipline of martial arts.

Discover Activity

What is Climate?

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

What is Climate?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students use data to explore the difference between climate and weather and to derive definitions of the two.

Discover Activity

Pacific Northwest Memory Game

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Pacific Northwest Memory Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research the states in the Pacific Northwest and then create a memory game to play as a whole group.

Discover Activity

Civil Rights in the United States

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Civil Rights in the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

People Bingo

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

People Bingo

Foundations, Inc.

K - 5

30 Minutes

This game is great for building staff and/or student community and gets people up, moving around, and talking to lots of different people.

Discover Activity

Making an Informed Decision

We The People, Belonging and Community

Making an Informed Decision

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Enunciation and Physical Awareness

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Enunciation and Physical Awareness

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students assess the clarity of their speech and the messages they deliver with body language when they communicate verbally.

Discover Activity

No to Totalitarianism

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

No to Totalitarianism

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Broadcast News (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, We The People

Broadcast News (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

How does news get from the front lines to your feed? Let’s take a look behind the curtain...

This is activity 6 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Careers in the Armed Forces

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers in the Armed Forces

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students listen and speak to a local recruiter for the armed forces about careers in the military, including options, requirements, and benefits.

Discover Activity

Who Are You? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Who Are You? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore the idea that anyone can be anyone on the internet. They role-play various online interactions and try to determine which are truthful and which are fraudulent.

Discover Activity

Production (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Production (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

1 Hour

This is activity 14 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Do Not Sell My Personal Information (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, We The People

Do Not Sell My Personal Information (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Definitely Different

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

Definitely Different

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

Discover Activity

How Can My College Major Lead to a Dream Job?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Can My College Major Lead to a Dream Job?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students identify their dream job, investigate a college major that could prepare them for this career, and learn what courses they need to take to earn their degree.

Discover Activity

Debate It!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Debate It!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Slot Construction Sculptures

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Sculptures

Rediscover Center

K - 8

45 Minutes

This is part 1 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

Democracy in Action

We The People, Belonging and Community

Democracy in Action

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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

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

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

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

One Thing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

One Thing

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

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

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

Jingle and Mingle

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Jingle and Mingle

kid-grit

K - 2

15 Minutes

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

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.

Discover Activity

Dream Team

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Dream Team

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

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

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

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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!

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

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

Bees

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

Bees

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

Something-Is-Missing Stories

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Something-Is-Missing Stories

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 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