All Activities

Wacky Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Wacky Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students design and participate in a "wacky" relay race.

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Wacky Sentences

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

Wacky Sentences

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students determine and construct sentences from a series of words. First, students pair off. Then, the partners write out a sentence, writing one word each on sticky notes and putting the words in random order. Another pair of students must put the sticky notes in the correct order to reconstruct the sentence. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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War in Afghanistan

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

War in Afghanistan

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

This activity will introduce students to the Afghanistan War and the role of the United States in the conflict. Students will research the war and form an opinion about if the war was justified. They will develop key critical thinking skills and collaboration skills, as well as gaining a better understanding of how U.S. foreign policy is shaped.

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Watch for the Warning Signs of Depression

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Watch for the Warning Signs of Depression

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn the warning signs of depression. They create a drawing, a poster, a public service announcement (PSA), or other work to communicate information about depression.

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We Can Help the Planet!

The Natural World, Arts in Action

We Can Help the Planet!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about ways they can help the planet by listening to a teacher read a picture book on the subject, then creating posters to illustrate what they learned.

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Weather Patterns

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Weather Patterns

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

3 Hours

Students learn how sound differs in various areas of the world and how climate and weather have impacted the development of those sounds.

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Weather and Climate

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

Weather and Climate

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

In this activity, we focus on weather and climate. Children commonly misinterpret these words as interchangeable terms. These terms, while related, are different.

Weather is what we experience on a daily basis. It helps us decide what we should wear the next day or bring on an upcoming getaway next week. Weather is a prediction based on various data collected in multiple ways, from ground stations to radars. Weather maps are created to help us understand what to expect based on meteorologists’ evidence (people who study weather).

On the other hand, the climate allows us to see long-term patterns in weather data collected over time — a long period of time. A long time concerning climate is a minimum of thirty years. Climate can tell us many things, from seasonal information and planting zones to increases in global temperatures or carbon dioxide.

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Weather, Plants, and Animals

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

Weather, Plants, and Animals

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Animals have a close relationship with the weather. Animals become accustomed to specific temperatures, plants, prey assortments, and precipitation, and when that changes, living conditions can be difficult, causing the animals to move or, in some cases, perish. As climate changes, we see more animal migrations. With extreme weather conditions occurring more frequently and with greater severity, it’s even more important we are doing our part to build, restore and protect wildlife habitat.

Spring is known as a time of renewal. Most places around the nation are seeing warmer temperatures, more rainfall, new plant growth, and a greater abundance of food for animals to enjoy as they prepare to mate and give birth to the next generation. The focus of this activity will be on springtime characteristics and observations of nature in spring.

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Website Design (Game Apps)

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

Website Design (Game Apps)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a website design for a new phone app, making mockup sketches to plan, design, and present their ideas.

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Website Design: Band Sites

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Website Design: Band Sites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students use wireframe sketches and colored pencils or watercolors to plan, design, and present a new home page website idea for a favorite music group.

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Website Scavenger Hunt

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Website Scavenger Hunt

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students use a scavenger hunt to evaluate a business's website. They will use the information they find to draw conclusions about why websites are important for businesses.

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We’re Sending Mail!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

We’re Sending Mail!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Elementary-school students generally are able to identify abstract emotional concepts, but may not fully understand the value of emotional support to others. This activity will allow students to explore encouragement, kindness, gratitude, and positivity within the context of writing friendly letters or creating drawings for older people.

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We’re the Same!

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

We’re the Same!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students determine similar and complementary interests and ideas among their peers. First, students fill out the included Interest Inventory handout. Then, they form small groups to discuss and compare what they wrote. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

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

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Starting a business has proven to be a successful career option for many people, but many new businesses fail because they are poorly funded. In this activity, students experience the research, planning, and decision-making involved in launching and funding a new business.

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What Business Do We Need?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What Business Do We Need?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will brainstorm ideas and create a plan for a new business that will meet a community need. This activity builds analysis, critical thinking and collaboration skills.

