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Blogging 101

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blogging 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn how to develop their own blog. They begin by discussing what a blog is. Students then form teams to review examples of teen blogs and brainstorm traits that make a blog appealing. They also create a list of and safety tips for bloggers. Next, they watch a video to get advice from a teen blogger, and incorporate that advice into their own lists of tips. Finally, students work together to design a team blog in slideshow software, and each team member writes his or her own blog entry.

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Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

What skills do workers need to develop for success in the twenty-first century? Students research and synthesize ideas about the working conditions and environment in which they will work in the future.

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The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 17 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! It's party time! Experience the culmination of creativity as student groups host symbolic parties, providing an opportunity for exploration and discovery amidst vibrant celebrations.

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Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Youth create a poster to use during a simulated classroom election. They create an acrostic poem using their name to explain what makes them a good leader. Students share their posters and vote in a classroom election.

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Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

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

Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

There's a well-known saying: It takes money to make money. Spending money is one of the realities of starting a business. Students will think like new business owners and consider their start-up costs as they develop a business plan.

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Your Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork

Your Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create their own versions of Olympic sports and demonstrate the sports to the group.

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Half the Conversation

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Half the Conversation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students write and act out skits to build self-awareness and conflict-resolution skills. First, students work in pairs to write and practice skits about a conflict they might have with a person in their everyday lives, and then they perform the skits for the group. However, the student who is the “star” of the skit delivers only their half of the conversation, with the other half of the conversation not being performed. The whole group then discusses what they learned about themselves and how they resolve conflicts.

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Pollinators Project

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

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Students learn how pollination works and how bees are essential for the production of fruits and vegetables. Students will also be presented with a problem and use tools to brainstorm and test potential solutions to fix it.

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Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

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

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Let’s dig in! After checking for healthy tubers and learning how they work, it's time to plant! This hands-on lesson will teach students how to properly prep and plant their dahlia tubers. From prepping garden beds to placing the tubers at the proper depth, students will experience the joy and responsibility of kickstarting the growing season. They will also learn why placement, spacing, and soil health are essential for producing strong, beautiful blooms.

This activity is 2 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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Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Pre-interviews help you find the right voices (characters) for your story. In the Find Your Story Lesson, you identified potential people to interview and feature in your story.

Now you will talk to them to get a sense of whether they are indeed the right people and if they will move your story forward. The pre-interview will also help you create a list of interview questions so that you can make the best use of your time, and theirs.

This is activity 11 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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The First Cellphone Call

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The First Cellphone Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Welcome to “Building a News Hour” Module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Lab, an opportunity for students to apply and extend their learning from Module 1, “From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Show.” By the end of the module, students, working in groups or independently, will have created their own News Hour. The process begins in this first lesson, where students learn the focus of their stories, the first cellphone call.

This is lesson 1 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

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

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Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

What is culture, why does it matter, and what is the impact of cultural erasure? This activity explores these questions through text and multimedia exploration, discussion, and art. Students will read excerpts from the picture book Born on the Water that introduce the culture of the people of Ndongo prior to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. As a culminating activity, they will create art expressing aspects of their own cultures.

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Windchimes & Mobiles

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Windchimes & Mobiles

Rediscover Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will learn how to make mobiles or windchimes using materials collected from their home or outside in their neighborhood. This is a simple but versatile activity to really liven up your classroom or your home. Get creative with colors or patterns as you see fit!

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Helping People Learn

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Helping People Learn

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn that not everyone has the opportunity to go to school and gain an education. They explore the concept that gaining a quality education is a right that everyone should have.

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Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

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

Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students continue to test their Farm to Table prototypes and improve their designs through a process.

This is part 4 of 6 in a series. Provide students with context by first facilitating the previous activities “Farm to Table 1: Prototype Brainstorm”, “Farm to Table 2: Prototype Selection” and “Farm to Table 3: Prototype Build” Then, go further by facilitating “Farm to Table 5: Prototype Naming”, and “Farm to Table 6: Prototype Presentation

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Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Being mindful involves paying attention to the world outside you and inside you as well. In this activity, students apply various focus strategies as you lead them through slow and steady breathing. Students also are invited to share their observations and experiences.

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Shadow Scenes

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

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in teams to complete a challenge, such as jumping rope, doing jumping jacks, or completing push-ups in timed intervals. Students will reflect on how they're feeling throughout the activity. Students will also learn how to support other group members during this challenge, especially when they are feeling fatigued.

