All Activities

The Focus Experiment

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

The Focus Experiment

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

High school students often struggle to focus on completing homework and other academic tasks, especially when they feel stressed by the volume of demands on their time and attention. In this activity, students will conduct an experiment to show how their study environments and focus strategies affect their ability to complete an academic task.

Discover Activity

The Green Revolution

We The People, The Natural World

The Green Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about the work of Norman Borlaug and the agricultural innovations that led to the Green Revolution. They consider current world hunger statistics and brainstorm responses, using what they learn to write and illustrate picture books.

Discover Activity

The Heat is On: Cause and Effect and Climate

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

The Heat is On: Cause and Effect and Climate

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 12

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Students practice distinguishing between correlation and causation within the context of global climate change.

Discover Activity

The Hobbit

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Hobbit

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students delve into the fantasy world of The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien. They explore the characters, settings, and themes of the novel and then portray characters or scenes from the story. Students do not need to have read The Hobbit to enjoy this activity.

Discover Activity

The Importance of Black American Media

We The People, Digital Voices

The Importance of Black American Media

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

2 Hours

Since the 19th century, Black Americans have created newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets that entertain, unify, and uplift the race. In this activity, students will be introduced to this tradition as they discuss the importance of stories and media, learn about the functions of the Black American media, and explore contemporary examples of Black media.

In the first part of this two-part activity, students will learn about the history of the Black press and contemporary Black American media. During the second part, students will complete a research project in which they learn and share about Black media outlets past and present.

Discover Activity

The Industrial Revolution

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

The Industrial Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

During the Industrial Revolution, many new technologies and inventions were introduced to Americans. Students learn all about them as they complete a scavenger hunt by using internet resources to find the answers to clues. They conclude the activity with a group discussion about the impact of these technologies on our lives today.

Discover Activity

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

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

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students watch videos about the International Space Station and then collaborate as teams to complete a matching puzzle about the station.

Discover Activity

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Countries from around the world work together to make sure the International Space Station (ISS) is a success. In this activity, students research international cooperation on this project and share their findings with the group. This activity builds understanding of the challenges and rewards of international cooperation, as well as providing practice in speaking and listening.

Discover Activity

The Lindy Hop

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

The Lindy Hop

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn four basic, Lindy Hop steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twists on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

The Lord of the Rings

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Lord of the Rings

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students delve into the fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings (LotR) trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien. They explore the characters, settings, and themes of the novels and then write a scene that could take place in the LotR world. Students do not need to have read the trilogy to enjoy this activity.

Discover Activity

The Marshmallow Challenge

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

The Marshmallow Challenge

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in teams to complete a challenge to build the tallest free-standing structure out of dry spaghetti noodles that also supports the weight of a regular-sized marshmallow. Along the way, teams will be asked to reflect on what they've been doing and how they're feeling as they experience what it means to have an entrepreneurial mindset. It will also help students start building some key entrepreneurial skills including creativity, team work, and prototyping.

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

The Monarch Butterfly

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

The Monarch Butterfly

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

The large and brilliantly-colored monarch butterfly is among the most easily recognizable butterfly species that call North America home. Monarch butterflies are found across North America wherever their habitat’s needs are being met. They are broken into two populations separated by the Rocky Mountains, called the eastern and western populations.

Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed. As caterpillars, monarchs feed exclusively on the leaves of milkweed, wildflowers in the genus Asclepias. North America has several dozen native milkweed species with which monarchs coevolved and upon which they rely to complete their life cycle.

The monarch migration is one of the greatest phenomena in the natural world. Monarchs know the correct direction to migrate even though the individuals that migrate have never made the journey before. They follow an internal “compass” that points them in the right direction each spring and fall. A single monarch can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles.

