All Activities

Making Comics Part 1: Characters and Setting

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 1: Characters and Setting

OregonASK

3 - 12

30 Minutes

This simple and fun comics activity is about creating a comic book character and the world that they live in.

This activity is part 1 of 7 in a series. Go further by facilitating the Making Comics Part 2 and the following activities.

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

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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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.

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A Spelling Bee for You and Me

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

A Spelling Bee for You and Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in teams to compete in a spelling contest. They develop skills in spelling and teamwork.

Discover Activity

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students work in groups to discuss examples of lying in daily life. They decide whether or not each lie was the right choice. Then they tally their results and compare them with the results of the other groups.

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Plan a Business

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

Plan a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to propose a new business that they could open in their community and write a social media marketing plan for it. This activity builds critical-thinking and collaboration skills.

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Roundtable Review

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Roundtable Review

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

5 Minutes

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

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Act It Out: Improvisation

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Act It Out: Improvisation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students act out improvised scenes in groups of 3. Each student contributes a scene component, such as character, setting, and conflict or motivation.

Discover Activity

Perspective on Energy

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Perspective on Energy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

We often hear contradicting or conflicting perspectives about “clean” or “dirty” energy sources. Students review the most common forms of energy and read perspectives about how these energy sources impact the environment. They evaluate the sources to help them determine which are reliable and trustworthy and which share misleading or false information.

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Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students research and create a slideshow presentation about a service project that they think is worthy of their efforts in a future afterschool session. The group then votes on which project to take on in a future session.

Discover Activity

Grocery List (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Grocery List (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

With limited time, test your memory by remembering long lists of groceries without being able to write anything down.

Discover Activity

Bicycle 2.0

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

Bicycle 2.0

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

All of us are familiar with bicycles, and many of us enjoy riding them. What if we could make that experience even better? In today’s activity, students create new designs for bicycles to make them more convenient or useful for transportation.

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Draw Three

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

Draw Three

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

Students become entrepreneurs as they draw three objects from a hat and transform them into a new product.

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

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Loose Parts

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Loose Parts

Rediscover Center

K - 5

25 Minutes

In this activity, students will explore a variety of Loose Parts, sort them into different categories, and lay them out to make a self-portrait. Loose Parts consists of a collection of different easy and free to collect household and outdoor materials.

There are two modes of this activity: a Sorting Activity and a Self Portrait Activity.

Discover Activity

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the concept of corporate social responsibility and greenwashing. They work in small groups to research a company’s social responsibility practices. Then, they create an advertisement for the company’s product, based on their research. When they finish, they share their completed ad with the group and discuss ways in which companies can become more socially responsible.

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Stare, But Don't Pair (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Stare, But Don't Pair (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

This activity is literally "out of sight"! Be careful of who you stare at, it will get you removed from the game!

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Write a Children’s Story

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Write a Children’s Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students work in small groups to write and illustrate a children’s story. Students will also collaborate to review their peers’ work and then share their feedback in groups.

Discover Activity

Mystery Box

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

Mystery Box

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students use their powers of observation to make educated guesses about the contents of closed shoeboxes. This activity builds observational and scientific inquiry skills.

Discover Activity

Invasive Species Management Poster

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

Invasive Species Management Poster

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Using their research and data from the previous lessons, in this module, students will put together a proposal for how to manage invasive species in their region. This lesson will strengthen their team building, research, and presentation skills all which are necessary to foster community advocacy towards a more environmentally conscious future.

This is activity 5 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

Give One, Get One (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Give One, Get One (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students read and interpret a poem. They record their thoughts and ideas about the poem and then share ideas for writing a poem of their own during a “Give one, Get one” group activity. Students will discover that poetry can take on many forms and present a variety of subjects, all depending on the mindset, imagination, and writing skills of the author.