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What Can You Hear?

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

What Can You Hear?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students conduct tests of their hearing. First, groups conduct a simple test to check the upper range of their hearing. Then, individuals conduct a second test to identify their complete hearing range. Students then compare and graph the results for their group. Finally, they have the option to conduct additional tests to find out more about their hearing. This activity builds understanding of how the ear works and the frequencies at which humans can hear.

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What Can be Done About Climate Change?

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

What Can be Done About Climate Change?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students research ways of negating climate change. They share their discoveries through a social media campaign.

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What Contains Carbon?

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

What Contains Carbon?

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

50 Minutes

What kinds of everyday objects contain carbon? Students recognize where carbon is found and start thinking about how it cycles through the environment.

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What Could They Do?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Could They Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students read a scenario that ends with the protagonist faced with an important decision: an ethical issue, a health/safety issue, or something that could affect an important friend or family relationship. They consider several choices and the short-term and long-term consequences.

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What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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What Do Lawyers Do?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Do Lawyers Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students read online sources about 4 fields of the law—and learn about a lawyer who became a politician.

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What Do We Have in Common? (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Do We Have in Common? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students learn about each other as they engage in conversations with a purpose. They sit in a circle and talk alternately with the person on their left and then the person on their right. Their goal is to find something in common with each partner that they don't have in common with the other partner.

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What Does It Mean to Help People Be More Equal?

We The People, Belonging and Community

What Does It Mean to Help People Be More Equal?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Through drawing and writing, students identify and analyze problems that many people face on a daily basis as a result of global inequality. They analyze the consequences of inequality and the efforts to bring more equality to communities.

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What Does the Design Tell Us?

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

What Does the Design Tell Us?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Youth test various outside areas to determine the spaces creating the most runoff.

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What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

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

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

The BlackBerry once was a very popular handheld computer, and a predecessor of the modern mobile phone or smartphone. Today, it now stands as an example of a tremendous business failure. In this activity, students analyze the factors that led to BlackBerry’s decline. They explore the consequences of ill-advised business decisions, improvements in technology, and unforeseen changes in the market.

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What Happens Next?

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

What Happens Next?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

When reading a story, we often ask ourselves the question, "I wonder what will happen next?" Children will listen to the story Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. Throughout the story, the reader will stop and ask a multiple-choice question to get the children to predict what will happen next.

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What Is Bias?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Bias?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students learn about bias and use mind mapping strategies to unpack their biases. Through a series of small group and whole group discussions, students consider why we have bias and how biases can affect our attitudes and behaviors in response to people, places, events, or ideas. Finally, students challenge bias and stereotypes by exploring multiple news stories that help them see a fuller picture of a place.

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What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this activity, students define history and explore its significance. Students will analyze a short text, participate in group discussions, and develop personal and collective understandings of the importance of history. Then, students will reflect on their personal histories to create a Roots and Wings mural that charts where they come from and where they are going.

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What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students leverage prior knowledge to define the news, understand the role of journalists in covering news, and consider why journalism is important to their personal lives and their community.

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What Is Media? (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Media? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students identify the different ways that media impacts their daily lives. After learning about the definition of media and some familiar examples, students reflect on the role and influence of media in their own lives. Next, students brainstorm different media inventions that they find useful or helpful.

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What Is Media? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Media? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will explore the many different types of media. They will begin by defining media and identifying specific categories, including print, digital, broadcast, social, audio, and visual. Students will then break into teams and brainstorm examples of the media they use and observe in their daily lives. They will discuss how media influences them, their community, and society in general. Each team will then create a brief presentation to share their ideas and findings with the group.

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What Is Mindfulness?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What Is Mindfulness?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

People often walk along the street without really noticing what is around them. With so many of us using electronic devices around the clock, “mindlessness” is on the rise! This activity shows students how an active, engaged mindset, or mindfulness, can affect their daily experiences.