Discover Activity

The Monty Hall Problem

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

The Monty Hall Problem

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

During the 1960s and 1970s, television personality Monty Hall hosted a game show called Let’s Make a Deal. In every episode, Monty invited contestants to play various games of chance, often involving the trading of a guaranteed prize for a chance at a more valuable prize. One of the games involved some surprising probability, and it is now known to mathematicians as the Monty Hall Problem. In this activity, students will explore the Monty Hall Problem and discover the experimental probability of its different outcomes.

Discover Activity

The New Hieroglyphics? Communicating in Textspeak

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The New Hieroglyphics? Communicating in Textspeak

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students examine modern "textspeak," an abbreviated and symbol-laden language, to communicate in electronic media. They read aloud "An Emoji Tale," a traditional fairy tale retold in textspeak, and practice writing in textspeak and interpreting one another's work.

Discover Activity

The New Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

The New Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students generate ideas for new Olympic events. They work in small groups to plan, demonstrate, and explain the events.

Discover Activity

The News Today

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The News Today

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will analyze the structure of the daily newspaper, and then collaborate to write a newspaper edition of their own.

Discover Activity

The Power of Persuasion

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

The Power of Persuasion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The ability to persuade someone to do or believe something is a powerful skill. Students will give a speech trying to persuade others about a topic of their choice.

Discover Activity

The Price Is Close! (Grades 3-5)

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

The Price Is Close! (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In the game show The Price Is Right, contestants guess the price of various items with the goal of not overestimating the price. Today's activity has students playing a game called The Price Is Close. Each team leads a round of the game.

Discover Activity

The Price Is Close! (Grades 6-8)

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

The Price Is Close! (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students attempt to figure out the price of popular age-appropriate products in a game similar to the game show The Price Is Right.

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

The Puppet Version of Me

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

The Puppet Version of Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students use a variety of materials to create paper-bag puppets that represent their looks and interests. Then they use their puppets to give a presentation about themselves to the group, puppet-show style.

Discover Activity

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

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

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore 4 different aspects of medical school: prerequisites and applying, schooling, internship, and residency.

Discover Activity

The Ruby Hop

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

The Ruby Hop

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children hear a story about a character who learns she is valuable just the way she is. Children then apply this knowledge to themselves, which culminates in self-portraits.

Discover Activity

The Sponge Challenge

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

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

Discover Activity

The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students read a comic about the Swings, grandparents who are planning a family party. Students read and act out the comic story to understand the feel of swing and its offspring.

Discover Activity

The Truman Doctrine

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The Truman Doctrine

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

The Word (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

The Word (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Read your partner's mind... Using only 1 word!

Discover Activity

The World of Banking

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

The World of Banking

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the world of banking, including categories of accounts and services, the differences between banks and credit unions, and the general rules that bankers and their customers must follow.

Discover Activity

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

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

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the Wright brothers' background and use problem-solving skills to design and create paper airplanes to fly long distances.

Discover Activity

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students read news stories on a variety of news sites, comparing how the same stories are presented differently depending on the site.

Discover Activity

They Really Failed?

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

They Really Failed?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Each student reads about a person who failed at first but later went on to achieve success. Students present 1 surprising fact about this person to the whole group, and the group tries to guess who the person is. This activity builds reading and summarizing skills as well as speaking and listening skills.

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

Thinking on Your Feet

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Thinking on Your Feet

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice the job interview skill of handling unusual, unexpected, or difficult questions that challenge the thinking process.

Discover Activity

This is Me: Online Profiles

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

This is Me: Online Profiles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students in this age range may just be discovering social media websites, as well as both the benefits and drawbacks of social media. In this activity, done entirely offline, students complete a simple profile for themselves. The group tries to match the profile to its owner.

Discover Activity

Thoughts on Brands

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Thoughts on Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Consumers often accept the brand of a product as a statement of its quality, value, or prestige. In this activity, students draw conclusions about the importance of branding in the marketplace by describing their opinions of familiar brands, identifying brands for specific products, and discussing how they use brands to evaluate and purchase products.