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Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

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Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

The United States is one of the largest countries in the world, as well as one of the most diverse. Its land includes wide plains, hills and mountains, expansive deserts, and dense forests. The land also shapes its people, many of whom are immigrants from other countries of the world. In this activity, students will research and then act out characters from many places in the United States. They will discover the diversity and majesty of their country and its people. They also may glimpse some of the reasons for the divisions that Americans face.

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Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Calling all future Assignment Editors! In this activity, students step into the shoes of an Assignment Editor and make crucial decisions about who covers which news story. Join the discussion, share your reasoning, and learn why pairing the right team with a news story is vital to journalism.

This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.

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How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

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

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students will learn how and when to cut back dahlia plants after frost and safely dig up the tubers for overwintering. Through observation, they’ll track seasonal indicators and begin hands-on harvesting and data collection to prepare tubers for drying.

This activity is 4 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resources and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children use their bodies and pat their hands on the floor in front of them to tap out rhythms. They start with slow two-beat rhythms, then they add a finger snap or a vocal sound and additional beats. They can then tap on other parts of their bodies. The beat gradually becomes more and more complicated, challenging their memories.

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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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Animal ABCs

Stories and Perspectives, The Natural World

Animal ABCs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

ABC picture books are some of the first books we are exposed to when we are young. In this activity, children will have the opportunity to make 1 of their own. The children will brainstorm animals for each letter of the alphabet, then work together to create a beautifully illustrated animal ABC book.

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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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S.INQ Up Human Impact

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

S.INQ Up Human Impact

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

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

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Pitch Yourself

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Pitch Yourself

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

50 Minutes

As an engaging way to start NFTE’s Entrepreneurship 1 course, students will learn about what it means to be an entrepreneur and then create 30-second pitches about themselves to pitch themselves as potential entrepreneurs to their classmates.

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Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

In comics, there are often several artists who make one thing, a story writer, a penciler, an inker, and a colorist too! Each one does a part of the finished whole! Students look at their penciled stories and start to get them ready to ink!


This is part 6 of 7 in a series. Provide context by first facilitating Making Comics Parts 1-5, and then afterward, Making Comics Part 7: Details and Description.

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Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about the digital footprint they create when they access the internet. They begin by looking at a sample digital footprint and considering how our online presence leaves impressions, or traces, just like our physical presence does. They create lists of places they have been online and use those lists to illustrate their own digital footprints. Students analyze the footprints to assess what kinds of information they have made public and consider how that information is permanent and accessible. Finally, students visit each other’s footprints to see how their digital interactions connect them.

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Quiet on Set

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Quiet on Set

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Quiet on Set! It’s time to record the interviews.

This is lesson 35 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss situations in which the first two limbs of yoga philosophy, the yamas and the niyamas (or restraints and observances), can be useful in daily life.

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A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In pairs or groups, students practice writing and delivering “hooks” or engaging introductions to presentations.

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Make a Hovercraft

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

Make a Hovercraft

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students use simple materials to build a working hovercraft. This activity builds an understanding of engineering principles as well as physics concepts related to friction and gravity.

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Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Using a water balloon launcher, slingshot large, foam dice across a field for your teammates to catch!

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Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Advertisers have developed a variety of techniques to reach potential customers, some of which are unrecognized by even the most sophisticated media users. In this activity, students compare promotional writing to the journalism it is intended to mimic. They also practice writing in this style.

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Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

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

Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

40 Minutes

This group presentation activity teaches students about Advanced Manufacturing and Automation career diversity, skills, educational requirements, average salaries, and how these jobs are important to and impact our everyday lives.

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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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The Cold Call

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The Cold Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Dialing into the world of news production! In this lesson, students explore a producer's critical role in securing interviews. They’ll learn the art of the "cold call" and craft scripts for persuasive communication.

This is lesson 8 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students create a setting and characters and then write a story or scene with those elements. First, they create a description of a room. Then, they switch descriptions with another student, creating characters who interact in that room. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group to read and discuss their work.

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How Can I Successfully Complete My College Major? (Grades 6-8)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

How Can I Successfully Complete My College Major? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research college majors by interviewing a partner and exploring how their skill sets and traits connect to a variety of college majors.