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What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Journalists often pitch story ideas inspired by events occurring in their communities or by issues they care about, but they also turn to the Internet and social media to find out what topics are engaging a large audience.

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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What Is Opportunity Cost?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Is Opportunity Cost?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

This activity explores the concept of opportunity cost in the context of choosing a summer job. Students discuss the opportunity costs of making a decision in a fictional scenario and watch a video that explains the basic concepts of opportunity costs. They then break into small groups and identify the opportunity costs of different summer job opportunities. They wrap up the activity with a group discussion about opportunity costs.

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What Is Pi?

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

What Is Pi?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will measure the diameters and circumferences of circles and then calculate their ratios, discovering that the ratio between the circumference and diameter is always the same.

The constant ratio is named after the Greek letter π, or pi. For most students, pi is their first example of an irrational number, or a number that is expressed as a non-repeating decimal. The value of pi is 3.1415926…and the digits continue without end.

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What Is a Digital Footprint?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What Is a Digital Footprint?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a visual record of their recent online activity to help them see actions that are forming their permanent digital footprints.

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What Is the Best Way to Search for Information Online?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What Is the Best Way to Search for Information Online?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

50 Minutes

Searching for information online is a common task that people undertake many times each day. Navigating the internet requires skill and practice, and it is an essential tool for the twenty-first century. When used properly, internet search engines can point us to the information that we need. Otherwise, they may confuse us with irrelevant or questionable information. This lesson educates students about this essential element of using the internet.

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What Is the European Union?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the European Union?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The European Union (EU) is a political organization that unites several independent nations of Europe. In this activity, students are introduced to the European Union, its history and attributes, and its role in world affairs.

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What Is the International Space Station?

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

What Is the International Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

Students learn about the International Space Station (ISS). They begin by watching a video clip about life aboard the ISS. They then form teams to research different aspects of the ISS, such as what it does, when it was built and occupied, and why astronauts go there to live and work. Students create infographics to share what they learned. The group closes with a discussion about the importance of the ISS.

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What Is the Judicial Branch?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the Judicial Branch?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students investigate the judicial branch of the U.S. government. They begin by considering why the courts intervened in the presidential election of 2000. They then split into teams to explore specific aspects of the judicial branch by watching informational videos and considering how to uphold the provisions of Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Teams use what they learn to prepare a poster presentation providing an overview of key details and how what they learned explains why the courts intervened in the election.

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What Is the Legislative Branch?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the Legislative Branch?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore the legislative branch of the U.S. government by distinguishing the 3 branches of government and describing the main purpose of the legislative branch at the local, state, and federal levels.

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What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore how countries settle disputes and why they might form alliances. After learning some basic information about the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), students color a map of Europe to identify all the current NATO members. They wrap up the activity with a discussion about NATO members and the benefits of joining an alliance.

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What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the origins of NATO and its purpose. In small groups they research the original member countries and their role in the organization, and then write a persuasive letter arguing for or against U.S. participation in NATO.

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What Is the World Health Organization?

We The People, Belonging and Community

What Is the World Health Organization?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Introduce students to the World Health Organization (WHO), a key organization that works to improve people's health around the world. Students will develop global awareness, along with collaboration, art, and speaking skills.

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What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. This lesson uses a famous art project, Humans of New York, to reverse-engineer good interview questions and techniques.

Before you write your own interview questions, understand your goal: to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 10 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

What makes a video story good isn’t just about the topic, it’s how you tell the story.

In this lesson, you will focus on key elements that make for great nonfiction stories like news packages, video profiles, explainers, and short documentaries.

This is activity 4 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students model conversations about a wide variety of topics on social media.

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group and learn that these groups can be successful and enjoyable, as long as everyone is respectful.

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group. They discover that these groups can be successful and enjoyable when group members respect one another.

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What Makes a Year?

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

What Makes a Year?

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a diagram of how the Earth rotates around the sun, making a year.

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What Rights Do People Have? (Grade 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Rights Do People Have? (Grade 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore and discuss how all people are entitled to basic rights, such as living in peace, access to food and water, and living without fear.