Discover Activity

Tinfoil Raft

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

Tinfoil Raft

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students engineer tinfoil rafts and test how much their weight they can hold before taking on water.

Discover Activity

To Share or Not to Share?

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

To Share or Not to Share?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Both adults and young people spend a lot of time online. Because of social media, web browsing, shopping, gaming, and email, information is constantly exchanged. Students learn about personal and private information and when they should and should not share it online.

Discover Activity

Too Early for School?

Belonging and Community, We The People

Too Early for School?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students debate whether their school starts too early, citing specific reasons why the school’s start time has a positive or negative effect. They also apply what they discussed to write letters to their teachers or school administrators, with the goal of promoting their ideas and suggestions.

Discover Activity

Too Much Homework?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Too Much Homework?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students form groups to debate whether school gives too much homework and brainstorm reasons for both sides of the argument. Teams are awarded points for strong, valid reasoning and logical supporting evidence.

Discover Activity

Top 10

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Top 10

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in a group to come up with a top 10 list of their choice, and deliver a speech explaining their choices.

Discover Activity

Totalitarianism Past and Present: Nazi Germany and North Korea

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Totalitarianism Past and Present: Nazi Germany and North Korea

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

The word total is found in totalitarian, and totalitarian governments exert total control over their people. Life under totalitarian rule is restrictive and brutal, as students will see as they delve inside the government structure that once existed in Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany and continues to exist in Kim Jong-un’s North Korea.

Discover Activity

Tower of Power

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Tower of Power

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

As an engaging way to introduce students to NFTE’s entrepreneurial mindset domains, students will either complete an interactive digital module or engage in a team building activity that asks them to create the tallest possible tower using limited resources.

This lesson plan is written around the completion of a hands-on activity, but you can replace or supplement this activity with a couple of digital interactives. See the Modifications section at the end of this lesson plan for more details.

Discover Activity

Train Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Train Obstacle Course

OregonASK

K - 2

1 Hour

Students set up a train-themed obstacle course. Afterward, they get their blood flowing by running through their own course!

Discover Activity

Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn the story behind Bossa Nova through a comic story. They then work with a partner to combine their two favorite songs into a new sound.

Discover Activity

Tricky Conversations (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students in middle school may struggle to talk about the conflicts in their lives or about new emotions and experiences. In this activity, students role-play a variety of conversations and then evaluate and discuss their performances. (Note that the activity incorporates subjects such as honesty, friendship, academic achievement, and general health and wellness. However, it excludes controversial and emotionally sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and gender identity.)

Discover Activity

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Teens may struggle to talk about a wide variety of personal subjects with parents, teachers, peers, and siblings. In this activity, teens will role-play a variety of conversation topics and evaluate their performances. (Note that the activity incorporates subjects such as honesty, friendship, academic achievement, and general health and wellness. However, it excludes controversial and emotionally sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and gender identity.)

Discover Activity

Trivia Game: All about France

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Trivia Game: All about France

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research France and then create trivia questions and have a contest with another group.

Discover Activity

Turning Garbage into Gold

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, The Natural World

Turning Garbage into Gold

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students consider the excessive waste that enters landfills. To help solve this problem, they brainstorm ideas for businesses that could use landfill contents for revenue. They turn garbage into financial gold!

Discover Activity

Twirl in the Wind

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Twirl in the Wind

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students build a Kinetic Sculpture, or a sculpture that moves in response to air, light, or sound.

Discover Activity

Twisted Fairy Tales

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Twisted Fairy Tales

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students read an alternative version of Cinderella and compare and contrast the various versions of the story.

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Two Truths and a Lie

Foundations, Inc.

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Participants bring a wealth of experience and fun to the class in this fun icebreaker.

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

As students complete this activity, they may be surprised to have an “adult-sanctioned” opportunity to compose lies! In this game, students describe themselves using 2 true statements and 1 untrue statement. Then, group members guess which statement is the lie.