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Spelling Survivor

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Spelling Survivor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Spelling Survivor is a spelling bee with a twist. In this spelling bee students can use a lifeline to get a friend’s help and may be lucky and get a free pass on their round. Students will participate in a spelling bee to see who will be the last one standing, or the spelling survivor.

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Telling Fact From Opinion

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Telling Fact From Opinion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Telling apart fact from opinion is a vital skill in all kinds of reading, as well as in media literacy. In this activity, students practice identifying facts and opinions in an online article. They learn the clues and hints that show how a statement might appear to be factual but is actually the opinion of its author.

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Freedom of Speech 101

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Freedom of Speech 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore what freedom of speech means in the United States, including the right to speak one’s ideas, feelings, beliefs, and opinions, and the legal protections and limits of free speech. Students work together to create a free speech informational brochure and then exercise their freedom of speech by articulating an opinion about the U.S. government.

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Model the Water Cycle

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

Model the Water Cycle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Ocean water is very salty, so why does fresh water fall on land? In this activity, students will answer this question by investigating a sealed cup of tinted water. The sealed cup acts as a simple model of Earth’s water supply and the water cycle.

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Olympic Games (Grades 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn and play a series of Olympic games, building their skills in listening and cooperation along the way.

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Create Hanging Door/Wall Signs

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Create Hanging Door/Wall Signs

Rediscover Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create hanging door signs based on a traffic light. What are signs made for? What purpose do they serve?

This project was inspired by The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan by Joan DiCicco, and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. A tale of heroism and inventiveness, Garrett Morgan invented the Safety Hood that firefighters and wartime heroes adapted for use to this day. And if you rode in the car lately, you will have benefitted from his invention that created our modern-day traffic light. In this activity guide, we are taking inspiration from the traffic light to create signs that can indicate a student’s mood or set boundaries.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

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Virtual Tour of the Midwest

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Twirl in the Wind

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Twirl in the Wind

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Picture This

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Picture This

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

As an engaging way to introduce students to NFTE’s entrepreneurial mindset domains, students will either complete an interactive digital module or engage in a challenge to draw and recreate objects through the cues given to them by their partner.

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

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A News Show Structure: Show Openers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

A News Show Structure: Show Openers

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

In this immersive lesson, students act as news show creators, delving into the art of crafting an attention-grabbing opener for their broadcasts. Students learn to craft a stronger Opener, a necessary skill when writing a news show or a paper.

This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.

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Simon Says Variation

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Simon Says Variation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children are still developing listening skills and their ability to follow complex instructions. In this activity, children will play a game of Simon Says but with 2-step and 3-step instructions. This will help build confidence in listening and following instructions.

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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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Make an Animal Book (Grades K-2)

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

Make an Animal Book (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children draw their favorite animals to create a big book of animals. After describing the features of their favorite animals, students categorize them as pets, farm animals, or wild animals as they organize the contents of their book.

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A Day at Our Zoo

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

A Day at Our Zoo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children create their own model zoo. Each group is assigned an area of the zoo and chooses the animals for their area.

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United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Paper Sculptures (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Paper Sculptures (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create paper sculptures that represent themselves and their feelings about social issues that are important to them. As they work, they will research and learn different ways to manipulate paper and discuss how colors and shapes impact feelings and represent people.

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“Our Right to Assemble” Posters

We The People, Belonging and Community

“Our Right to Assemble” Posters

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore what the freedom of assembly means in the United States. Then, students split into teams to read excerpts from articles about the First Amendment and prepare posters entitled “Our Right to Assemble”, illustrating examples of protected assembly. Finally, they discuss and clarify what peaceably assemble means and what responsibilities people have when exercising their rights.

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Cup Stacking Challenge

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Cup Stacking Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children will be challenged to stack cups in a variety of ways without using their hands. Instead, they will use strings attached to a rubber band. Collaboration required!

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How Does That Lemonade Get to My House?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Does That Lemonade Get to My House?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore the supply chain that brings lemonade to their table. Then, thy work together to create a booklet that describes the process.

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Careers That Keep You Moving

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers That Keep You Moving

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

What if you had a career that required you to travel a large part of the year? Students work in groups to research a career that requires travel and present their career to others during a simulated job fair.