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What Should I Feed My New Dog?

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

What Should I Feed My New Dog?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In today’s activity, students analyze labels of different brands of dog food to determine the best food for a new dog. They compare and evaluate the ingredients and claims found on the labels, and they research the benefits of the main ingredients and the validity. Then students present their findings and conclusions to the group.

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What Should Journalism Do?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Should Journalism Do?

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour

What is journalism, and what role does it play in our everyday lives? In this activity, students will reflect on the purpose of journalism, and how being informed can empower people.

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What Should My College Major Be?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Should My College Major Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research college majors based on likes and skills. First, they fill out the My Personal Inventory worksheet. Then, they work in small groups to try to connect each student's likes and skills with various college majors. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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What Walked?

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

What Walked?

Foundations, Inc.

K - 12

30 Minutes

Kids enjoy challenging themselves, and testing their memory is one way for them to do this. Build recall and observation abilities to help kids succeed in school and beyond! Connecting a memory activity to a new topic or skill is a great way to introduce a new subject area and make this area meaningful to the student experience.

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What Was the Cold War? (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore the Cold War through the experiences of life in Berlin, Germany. Students divide into 2 teams separated by a “wall.” Each team reads a book about the Berlin Wall and illustrates what they imagine life was like in Berlin, based on the books. Student teams then “smuggle” their work across the wall.

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What Was the Cold War? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

As time passes, events that many could once describe as “current” or “present-day” inevitably flow into the category of “history.” This activity will introduce students to the Cold War, a period of history where power, dominance, and strength were defined by 2 superpowers and 2 opposing world views.

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What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about the Marshall Plan, including its main purpose and the countries it helped, allowing students to gain a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

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What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

This activity will introduce (or reintroduce) students to the key ideas surrounding the creation, financing, and impact of the Marshall Plan. Students will develop key critical thinking, analysis, and collaborative skills, as well as an understanding of US foreign policy and international relations.

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What Was the Truman Doctrine?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Truman Doctrine?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students develop key critical thinking and collaborations skills, as well as gain a better understanding of international relations. The activity introduces students to the Truman Doctrine, which shaped U.S. foreign policy in response to the Soviet Union.

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What Would You Do?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Would You Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students think about making difficult decisions and write about the choices made in tough situations. Then they consider the short-term and long-term consequences of those choices.

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What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students act as marketing executives or promoters for the 5 major food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Dairy, and Protein. They will research the value of a food group, practice articulating and demonstrating that value, and then perform for the group. By the end of this activity, students will see that all 5 food groups are essential for a balanced diet when combined in proper amounts!

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What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

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

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

By studying the life cycle of a tomato, youth connect the carbon cycle and food production. Youth demonstrate their learning through a mini-art project.

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What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 1

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 1

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students conduct a short literature review to determine the leading cause of the current Climate Change.

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What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students conduct a short literature review to determine the leading cause of the current climate change.

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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.

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What is Green Infrastructure?

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

What is Green Infrastructure?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Youth explore the concept of green infrastructure and its innovative solutions for sustainable water management in urban areas.

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What is Lift?

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

What is Lift?

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students explore and learn about lift and see how it affects aircraft.

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What is This Advertisement Saying? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What is This Advertisement Saying? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

When viewing advertisements online, students should be able to determine the claims that are stated in the ads, and then construct their opinions of the claims. In this activity, students view examples of typical social media advertisements. They choose 2 or 3 ads from the provided web page and restate the claim, if any, made in each ad. Students then state whether they find the ads believable and effective, and explain why.

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What is a Pollinator?

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

What is a Pollinator?

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

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

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What is a Space Station?

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

What is a Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children learn why a space station moves around Earth instead of crashing to Earth or floating away from it. They also learn how people from many countries work together to keep the International Space Station running.

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What is an Entrepreneur?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What is an Entrepreneur?