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this game, called Two Truths and a Lie, students read statements about one another and then try to distinguish the facts from the falsehoods. This classic icebreaker game helps build a cohesive group.

Discover Activity

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

We The People, Belonging and Community

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children may know who the President is, but they may not understand the role of the President and Congress in passing laws. In this activity, children explore and model the legislative process.

Discover Activity

U.S. Trade Balance

We The People, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

U.S. Trade Balance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to conduct research on the U.S. trade balance with Canada, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Brazil.

Discover Activity

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

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

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Be the fastest team to build a large pyramid using only a string and a rubber band!

Discover Activity

Uncovering Fallacies

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Uncovering Fallacies

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Fallacies are common errors in reasoning that undermine arguments. Examples of fallacies are found in advertising, social media, political discourse, and elsewhere. When students learn to identify fallacies in texts they read, they become critical readers and thinkers. This activity introduces students to various fallacies and gives them experience recognizing them.

Discover Activity

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a tourism slideshow presentation based on their research about the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Discover Activity

Untangle Our Hand Circle

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Untangle Our Hand Circle

OregonASK

6 - 8

15 Minutes

Students build teamwork and communication skills by working together to untangle themselves in this group activity.

Discover Activity

Unusual College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Unusual College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read and discuss online sources about 5 unusual college majors.

Discover Activity

Up Close and Personal

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

Up Close and Personal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children look at close-up pictures of different objects and try to decide what the whole object is. Then, they get a chance to create their own “up close and personal” drawing of an object of their choice.

Discover Activity

Using the GLOBE Observer App to Conduct a Sky Survey

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

Using the GLOBE Observer App to Conduct a Sky Survey

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

25 Minutes

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In Sky Survey, youth will step into the shoes of scientists by exploring the features of the sky. They will use the GLOBE Observer app to submit their celestial sightings to NASA researchers who are studying the connection between clouds and climate. NASA uses this sky data to verify satellite images of Earth’s atmosphere and to validate and calibrate the instruments that take them.

Discover Activity

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

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

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

20 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

Using the iNaturalist App to Conduct a Bug Safari

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

Using the iNaturalist App to Conduct a Bug Safari

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Community science, also called citizen science, is a global effort in which scientists and the public work together to help gather data on the earth’s biodiversity. In this activity, your students will practice using scientific collection tools and conduct a Bug Safari observation. They will gently collect arthropods, take photos, and record their findings in iNaturalist, a citizen and community science project and online social network for nature research.

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

Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students play classic video games and compare them with today's video games.

Discover Activity

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students research the states in the Midwest United States, and then create posters and conduct a virtual tour based on what they learned.

Discover Activity

Visiting the Regions of the USA

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Visiting the Regions of the USA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The United States offers diverse geography, climates, and landmarks. In this activity, students explore the country by learning about a specific geographic region and creating a travel brochure to encourage others to visit.

Discover Activity

Visualizing the Legacy of Slavery: Gallery Walk and Quote Museum

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Visualizing the Legacy of Slavery: Gallery Walk and Quote Museum

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will learn about the ways in which slavery’s legacy persists in U.S. systems and society by examining images and text in an engaging gallery walk activity. They will also practice visually communicating tone and information to others by creating a group “quote museum.”

Discover Activity

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Whole Body, Whole Self, Stories and Perspectives

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

How effective are vitamins and mineral supplements? Who benefits from these supplements, and how do they know which supplements to take? Students explore these and other questions as they read and discuss articles from journalists, experts, and critics.

Discover Activity

Vo-Tech Day

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Vo-Tech Day

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research a variety of vo-tech institutes and programs in their region. While they conduct their research, students fill out worksheets, taking notes on program degrees, benefits, etc. Then, they reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

Discover Activity

Voices from the Past (1960s and 1970s)

We The People, Belonging and Community

Voices from the Past (1960s and 1970s)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the lives of teenagers who lived 50-60 years ago. They discuss similarities and differences among teens of the past and the present.