Discover Activity

Playing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, We The People

Playing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

1 Hour

In this culminating activity, learners use their completed Innovator Trading Cards to solve community-based challenges. Each challenge requires a balanced team of innovators, with one innovator from each theme. Learners must justify their team choices and explain how different kinds of contributions work together to address complex problems.

This is the second of two activities in the Innovator Trading Card Collection: 

  • Activity 1 focuses on the theme of the week, learning about the innovators and their influence, and designing the innovator trading cards. 

  • Activity 2 focuses on facilitating the associated game to reinforce learning.

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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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Design Your Own Money (Grades K-2)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Design Your Own Money (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children make their own models of money in order to build an understanding of money and its value.

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Wacky Cars

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Wacky Cars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Blocking My News Hour

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blocking My News Hour

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

It’s time for some master producing! In this lesson, students sharpen their production skills by categorizing news stories into the right blocks of a news hour show and establishing their news show teams.

This is lesson 4 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

Discover Activity

Same as Me

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Same as Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Thoughts on Brands

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Thoughts on Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Our World Day of Play: Game Analysis and Plan

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

Our World Day of Play: Game Analysis and Plan

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

It’s time for youth to create their games for the Worldwide Day of Play! Youth collaborate as they analyze their collected data to discern which game elements ensure a FUN GAME. They independently brainstorm and design their games, sharing their designs with a peer to receive feedback.


This is activity 10 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Stomp Rockets

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

Stomp Rockets

NASA

3 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Work individually or in teams of two to construct and launch paper rockets using a teacher-built PVC-pipe launcher.
Following the flight of their rocket, calculate the altitude their rocket achieved. Based on the flight performance of their rockets, analyze their rocket designs, modify or rebuild them, launch again, and calculate the altitude achieved to determine if their changes affected the performance of the rocket. Conclude the activity by writing a post-flight mission report.

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Blogging 101

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blogging 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn how to develop their own blog. They begin by discussing what a blog is. Students then form teams to review examples of teen blogs and brainstorm traits that make a blog appealing. They also create a list of and safety tips for bloggers. Next, they watch a video to get advice from a teen blogger, and incorporate that advice into their own lists of tips. Finally, students work together to design a team blog in slideshow software, and each team member writes his or her own blog entry.

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Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

What skills do workers need to develop for success in the twenty-first century? Students research and synthesize ideas about the working conditions and environment in which they will work in the future.

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The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 17 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! It's party time! Experience the culmination of creativity as student groups host symbolic parties, providing an opportunity for exploration and discovery amidst vibrant celebrations.

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Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Youth create a poster to use during a simulated classroom election. They create an acrostic poem using their name to explain what makes them a good leader. Students share their posters and vote in a classroom election.

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Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

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

Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

There's a well-known saying: It takes money to make money. Spending money is one of the realities of starting a business. Students will think like new business owners and consider their start-up costs as they develop a business plan.

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Your Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork

Your Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create their own versions of Olympic sports and demonstrate the sports to the group.

Discover Activity

Half the Conversation

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Half the Conversation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students write and act out skits to build self-awareness and conflict-resolution skills. First, students work in pairs to write and practice skits about a conflict they might have with a person in their everyday lives, and then they perform the skits for the group. However, the student who is the “star” of the skit delivers only their half of the conversation, with the other half of the conversation not being performed. The whole group then discusses what they learned about themselves and how they resolve conflicts.

Discover Activity

Pollinators Project

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

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

Students learn how pollination works and how bees are essential for the production of fruits and vegetables. Students will also be presented with a problem and use tools to brainstorm and test potential solutions to fix it.

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Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

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

Prep, Plant, Bloom! How to Plant a Dahlia Tuber

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Let’s dig in! After checking for healthy tubers and learning how they work, it's time to plant! This hands-on lesson will teach students how to properly prep and plant their dahlia tubers. From prepping garden beds to placing the tubers at the proper depth, students will experience the joy and responsibility of kickstarting the growing season. They will also learn why placement, spacing, and soil health are essential for producing strong, beautiful blooms.

This activity is 2 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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Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Pre-interviews help you find the right voices (characters) for your story. In the Find Your Story Lesson, you identified potential people to interview and feature in your story.

Now you will talk to them to get a sense of whether they are indeed the right people and if they will move your story forward. The pre-interview will also help you create a list of interview questions so that you can make the best use of your time, and theirs.