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting companies; it's a skill set and way of thinking. In this activity, students will watch a video from Kid President on what it takes to be an inventor to get them thinking about and discussing what an entrepreneur is. Then, students will make a poster representing themselves as entrepreneurs to start cultivating the mindset and thinking that they, too, are entrepreneurs.

This activity was designed as Part 1 of 5 in a series created by VentureLab. Check out the "Intro to Entrepreneurship" lesson to see more.

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What’s That Drawing?

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s That Drawing?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students use their artistic skills to try to get their teammates to guess a word using only picture clues. This activity builds vocabulary, visual arts, listening, and creative thinking skills.

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What’s That For?

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

What’s That For?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children observe and ask questions about unfamiliar objects that nevertheless serve a useful purpose in their lives. This activity helps provoke children’s curiosity in the world around them and shows them that the world can surprise them in many ways.

Discover Activity

What’s Your Agenda? Editorial Judgment and Underreported Stories

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Agenda? Editorial Judgment and Underreported Stories

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will explore what editorial judgment is, and why some stories receive a lot of attention in the news while others go underreported. This activity places students in the position of editors who get to decide what stories are featured, and offers opportunities for the group to reflect on the implications of these decisions.

Discover Activity

Wacky Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Wacky Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students design and participate in a "wacky" relay race.

Discover Activity

Wacky Sentences

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

Wacky Sentences

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

War in Afghanistan

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

War in Afghanistan

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Watch for the Warning Signs of Depression

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Watch for the Warning Signs of Depression

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn the warning signs of depression. They create a drawing, a poster, a public service announcement (PSA), or other work to communicate information about depression.

Discover Activity

We Can Help the Planet!

The Natural World, Arts in Action

We Can Help the Planet!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about ways they can help the planet by listening to a teacher read a picture book on the subject, then creating posters to illustrate what they learned.

Discover Activity

Weather Patterns

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Weather Patterns

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

3 Hours

Students learn how sound differs in various areas of the world and how climate and weather have impacted the development of those sounds.

Discover Activity

Weather and Climate

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

Weather and Climate

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

In this activity, we focus on weather and climate. Children commonly misinterpret these words as interchangeable terms. These terms, while related, are different.

Discover Activity

Weather, Plants, and Animals

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

Weather, Plants, and Animals

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Website Design (Game Apps)

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

Website Design (Game Apps)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a website design for a new phone app, making mockup sketches to plan, design, and present their ideas.

Discover Activity

Website Design: Band Sites

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Website Design: Band Sites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students use wireframe sketches and colored pencils or watercolors to plan, design, and present a new home page website idea for a favorite music group.

Discover Activity

Website Scavenger Hunt

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Website Scavenger Hunt

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students use a scavenger hunt to evaluate a business's website. They will use the information they find to draw conclusions about why websites are important for businesses.

Discover Activity

We’re Sending Mail!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

We’re Sending Mail!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

We’re the Same!

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

We’re the Same!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

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

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Business Do We Need?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What Business Do We Need?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will brainstorm ideas and create a plan for a new business that will meet a community need. This activity builds analysis, critical thinking and collaboration skills.

Discover Activity

What Can You Hear?

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

What Can You Hear?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Can be Done About Climate Change?

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

What Can be Done About Climate Change?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students research ways of negating climate change. They share their discoveries through a social media campaign.

Discover Activity

What Contains Carbon?

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

What Contains Carbon?

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

50 Minutes

What kinds of everyday objects contain carbon? Students recognize where carbon is found and start thinking about how it cycles through the environment.

Discover Activity

What Could They Do?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Could They Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

What Could the Animals Be Saying?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

What Do Lawyers Do?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Do Lawyers Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students read online sources about 4 fields of the law—and learn about a lawyer who became a politician.

Discover Activity

What Do We Have in Common? (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Do We Have in Common? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Does It Mean to Help People Be More Equal?

We The People, Belonging and Community

What Does It Mean to Help People Be More Equal?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Does the Design Tell Us?