Discover Activity

Wacky Cars

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Wacky Cars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children design a wacky car and either draw or build it. They give their car an appropriate name and describe its features to the group. This activity builds visual arts and design skills.

Discover Activity

Wacky Inventions

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

Wacky Inventions

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students use a playful frame of mind to explore objects and ideas to help them become inventors.

Discover Activity

The Focus Experiment

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

The Focus Experiment

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Green Revolution

We The People, The Natural World

The Green Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Heat is On: Cause and Effect and Climate

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

The Heat is On: Cause and Effect and Climate

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 12

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Students practice distinguishing between correlation and causation within the context of global climate change.

Discover Activity

The Hobbit

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Hobbit

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Importance of Black American Media

We The People, Digital Voices

The Importance of Black American Media

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

2 Hours

Discover Activity

The Industrial Revolution

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

The Industrial Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

Discover Activity

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

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

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students watch videos about the International Space Station and then collaborate as teams to complete a matching puzzle about the station.

Discover Activity

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Lindy Hop

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

The Lindy Hop

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn four basic, Lindy Hop steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twists on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

The Lord of the Rings

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Lord of the Rings

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Marshmallow Challenge

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

The Marshmallow Challenge

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

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

The Monarch Butterfly

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

The Monarch Butterfly

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Monty Hall Problem

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

The Monty Hall Problem

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The New Hieroglyphics? Communicating in Textspeak

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The New Hieroglyphics? Communicating in Textspeak

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The New Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

The New Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students generate ideas for new Olympic events. They work in small groups to plan, demonstrate, and explain the events.

Discover Activity

The News Today

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The News Today

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will analyze the structure of the daily newspaper, and then collaborate to write a newspaper edition of their own.

Discover Activity

The Power of Persuasion

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

The Power of Persuasion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The ability to persuade someone to do or believe something is a powerful skill. Students will give a speech trying to persuade others about a topic of their choice.

Discover Activity

The Price Is Close! (Grades 3-5)

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

The Price Is Close! (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Price Is Close! (Grades 6-8)

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

The Price Is Close! (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students attempt to figure out the price of popular age-appropriate products in a game similar to the game show The Price Is Right.

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

The Puppet Version of Me

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

The Puppet Version of Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

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

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore 4 different aspects of medical school: prerequisites and applying, schooling, internship, and residency.

Discover Activity

The Ruby Hop

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

The Ruby Hop

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children hear a story about a character who learns she is valuable just the way she is. Children then apply this knowledge to themselves, which culminates in self-portraits.

Discover Activity

The Sponge Challenge

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

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

Discover Activity

The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students read a comic about the Swings, grandparents who are planning a family party. Students read and act out the comic story to understand the feel of swing and its offspring.

Discover Activity

The Truman Doctrine

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The Truman Doctrine

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Word (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

The Word (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Read your partner's mind... Using only 1 word!

Discover Activity

The World of Banking

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

The World of Banking

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

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

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the Wright brothers' background and use problem-solving skills to design and create paper airplanes to fly long distances.

Discover Activity

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students read news stories on a variety of news sites, comparing how the same stories are presented differently depending on the site.

Discover Activity

They Really Failed?

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

They Really Failed?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Thinking on Your Feet

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Thinking on Your Feet

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice the job interview skill of handling unusual, unexpected, or difficult questions that challenge the thinking process.

Discover Activity

This is Me: Online Profiles

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

This is Me: Online Profiles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Thoughts on Brands

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Thoughts on Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Tinfoil Raft

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

Tinfoil Raft

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students engineer tinfoil rafts and test how much their weight they can hold before taking on water.

Discover Activity

To Share or Not to Share?

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

To Share or Not to Share?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Too Early for School?