This is activity 11 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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The First Cellphone Call

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The First Cellphone Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Welcome to “Building a News Hour” Module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Lab, an opportunity for students to apply and extend their learning from Module 1, “From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Show.” By the end of the module, students, working in groups or independently, will have created their own News Hour. The process begins in this first lesson, where students learn the focus of their stories, the first cellphone call.

This is lesson 1 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

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

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Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

What is culture, why does it matter, and what is the impact of cultural erasure? This activity explores these questions through text and multimedia exploration, discussion, and art. Students will read excerpts from the picture book Born on the Water that introduce the culture of the people of Ndongo prior to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. As a culminating activity, they will create art expressing aspects of their own cultures.

Discover Activity

Windchimes & Mobiles

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Windchimes & Mobiles

Rediscover Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will learn how to make mobiles or windchimes using materials collected from their home or outside in their neighborhood. This is a simple but versatile activity to really liven up your classroom or your home. Get creative with colors or patterns as you see fit!

Discover Activity

Helping People Learn

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Helping People Learn

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn that not everyone has the opportunity to go to school and gain an education. They explore the concept that gaining a quality education is a right that everyone should have.

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Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

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

Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students continue to test their Farm to Table prototypes and improve their designs through a process.

This is part 4 of 6 in a series. Provide students with context by first facilitating the previous activities “Farm to Table 1: Prototype Brainstorm”, “Farm to Table 2: Prototype Selection” and “Farm to Table 3: Prototype Build” Then, go further by facilitating “Farm to Table 5: Prototype Naming”, and “Farm to Table 6: Prototype Presentation

Discover Activity

Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Being mindful involves paying attention to the world outside you and inside you as well. In this activity, students apply various focus strategies as you lead them through slow and steady breathing. Students also are invited to share their observations and experiences.

Discover Activity

Shadow Scenes

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

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in teams to complete a challenge, such as jumping rope, doing jumping jacks, or completing push-ups in timed intervals. Students will reflect on how they're feeling throughout the activity. Students will also learn how to support other group members during this challenge, especially when they are feeling fatigued.

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Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

The United States is one of the largest countries in the world, as well as one of the most diverse. Its land includes wide plains, hills and mountains, expansive deserts, and dense forests. The land also shapes its people, many of whom are immigrants from other countries of the world. In this activity, students will research and then act out characters from many places in the United States. They will discover the diversity and majesty of their country and its people. They also may glimpse some of the reasons for the divisions that Americans face.

Discover Activity

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Calling all future Assignment Editors! In this activity, students step into the shoes of an Assignment Editor and make crucial decisions about who covers which news story. Join the discussion, share your reasoning, and learn why pairing the right team with a news story is vital to journalism.

This lesson is part of SRL's Be An Assignment Series. This series is also the third section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.

Discover Activity

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

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

How to Cut Back, Dig Up, Divide & Store Dahlia Tubers Part 1: Buried Treasure – Cut Back & Dig Up Dahlia Tubers

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students will learn how and when to cut back dahlia plants after frost and safely dig up the tubers for overwintering. Through observation, they’ll track seasonal indicators and begin hands-on harvesting and data collection to prepare tubers for drying.

This activity is 4 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resources and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

Discover Activity

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children use their bodies and pat their hands on the floor in front of them to tap out rhythms. They start with slow two-beat rhythms, then they add a finger snap or a vocal sound and additional beats. They can then tap on other parts of their bodies. The beat gradually becomes more and more complicated, challenging their memories.

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

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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Animal ABCs

Stories and Perspectives, The Natural World

Animal ABCs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

ABC picture books are some of the first books we are exposed to when we are young. In this activity, children will have the opportunity to make 1 of their own. The children will brainstorm animals for each letter of the alphabet, then work together to create a beautifully illustrated animal ABC book.

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

S.INQ Up Human Impact

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

S.INQ Up Human Impact

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Pitch Yourself

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Pitch Yourself

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

50 Minutes

As an engaging way to start NFTE’s Entrepreneurship 1 course, students will learn about what it means to be an entrepreneur and then create 30-second pitches about themselves to pitch themselves as potential entrepreneurs to their classmates.

Discover Activity

Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

In comics, there are often several artists who make one thing, a story writer, a penciler, an inker, and a colorist too! Each one does a part of the finished whole! Students look at their penciled stories and start to get them ready to ink!


This is part 6 of 7 in a series. Provide context by first facilitating Making Comics Parts 1-5, and then afterward, Making Comics Part 7: Details and Description.