Discover Activity

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Many internet users often claim that “anything can be found online” or that “information is just a point, click, tap, or swipe away.” However, are we sacrificing our privacy in exchange for the convenience that the internet offers? In this activity, students will watch a video about how data is collected and used online, and then consider the benefits and consequences of this system.

Discover Activity

Building a Mini Greenhouse

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

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

Discover Activity

Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

We The People, Belonging and Community

Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students recognize the concept of human rights and are introduced to a proclamation from the United Nations: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students work in small groups to create a poster to demonstrate 1 of the rights identified in the document.

Discover Activity

Free Press Comic or Collage

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Free Press Comic or Collage

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore the importance of the freedom of the press in the United States. They identify examples of the press, examine modern newspapers and magazines, and analyze a mock headline and story to consider limitations on a free press. Finally, teams use what they have learned to create a cartoon, collage, or comic strip illustrating the rights of the press, limits on those rights, and the importance of a free press.

Discover Activity

Modeling DNA

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

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students construct a model of half of a strand of DNA, then work with partners to complete the double-strand. This activity builds understanding of the structure and function of DNA and prepares students for a deeper understanding of molecular genetics.

Discover Activity

Wonderful Websites

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Wonderful Websites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, the children explore a variety of age-appropriate websites with a partner. They read, play games, watch videos, and so on., with an adult monitoring their progress and helping out, as needed.

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 Ecosystem Where I Live

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

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

An ecosystem is where plants and animals live with and interact with nonliving elements, both natural and human-made. Ecosystems host biotic or living organisms, as well as abiotic or nonliving parts. Biotic organisms include plants and wildlife, while abiotic components of an ecosystem include rocks, temperature, and soil. Ecosystems can be very big or very small; for example, a river is a huge ecosystem, and under a rock is a tiny ecosystem.

Every aspect of an ecosystem depends upon another, either directly or indirectly. To illustrate this, imagine the amount of rainfall in a given location is a variable (other variables include temperature, sunlight, and elevation) to predict the types of plants that will grow there. All of these factors will then support wildlife who depend on these plant species and weather conditions for survival.

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Simple Signs

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Simple Signs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about American Sign Language (ASL) and practice some of the simpler signs. They use their new signing ability to communicate messages to each other.

Discover Activity

Practice Internet Hygiene

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Practice Internet Hygiene

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

High school students may consider themselves to be experts on the internet and its protocols. However, they may not recognize how online activities can affect a computer, as well as the dangers that certain internet uses can invite. In this activity, students participate in a simulation of common internet usage, and then discover how easily personal information can be compromised.

Discover Activity

Street Tree Care

The Natural World, Leadership and Teamwork

Street Tree Care

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 50 Minutes

A city tree must battle many urban hazards daily- from air pollution and bicycles, to dogs and people. In addition to above ground threats, tree roots also must contend with tough below-ground conditions. A tree pit or lawn strip provides limited space for these forest giants and this soil is a tree’s only source of nutrients. Because of this, it is essential to create as nurturing a tree pit as possible.

This is activity 3 of 3 in the "Urban Forests" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

How Viruses Infect Cells

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

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students present skits in which they role-play the two infectious cycles that viruses undergo to attack cells: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. This activity combines biology and drama to teach skills in both disciplines.

Discover Activity

Obstacle Course (Grades 9-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Obstacle Course (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students test their agility, speed, and stamina as they compete for the best time in an obstacle course.

Discover Activity

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work together to respond to music they have chosen by creating a choreographed freestyle dance and then performing for each other.

Discover Activity

Let’s Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Let’s Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Exercise can help reduce stress and help maintain a healthy weight. It also improves posture and overall health by keeping the body flexible. If the body stays seated and does not move around, it gets stuck in certain positions or patterns, leading to sore backs or stiff joints. In this activity, students will practice some useful exercise techniques and try exercising in large groups, small groups, with a partner, or by themselves.

