All Activities

The Big Easy: Day 10 Lesson

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

The Big Easy: Day 10 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

K - 12

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 10 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Unleash creativity with rhythmic composition as students craft their rhythmic patterns with accents. The lesson culminates with students playing to everyday jazz rhythms.

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Dribble and Dazzle

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Dribble and Dazzle

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students use found objects, such as basketballs, to create fun, rhythmic performance pieces.

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Brand Design Mood Board (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Brand Design Mood Board (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will use design elements and principles (colors, images, shapes, etc.) to create a mood board to promote their own business brand concept.

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The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Infomercials (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Infomercials (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Pitch your wacky products with creative and clever infomercials! Let's close that deal!

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A Visit to South America

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

A Visit to South America

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and plan a family trip to a South American country, developing key research, collaboration, and organizational skills.

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Responding to the News

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Responding to the News

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students reflect on how to find hope in news stories about global issues. Students will identify an underreported news story that interests them, and use visual art or found poetry to creatively call attention to the issues it raises.

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Strut Like an Animal

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Strut Like an Animal

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

2 Hours

This activity introduces the concept of musical notation through animal footprints. Using cut-out animal footprints, students practice walking through musical bars to replicate how musicians play through them.

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Kit Inventory

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

Kit Inventory

California Academy of Sciences

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn to use the Windowpane technique to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.

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Local Hero Scene Part 2

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Scene Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students continue to complete on their local heroes scenes and share their final products to the class.

This activity is part 3 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

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Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Whole Body, Whole Self, Stories and Perspectives

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

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Help Underwater Animals and Plants (Grades K-2)

The Natural World, We The People

Help Underwater Animals and Plants (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn how to help underwater animals and plants by listening to a teacher read a picture book on the subject and then creating posters illustrating what they learned.

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Sound Effects

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

Sound Effects

NASA

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students will learn about the principles of sound, specifically how to amplify and reduce sound volume. Students will construct a speaker to amplify the sound and then will be challenged to find a solution to reduce the perceived sound volume.

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Character Mash-Up (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Character Mash-Up (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students randomly choose slips of paper with well-known characters from popular culture, movies, and books. Then, they plan a simple scenario to perform with those characters. Students can get as silly and creative as they want when coming up with scenarios.

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I Am Not My Actions

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

I Am Not My Actions

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

In this opening activity, students will learn that a negative behavior does not define who they are as a person. A negative behavior is an action that doesn't have to be permanent.

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I Love My Neighbor!

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

I Love My Neighbor!

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

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S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

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

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build, test and modify their own megaphones using a variety of simple materials.

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Hiring a Crew

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Hiring a Crew

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Lights, camera, action! Read, discuss, and match skills to the jobs in a news crew. Students uncover what it takes to bring the news to an audience!

This is lesson 7 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Making Voices Travel

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

Making Voices Travel

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students investigate how sound travels through string and air. They create their own creations for their investigation!

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“Shape” Your Own Touch-and-Feel Book

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

“Shape” Your Own Touch-and-Feel Book

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children love touch-and-feel books. In this activity, children will work in groups to create their own touch-and-feel books. Each of them will receive a page with geometric shapes cut out of it and use these shapes as a part of a picture. Behind the cut-out shape, they will place a piece of felt, making their pictures perfect for a touch-and-feel book.

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Feelings and Words

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Feelings and Words

kid-grit

K - 2

10 Minutes

In this opener, you will help students identify their feelings using words on the wall. Developing vocabulary and attaching words about feelings is the gateway to emotional intelligence. Students do not have to share why they feel the way they do; they only share how they feel. We let the students have these feelings without judgment. We just let them learn how to say them aloud. Of course, if they want to share their "why" about the feeling, encourage them to express themselves.

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Hook 'Em

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Hook 'Em

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

This game will lead to a "chain" reaction of success when you hook the most paper clips together as a team.

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In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Students learn how to become a better visual storyteller by analyzing and creating their own video sequences.

This is activity 15 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Optical Illusion Circuit Toy

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

Optical Illusion Circuit Toy

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students use a battery, magnet, and copper wire to build an electric motor that spins.

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The Big Easy: Day 4 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 4 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 4 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Explore the art of deduction as students utilize background knowledge and research to decipher symbolism in artwork, uncovering the inspiration behind illustrations.

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City Hopper U.S.A.

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

City Hopper U.S.A.

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students act as virtual tour guides for an American city. They research the city using print and digital resources and create a slideshow to take the audience on a virtual tour, highlighting the area's geography, climate, landmarks, history, and culture.

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Olympic Games (Grades 9-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn and play a series of Olympic games. Then they vote on their favorite game. This activity builds listening and cooperative learning skills. It also promotes physical fitness.

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NBA Math Hoops Lesson 8: Maximizing Shot Options

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

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 8: Maximizing Shot Options

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

30 Minutes

In this activity, students learn the importance of division and rounding in the context of NBA Math Hoops, where certain division results can unlock valuable shot options. Students then work in teams, ensuring accuracy through collaboration. This activity aims to reinforce division and rounding skills while highlighting their strategic application in the game.

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The Big Easy: Days 14-16 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Days 14-16 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 14-16 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Ignite imagination as students plan symbolic parties, designing dances and decorations that reflect stories, ideas, and emotions. Foster creativity and collaboration among students, all while having fun!

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Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

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

Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students brainstorm creative innovations to improve people's lives.