Discover Activity

Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about the digital footprint they create when they access the internet. They begin by looking at a sample digital footprint and considering how our online presence leaves impressions, or traces, just like our physical presence does. They create lists of places they have been online and use those lists to illustrate their own digital footprints. Students analyze the footprints to assess what kinds of information they have made public and consider how that information is permanent and accessible. Finally, students visit each other’s footprints to see how their digital interactions connect them.

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Quiet on Set

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Quiet on Set

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Quiet on Set! It’s time to record the interviews.

This is lesson 35 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

Discover Activity

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss situations in which the first two limbs of yoga philosophy, the yamas and the niyamas (or restraints and observances), can be useful in daily life.

Discover Activity

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In pairs or groups, students practice writing and delivering “hooks” or engaging introductions to presentations.

Discover Activity

Make a Hovercraft

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

Make a Hovercraft

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students use simple materials to build a working hovercraft. This activity builds an understanding of engineering principles as well as physics concepts related to friction and gravity.

Discover Activity

Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Using a water balloon launcher, slingshot large, foam dice across a field for your teammates to catch!

Discover Activity

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Advertisers have developed a variety of techniques to reach potential customers, some of which are unrecognized by even the most sophisticated media users. In this activity, students compare promotional writing to the journalism it is intended to mimic. They also practice writing in this style.

Discover Activity

Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

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

Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

40 Minutes

This group presentation activity teaches students about Advanced Manufacturing and Automation career diversity, skills, educational requirements, average salaries, and how these jobs are important to and impact our everyday lives.

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

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.

Discover Activity

The Cold Call

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The Cold Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Dialing into the world of news production! In this lesson, students explore a producer's critical role in securing interviews. They’ll learn the art of the "cold call" and craft scripts for persuasive communication.

This is lesson 8 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

Discover Activity

Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students create a setting and characters and then write a story or scene with those elements. First, they create a description of a room. Then, they switch descriptions with another student, creating characters who interact in that room. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group to read and discuss their work.

Discover Activity

How Can I Successfully Complete My College Major? (Grades 6-8)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

How Can I Successfully Complete My College Major? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research college majors by interviewing a partner and exploring how their skill sets and traits connect to a variety of college majors.

Discover Activity

Spelling Survivor

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Spelling Survivor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Spelling Survivor is a spelling bee with a twist. In this spelling bee students can use a lifeline to get a friend’s help and may be lucky and get a free pass on their round. Students will participate in a spelling bee to see who will be the last one standing, or the spelling survivor.

Discover Activity

Telling Fact From Opinion

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Telling Fact From Opinion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Telling apart fact from opinion is a vital skill in all kinds of reading, as well as in media literacy. In this activity, students practice identifying facts and opinions in an online article. They learn the clues and hints that show how a statement might appear to be factual but is actually the opinion of its author.

Discover Activity

Freedom of Speech 101

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Freedom of Speech 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore what freedom of speech means in the United States, including the right to speak one’s ideas, feelings, beliefs, and opinions, and the legal protections and limits of free speech. Students work together to create a free speech informational brochure and then exercise their freedom of speech by articulating an opinion about the U.S. government.

Discover Activity

Model the Water Cycle

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

Model the Water Cycle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Ocean water is very salty, so why does fresh water fall on land? In this activity, students will answer this question by investigating a sealed cup of tinted water. The sealed cup acts as a simple model of Earth’s water supply and the water cycle.

Discover Activity

Olympic Games (Grades 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn and play a series of Olympic games, building their skills in listening and cooperation along the way.

Discover Activity

Create Hanging Door/Wall Signs

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

Create Hanging Door/Wall Signs

Rediscover Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create hanging door signs based on a traffic light. What are signs made for? What purpose do they serve?

This project was inspired by The Unstoppable Garrett Morgan by Joan DiCicco, and illustrated by Ebony Glenn. A tale of heroism and inventiveness, Garrett Morgan invented the Safety Hood that firefighters and wartime heroes adapted for use to this day. And if you rode in the car lately, you will have benefitted from his invention that created our modern-day traffic light. In this activity guide, we are taking inspiration from the traffic light to create signs that can indicate a student’s mood or set boundaries.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Challenge

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Virtual Tour of the Midwest

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Twirl in the Wind

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Twirl in the Wind

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Picture This

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Picture This

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

As an engaging way to introduce students to NFTE’s entrepreneurial mindset domains, students will either complete an interactive digital module or engage in a challenge to draw and recreate objects through the cues given to them by their partner.