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

What Does the Design Tell Us?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Youth test various outside areas to determine the spaces creating the most runoff.

Discover Activity

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

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

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Happens Next?

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

What Happens Next?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Bias?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Bias?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

What Is Media? (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Media? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Media? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Media? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Mindfulness?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What Is Mindfulness?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

What Is Opportunity Cost?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Is Opportunity Cost?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is Pi?

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

What Is Pi?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is a Digital Footprint?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What Is a Digital Footprint?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a visual record of their recent online activity to help them see actions that are forming their permanent digital footprints.

Discover Activity

What Is the Best Way to Search for Information Online?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

What Is the Best Way to Search for Information Online?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the European Union?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the European Union?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the International Space Station?

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

What Is the International Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

Discover Activity

What Is the Judicial Branch?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the Judicial Branch?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the Legislative Branch?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the Legislative Branch?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the North Atlantic Treaty Organization? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the World Health Organization?

We The People, Belonging and Community

What Is the World Health Organization?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Before you write your own interview questions, understand your goal: to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 10 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

What makes a video story good isn’t just about the topic, it’s how you tell the story.

In this lesson, you will focus on key elements that make for great nonfiction stories like news packages, video profiles, explainers, and short documentaries.

This is activity 4 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students model conversations about a wide variety of topics on social media.

Discover Activity

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group and learn that these groups can be successful and enjoyable, as long as everyone is respectful.

Discover Activity

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group. They discover that these groups can be successful and enjoyable when group members respect one another.

Discover Activity

What Makes a Year?

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

What Makes a Year?

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a diagram of how the Earth rotates around the sun, making a year.

Discover Activity

What Rights Do People Have? (Grade 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Rights Do People Have? (Grade 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore and discuss how all people are entitled to basic rights, such as living in peace, access to food and water, and living without fear.

Discover Activity

What Should I Feed My New Dog?

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

What Should I Feed My New Dog?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Should Journalism Do?

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Should Journalism Do?

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour

What is journalism, and what role does it play in our everyday lives? In this activity, students will reflect on the purpose of journalism, and how being informed can empower people.

Discover Activity

What Should My College Major Be?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Should My College Major Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Walked?

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

What Walked?

Foundations, Inc.

K - 12

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about the Marshall Plan, including its main purpose and the countries it helped, allowing students to gain a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

Discover Activity

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Was the Truman Doctrine?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Truman Doctrine?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Would You Do?

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

What Would You Do?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students think about making difficult decisions and write about the choices made in tough situations. Then they consider the short-term and long-term consequences of those choices.

Discover Activity

What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

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

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

By studying the life cycle of a tomato, youth connect the carbon cycle and food production. Youth demonstrate their learning through a mini-art project.

Discover Activity

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 1

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 1

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students conduct a short literature review to determine the leading cause of the current Climate Change.

Discover Activity

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Students conduct a short literature review to determine the leading cause of the current climate change.

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

What is Green Infrastructure?

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

What is Green Infrastructure?

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

Youth explore the concept of green infrastructure and its innovative solutions for sustainable water management in urban areas.

Discover Activity

What is Lift?

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

What is Lift?

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students explore and learn about lift and see how it affects aircraft.

Discover Activity

What is This Advertisement Saying? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What is This Advertisement Saying? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is a Pollinator?

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

What is a Pollinator?

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is a Space Station?

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

What is a Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is an Entrepreneur?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What is an Entrepreneur?

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

This activity was designed as Part 1 of 5 in a series created by VentureLab. Check out the "Intro to Entrepreneurship" lesson to see more.

Discover Activity

What’s That Drawing?

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What’s That Drawing?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students use their artistic skills to try to get their teammates to guess a word using only picture clues. This activity builds vocabulary, visual arts, listening, and creative thinking skills.

Discover Activity

What’s That For?

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

What’s That For?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What’s Your Agenda? Editorial Judgment and Underreported Stories

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What’s Your Agenda? Editorial Judgment and Underreported Stories

Pulitzer Center