Discover Activity

Logic Puzzle

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

Logic Puzzle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In earlier grades, students might have completed an activity in which they match descriptions or captions to individual photographs. Middle School students, however, will be intrigued by a more challenging version of this activity, in which an individual description might apply to many photos. Today, the students will work together to find the one reasonable match, among many possible matches, between 20 descriptions and 20 photos. Students will discover that finding the solution requires perseverance, logic and reasoning skills, and cooperation.

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Art Head (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Art Head (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Take art to a higher level as players use the tops of their heads to draw!

Discover Activity

Grid Paper Puzzles

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

Grid Paper Puzzles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Not all puzzles have simple solutions! In this activity, students try different strategies to divide a grid into rectangular regions. The goal is to make each region as equal in size as possible.

Discover Activity

Simple Clay Human Figures Full Body

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Simple Clay Human Figures Full Body

OregonASK

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn one technique for sculpting human bodies. Students will also learn important clay making skills.

Discover Activity

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

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

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Student teams research various technologies and strategies for combating global climate change, including carbon capture, biofuel production, and new systems for mass transit. They recognize that each of these technologies could offer a huge profit for a savvy entrepreneur or business.

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 1 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 1 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 1 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Dive into the captivating world of art and music as students explore how artists and musicians bring stories to life. Discover the magic of beat, tempo, and lines as students create their first masterpiece, setting the stage for an inspiring journey ahead.

Discover Activity

Evolution (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Evolution (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Evolve into a newer, larger and more animated character as you compete in a hilarious rendition of rock, paper, scissors!

Discover Activity

Merry Mix Jigsaw

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

Merry Mix Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Each student receives an index card that describes a mixture, a tool, or a physical property. Their task is to match their card with 2 other cards. Taken together as a trio, the cards describe a successful way to use the tool to separate a mixture using a physical property.

Discover Activity

Double the Puzzles, Double the Fun!

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Double the Puzzles, Double the Fun!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students create a two-sided jigsaw puzzle. One side will be a printed picture, and the other will be a drawing they have created. Double the puzzles, double the fun!

Discover Activity

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

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

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

2 Hours

How can we determine the locations of tectonic plate boundaries? How can we use seismic waves to pinpoint the epicenter of an earthquake? Students will explore these and other questions using seismic data and triangulation.

Discover Activity

Design Your Own Word Game

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Design Your Own Word Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students work in groups to create a prototype for a new word game. First, students use existing word games as inspiration to create a new one. Then, the groups rotate, playing the new games and giving feedback to be used as improvements for the prototype. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

Discover Activity

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students complete a Bingo card about themselves and then play a collaborative Bingo game, learning personality traits and fun facts about one another along the way.

Discover Activity

Speed of the Human Nervous System

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

Speed of the Human Nervous System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students measure their reaction time to a stimulus. They determine whether reaction time improves with practice and whether it is affected by distractions. Students also learn that reacting to stimuli involves coordination and communication between the eyes and brain of the nervous system and the hand muscles of the muscular system.

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Much of the music of the 1960s is well known for its social commentary. Students will read the lyrics of 6 songs from this era and use them to write a new song that conveys a message for our time. They will also explore how the perceptions of a writer and reader can be the same or different.

Discover Activity

Hot 21st Century Careers

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Hot 21st Century Careers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read online sources about careers that will likely be in demand in the upcoming year: physical therapist, security manager, financial tech professional, and in-home care provider.

Discover Activity

The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to learn about the European Union and create and share a 1-minute presentation about it.

Discover Activity

Animal Homes

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

Animal Homes

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

As humans, we live in homes for many of the same reasons animals live in homes, and just like animal homes, our human homes come in many different shapes and sizes, are built with a wide range of materials, and are built to withstand the climates in which we live.

A variety of factors affect the ability of wildlife to survive. An animal’s habitat must provide food, water, shelter from weather and predators, and a safe place to raise its young. Many animals, from ants and beavers to wolverines and yellow jackets, alter their surroundings to build their own homes. Children will be making observations of the animals and homes they find while outside.