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

Discover Activity

A News Show Structure: Show Openers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

A News Show Structure: Show Openers

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

In this immersive lesson, students act as news show creators, delving into the art of crafting an attention-grabbing opener for their broadcasts. Students learn to craft a stronger Opener, a necessary skill when writing a news show or a paper.

This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.

Discover Activity

Simon Says Variation

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Simon Says Variation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children are still developing listening skills and their ability to follow complex instructions. In this activity, children will play a game of Simon Says but with 2-step and 3-step instructions. This will help build confidence in listening and following instructions.

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

Make an Animal Book (Grades K-2)

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

Make an Animal Book (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children draw their favorite animals to create a big book of animals. After describing the features of their favorite animals, students categorize them as pets, farm animals, or wild animals as they organize the contents of their book.

Discover Activity

A Day at Our Zoo

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

A Day at Our Zoo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children create their own model zoo. Each group is assigned an area of the zoo and chooses the animals for their area.

Discover Activity

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

United Kingdom and Ireland Tourism Bureau

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Paper Sculptures (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Paper Sculptures (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create paper sculptures that represent themselves and their feelings about social issues that are important to them. As they work, they will research and learn different ways to manipulate paper and discuss how colors and shapes impact feelings and represent people.

Discover Activity

“Our Right to Assemble” Posters

We The People, Belonging and Community

“Our Right to Assemble” Posters

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore what the freedom of assembly means in the United States. Then, students split into teams to read excerpts from articles about the First Amendment and prepare posters entitled “Our Right to Assemble”, illustrating examples of protected assembly. Finally, they discuss and clarify what peaceably assemble means and what responsibilities people have when exercising their rights.

Discover Activity

Cup Stacking Challenge

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Cup Stacking Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children will be challenged to stack cups in a variety of ways without using their hands. Instead, they will use strings attached to a rubber band. Collaboration required!

Discover Activity

How Does That Lemonade Get to My House?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Does That Lemonade Get to My House?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore the supply chain that brings lemonade to their table. Then, thy work together to create a booklet that describes the process.

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Careers That Keep You Moving

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers That Keep You Moving

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

What if you had a career that required you to travel a large part of the year? Students work in groups to research a career that requires travel and present their career to others during a simulated job fair.

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Playing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, We The People

Playing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

1 Hour

In this culminating activity, learners use their completed Innovator Trading Cards to solve community-based challenges. Each challenge requires a balanced team of innovators, with one innovator from each theme. Learners must justify their team choices and explain how different kinds of contributions work together to address complex problems.

This is the second of two activities in the Innovator Trading Card Collection: 

  • Activity 1 focuses on the theme of the week, learning about the innovators and their influence, and designing the innovator trading cards. 

  • Activity 2 focuses on facilitating the associated game to reinforce learning.

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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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Design Your Own Money (Grades K-2)

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Design Your Own Money (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children make their own models of money in order to build an understanding of money and its value.

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Wacky Cars

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Wacky Cars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Blocking My News Hour

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blocking My News Hour

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

It’s time for some master producing! In this lesson, students sharpen their production skills by categorizing news stories into the right blocks of a news hour show and establishing their news show teams.

This is lesson 4 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Same as Me

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Same as Me

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Thoughts on Brands

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Thoughts on Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Our World Day of Play: Game Analysis and Plan

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

Our World Day of Play: Game Analysis and Plan

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

It’s time for youth to create their games for the Worldwide Day of Play! Youth collaborate as they analyze their collected data to discern which game elements ensure a FUN GAME. They independently brainstorm and design their games, sharing their designs with a peer to receive feedback.


This is activity 10 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Stomp Rockets

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

Stomp Rockets

NASA

3 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Work individually or in teams of two to construct and launch paper rockets using a teacher-built PVC-pipe launcher.
Following the flight of their rocket, calculate the altitude their rocket achieved. Based on the flight performance of their rockets, analyze their rocket designs, modify or rebuild them, launch again, and calculate the altitude achieved to determine if their changes affected the performance of the rocket. Conclude the activity by writing a post-flight mission report.

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Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.

Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.