Belonging and Community, We The People

Too Early for School?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Too Much Homework?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Too Much Homework?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Top 10

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Top 10

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in a group to come up with a top 10 list of their choice, and deliver a speech explaining their choices.

Discover Activity

Totalitarianism Past and Present: Nazi Germany and North Korea

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Totalitarianism Past and Present: Nazi Germany and North Korea

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Tower of Power

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Tower of Power

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

Discover Activity

Train Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Train Obstacle Course

OregonASK

K - 2

1 Hour

Students set up a train-themed obstacle course. Afterward, they get their blood flowing by running through their own course!

Discover Activity

Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn the story behind Bossa Nova through a comic story. They then work with a partner to combine their two favorite songs into a new sound.

Discover Activity

Tricky Conversations (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Trivia Game: All about France

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Trivia Game: All about France

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research France and then create trivia questions and have a contest with another group.

Discover Activity

Turning Garbage into Gold

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, The Natural World

Turning Garbage into Gold

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Twirl in the Wind

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Twirl in the Wind

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students build a Kinetic Sculpture, or a sculpture that moves in response to air, light, or sound.

Discover Activity

Twisted Fairy Tales

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Twisted Fairy Tales

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students read an alternative version of Cinderella and compare and contrast the various versions of the story.

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Two Truths and a Lie

Foundations, Inc.

6 - 12

10 Minutes

Participants bring a wealth of experience and fun to the class in this fun icebreaker.

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Two Truths and a Lie (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

We The People, Belonging and Community

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children may know who the President is, but they may not understand the role of the President and Congress in passing laws. In this activity, children explore and model the legislative process.

Discover Activity

U.S. Trade Balance

We The People, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

U.S. Trade Balance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to conduct research on the U.S. trade balance with Canada, Mexico, China, India, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Brazil.

Discover Activity

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

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

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Be the fastest team to build a large pyramid using only a string and a rubber band!

Discover Activity

Uncovering Fallacies

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Uncovering Fallacies

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a tourism slideshow presentation based on their research about the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Discover Activity

Untangle Our Hand Circle

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Untangle Our Hand Circle

OregonASK

6 - 8

15 Minutes

Students build teamwork and communication skills by working together to untangle themselves in this group activity.

Discover Activity

Unusual College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Unusual College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read and discuss online sources about 5 unusual college majors.

Discover Activity

Up Close and Personal

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

Up Close and Personal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Using the GLOBE Observer App to Conduct a Sky Survey

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

Using the GLOBE Observer App to Conduct a Sky Survey

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

25 Minutes

Discover Activity

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

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

Using the eBird App to Conduct a Bird Search

California Academy of Sciences

6 - 8

20 Minutes

Discover Activity

Using the iNaturalist App to Conduct a Bug Safari

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

Using the iNaturalist App to Conduct a Bug Safari

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

30 Minutes

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

Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students play classic video games and compare them with today's video games.

Discover Activity

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students research the states in the Midwest United States, and then create posters and conduct a virtual tour based on what they learned.

Discover Activity

Visiting the Regions of the USA

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Visiting the Regions of the USA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Visualizing the Legacy of Slavery: Gallery Walk and Quote Museum

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Visualizing the Legacy of Slavery: Gallery Walk and Quote Museum

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Whole Body, Whole Self, Stories and Perspectives

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Vo-Tech Day

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Vo-Tech Day

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Voices from the Past (1960s and 1970s)

We The People, Belonging and Community

Voices from the Past (1960s and 1970s)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the lives of teenagers who lived 50-60 years ago. They discuss similarities and differences among teens of the past and the present.

Discover Activity

Wacky Cars

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Wacky Cars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children design a wacky car and either draw or build it. They give their car an appropriate name and describe its features to the group. This activity builds visual arts and design skills.

Discover Activity

Wacky Inventions

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

Wacky Inventions

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students use a playful frame of mind to explore objects and ideas to help them become inventors.

Discover Activity