Discover Activity

Jungle Layers

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

Jungle Layers

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about rainforest layers and the plants and animals who inhabit them by singing a fun Jungle Layers Song.

Discover Activity

Wild Game Tournament

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Wild Game Tournament

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students will be part of a team competing in a wild-game tournament. They will be playing a variety of games one-on-one, while working to collect wins for their team. In the end there will be a winning team, and 1 student will be the grand winner of the entire tournament!

Discover Activity

Handball

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Handball

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

The term handball is used to describe a variety of sports and games, typically involving hitting a ball with the hands. In this activity, youth play a version of the popular game in many elementary schools. The version is often called wallball because the game involves a ball hitting a wall. All forms of handball are excellent for developing hand-eye coordination.

This is activity 9 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World:The Play Lab Module.

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Plant and Animal Observation

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

Plant and Animal Observation

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this lesson, students will practice identifying plant and animal species, and classifying them as either native or non-native. In doing so, students will also acquire knowledge of land survey and species identification methods used by biologists to evaluate habitats.

This is activity 2 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Simon Says Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Simon Says Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children move to music while the leader designates certain kinds of movements (rather than poses) such as "Simon says take two steps forward," "Hop on your right foot and turn around," and "Simon says swing around in a circle low to the ground."

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Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students explore how news stories are like puzzle pieces that help us build knowledge to ultimately see the full picture of an issue. Students engage in a group read-aloud activity and listen for details that help them complete their own story puzzles with written information, feelings, and illustrations.

This activity is adapted from a lesson by Emily Otten, a Pulitzer Center Teacher Fellow and elementary school teacher.

Discover Activity

Snail Mail: Handwriting Practice

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Snail Mail: Handwriting Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students practice their handwriting by writing a letter to a friend or family member. They can then either mail these letters (“snail mail”) or hand them to a friend.

Discover Activity

Animals That Talk in Stories

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Animals That Talk in Stories

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students search for animals in stories that talk or have human characteristics. Then, they create an animal to share with their peers.

Discover Activity

Design a New Toy

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

Design a New Toy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students brainstorm and sketch ideas for new toys. Then they make a prototype from simple materials and present it to the group.

Discover Activity

Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

30 Minutes

Earn cash, customers, and compliments at your newly-created restaurant featuring your famous signature dish and motto!

Discover Activity

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students discuss best practices for delivering a presentation. Then students prepare and deliver a presentation on the topic of their choice.

Discover Activity

Meet the First President!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Meet the First President!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the life of George Washington. After discussing the myth about Washington and the cherry tree, they read a biography to learn about his life. Then, they create a George Washington cherry tree, complete with details about his life.

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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.

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 13 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Students choreograph expressive dances inspired by fictional neighborhood, infusing movement with narrative and emotion.

Discover Activity

Building a Background Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Building a Background Story

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this lesson, students craft detailed backstories for their sources. Let’s create a world of information to fuel our interviews!

This is lesson 10 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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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

You Make the Rules!

We The People, Belonging and Community

You Make the Rules!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn that the government makes laws and discuss why communities have laws by comparing them to rules in afterschool programs and other familiar places like home and school. They then collaborate to propose ideas for new group rules and vote on whether or not to adopt them.

Discover Activity

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Talking, Thinking, and Dreaming are some of the ways that action unfolds in comics. Students have a chance to think about all the ways that language is used in comics, from lines that show action to the bubbles that show what characters are thinking and saying.

This is part 3 of 7 in a series. Provide context by first facilitating Making Comics Parts 1-2, and then afterward, Making Comics Parts 4-7.

Discover Activity

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together to choreograph and perform a freestyle dance.

Discover Activity

Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

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

Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Before planting, it’s important to know if your dahlia tubers are ready to grow—or headed for the compost bin! In this hands-on science and garden investigation lesson, students become garden scientists by learning how to evaluate the health of a dahlia tuber. Using visual guides, observation, and a detailed health check worksheet, students will sort tubers into "Plant Me," "Needs Help," or "Compost Bin." They'll gain confidence identifying healthy growing signs—like firmness and visible eyes—and learn how to identify a healthy vs an unhealthy dahlia tuber.

This activity is 1 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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Say Thanks!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Say Thanks!

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this closing activity, students identify an act of kindness they witnessed and create a letter or picture of thanks to share with the person who was kind.

Discover Activity

Making Comics Part 1: Characters and Setting

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 1: Characters and Setting

OregonASK

3 - 12

30 Minutes

This simple and fun comics activity is about creating a comic book character and the world that they live in.

This activity is part 1 of 7 in a series. Go further by facilitating the Making Comics Part 2 and the following activities.

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

The Hobbit

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Hobbit

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

A Spelling Bee for You and Me

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

A Spelling Bee for You and Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in teams to compete in a spelling contest. They develop skills in spelling and teamwork.

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Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Should You Always Tell the Truth? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Plan a Business

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

Plan a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Roundtable Review

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Roundtable Review

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

5 Minutes

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

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Act It Out: Improvisation

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Act It Out: Improvisation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students act out improvised scenes in groups of 3. Each student contributes a scene component, such as character, setting, and conflict or motivation.

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Perspective on Energy

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Perspective on Energy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, We The People

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Grocery List (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Grocery List (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

With limited time, test your memory by remembering long lists of groceries without being able to write anything down.

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Bicycle 2.0

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

Bicycle 2.0

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Draw Three

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

Draw Three

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

Students become entrepreneurs as they draw three objects from a hat and transform them into a new product.

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

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Loose Parts

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Loose Parts

Rediscover Center

K - 5

25 Minutes

There are two modes of this activity: a Sorting Activity and a Self Portrait Activity.

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Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Stare, But Don't Pair (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Stare, But Don't Pair (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

This activity is literally "out of sight"! Be careful of who you stare at, it will get you removed from the game!

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Write a Children’s Story

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Write a Children’s Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students work in small groups to write and illustrate a children’s story. Students will also collaborate to review their peers’ work and then share their feedback in groups.

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Mystery Box

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

Mystery Box

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students use their powers of observation to make educated guesses about the contents of closed shoeboxes. This activity builds observational and scientific inquiry skills.

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Invasive Species Management Poster

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

Invasive Species Management Poster

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

This is activity 5 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Give One, Get One (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Give One, Get One (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Building a Mini Greenhouse

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

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

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Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

We The People, Belonging and Community

Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Free Press Comic or Collage

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Free Press Comic or Collage

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Modeling DNA

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

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Wonderful Websites

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Wonderful Websites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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.

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The Ecosystem Where I Live

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

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Simple Signs

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Simple Signs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about American Sign Language (ASL) and practice some of the simpler signs. They use their new signing ability to communicate messages to each other.

Discover Activity

Practice Internet Hygiene

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Practice Internet Hygiene

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Street Tree Care

The Natural World, Leadership and Teamwork

Street Tree Care

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 50 Minutes

This is activity 3 of 3 in the "Urban Forests" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

How Viruses Infect Cells

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

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Obstacle Course (Grades 9-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Obstacle Course (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students test their agility, speed, and stamina as they compete for the best time in an obstacle course.

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Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work together to respond to music they have chosen by creating a choreographed freestyle dance and then performing for each other.

Discover Activity

Let’s Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Let’s Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Logic Puzzle

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

Logic Puzzle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Industrial Revolution

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

The Industrial Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

Discover Activity

Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Art Head (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Art Head (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Take art to a higher level as players use the tops of their heads to draw!

Discover Activity

Grid Paper Puzzles

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

Grid Paper Puzzles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Not all puzzles have simple solutions! In this activity, students try different strategies to divide a grid into rectangular regions. The goal is to make each region as equal in size as possible.

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Simple Clay Human Figures Full Body

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Simple Clay Human Figures Full Body

OregonASK

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn one technique for sculpting human bodies. Students will also learn important clay making skills.

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Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

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

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 1 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 1 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Evolution (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Evolution (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Evolve into a newer, larger and more animated character as you compete in a hilarious rendition of rock, paper, scissors!

Discover Activity

Merry Mix Jigsaw

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

Merry Mix Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Double the Puzzles, Double the Fun!

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Double the Puzzles, Double the Fun!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students create a two-sided jigsaw puzzle. One side will be a printed picture, and the other will be a drawing they have created. Double the puzzles, double the fun!

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Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

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

Earthquakes & Tectonic Plates

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Activity

Design Your Own Word Game

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Design Your Own Word Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students complete a Bingo card about themselves and then play a collaborative Bingo game, learning personality traits and fun facts about one another along the way.

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Speed of the Human Nervous System

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

Speed of the Human Nervous System

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Hot 21st Century Careers

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Hot 21st Century Careers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read online sources about careers that will likely be in demand in the upcoming year: physical therapist, security manager, financial tech professional, and in-home care provider.

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The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to learn about the European Union and create and share a 1-minute presentation about it.

Discover Activity

Animal Homes

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

Animal Homes

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Jungle Layers

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

Jungle Layers

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about rainforest layers and the plants and animals who inhabit them by singing a fun Jungle Layers Song.

Discover Activity

Wild Game Tournament

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Wild Game Tournament

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Handball

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Handball

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

This is activity 9 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World:The Play Lab Module.

Discover Activity

Plant and Animal Observation

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

Plant and Animal Observation

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This is activity 2 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

Discover Activity

Simon Says Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Simon Says Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

This activity is adapted from a lesson by Emily Otten, a Pulitzer Center Teacher Fellow and elementary school teacher.

Discover Activity

Snail Mail: Handwriting Practice

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Snail Mail: Handwriting Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students practice their handwriting by writing a letter to a friend or family member. They can then either mail these letters (“snail mail”) or hand them to a friend.

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Animals That Talk in Stories

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Animals That Talk in Stories

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students search for animals in stories that talk or have human characteristics. Then, they create an animal to share with their peers.

Discover Activity

Design a New Toy

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

Design a New Toy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students brainstorm and sketch ideas for new toys. Then they make a prototype from simple materials and present it to the group.

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Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

30 Minutes

Earn cash, customers, and compliments at your newly-created restaurant featuring your famous signature dish and motto!

Discover Activity

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students discuss best practices for delivering a presentation. Then students prepare and deliver a presentation on the topic of their choice.

Discover Activity

Meet the First President!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Meet the First President!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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.

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The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 13 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Students choreograph expressive dances inspired by fictional neighborhood, infusing movement with narrative and emotion.

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Building a Background Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Building a Background Story

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this lesson, students craft detailed backstories for their sources. Let’s create a world of information to fuel our interviews!

This is lesson 10 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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

You Make the Rules!

We The People, Belonging and Community

You Make the Rules!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

This is part 3 of 7 in a series. Provide context by first facilitating Making Comics Parts 1-2, and then afterward, Making Comics Parts 4-7.

Discover Activity

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together to choreograph and perform a freestyle dance.

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Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

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

Tuber Trouble or Garden Gold?: How to Perform a Dahlia Tuber Health Check

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

Discover Activity

Say Thanks!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Say Thanks!

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this closing activity, students identify an act of kindness they witnessed and create a letter or picture of thanks to share with the person who was kind.

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Library

Categories Collaborators Explore All Activities All Collections

Community

Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

Engage

Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy

Account

Library

Categories Collaborators Explore All Activities All Collections

Community

Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

Engage

Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy

Account