This activity is Part 1 of 6 in the Amazing Bodies! series, with activities designed to build upon each another:

Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

Amazing Bodies! 3: Prototype Build

Amazing Bodies! 4: Prototype Test & Modify

Amazing Bodies! 5: Prototype Naming

Amazing Bodies! 6: Prototype Presentations

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What Is Mindfulness?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What Is Mindfulness?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Sketching for Observation Exercises

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

Sketching for Observation Exercises

California Academy of Sciences

K - 12

3 Hours

Scientific sketching isn’t about making a pretty picture! It’s about looking at something so closely you notice something new. These exercises help students practice sketching for observation, data collection, and analysis during a science investigation.

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World War II (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

World War II (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work together to learn about key people, battles, and events of World War II. Teams create a newsreel and present what they have learned to the whole group. This activity builds research and cooperative learning skills, while also developing speaking and listening skills.

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Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop rules for discussions to help them be thoughtful participants within a discussion.

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State Report

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

State Report

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to learn about a state and then create a presentation to give in front of the group.

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Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

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

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn about inventors and inventions by creating inventor cards and then sort and trade them to build sets of related cards.

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Engineering an Upgrade (Grades 9-12)

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

Engineering an Upgrade (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Student teams work together to improve an existing product and then present their ideas to the group. This activity builds analytical thinking and cooperative learning skills while developing speaking and listening skills.

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Tarp Toss (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Tarp Toss (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

15 Minutes

Race down the field towards the finish line as your team transfers your ball by launching it and catching it from tarp to tarp!

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The Art of the Campaign Yard Sign

We The People, Arts in Action

The Art of the Campaign Yard Sign

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

When an election is approaching, the signs of the campaigns (figuratively and literally) can take over the public life of a community. Candidates are promoted on billboards, posters, yard signs, and advertisements in all media. What qualities make these promotions effective? In this activity, students will compare and analyze the strategies that campaigns use to communicate their messages to the public—and to elect their candidate.

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What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

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

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Ready to master the art of the pitch? Students learn how to craft a persuasive pitch by watching Shark Tank pitches, collaboratively developing key sentences, and creating their pitches for a News Hour show. They'll then pitch their ideas to peers, receiving valuable feedback and enhancing their pitching skills.

This is the culminating activity of SRL’s Headlines 4-part series. This short series is also the first 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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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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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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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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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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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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Who Is Marie Curie?

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Who Is Marie Curie?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the famous scientist Marie Curie. They read a biography of Curie’s life and use what they have learned to write an acrostic poem about her.

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What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

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

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Modeling an Elbow

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

Modeling an Elbow

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students use rubber bands and a foam board to construct a working model of an elbow joint. By experimenting with the model, students observe that muscles work in pairs to bend joints and move body parts. Flexing and extending the arm at the elbow joint is one example.

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Fact-checking for Beginners (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Fact-checking for Beginners (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

Students will learn the basics of fact-checking a news story, and the difference between primary and secondary sources.

This is activity 13 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Gallery Walk

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Gallery Walk

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

30 Minutes

This teaching technique actively engages students in collaboration and creative problem-solving as they walk throughout a room together in small groups, sharing ideas and discussing questions while responding to images or texts.

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Startup Survival

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Startup Survival

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 attempt to select the most important startup tools. Students finish the module by creating an EM Personal Growth Plan.

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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Cell City

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

Cell City

OregonASK

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about cells, including their functions in the body, by building models for themselves!

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Global Intervention in the First Gulf War

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Global Intervention in the First Gulf War

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read both primary and secondary source articles to explore the reasons for U.S. participation in the First Gulf War. They begin by considering a personal dilemma over conflict and discuss whether or not they think U.S. participation in the war was justified.

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What is an Entrepreneur?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What is an Entrepreneur?

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

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

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

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20 Questions (Grades 3-5)

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

20 Questions (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students play a version of the popular game 20 Questions. First, students pair off, with 1 student thinking of something from a predetermined category while the other asks their partner up to 20 questions to determine what it is. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Super Secret Handshake Society (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Super Secret Handshake Society (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

15 Minutes

Meet new friends while creating secret, custom handshakes that are guaranteed to impress an audience!

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Draw a Scientist

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

Draw a Scientist

California Academy of Sciences

K - 12

45 Minutes

Students draw their idea of "a scientist doing science." This exercise surfaces students' prior understandings of the nature of science and the demographics of scientists, serving as a launching point for discovering that students, in fact, can be scientists.

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Singing and Rhythm

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Singing and Rhythm

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Familiar and favorite songs, such as "Row Row Row Your Boat" and "Rain Rain Go Away," are turned into rhythm and movement activities. Children clap and count the rhythm of syllables, and then stomp and march to the music.

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Tower of Power

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Tower of Power

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

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

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How to Look at Monuments

Arts in Action, We The People

How to Look at Monuments

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Guide young people in observing, describing, and analyzing local or global monuments. Through multimedia research, writing, and discussion, respond to the questions: Who's history do they include and who do they exclude? Which monuments would you take down and what new monuments would you put up?

Monuments to individuals, historical events, or movements have been created throughout time and around the world, in cities and towns big and small. Sometimes we pass them by without even knowing who or what they depict, and other times they elicit anger, offense, and a call to remove them. This activity asks teens to weigh in on the global debate around how monuments reflect our society and what should be done when they no longer represent our communities.

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Model a Computer Program

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Model a Computer Program

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

A computer will follow coded instructions nearly instantly-and with no mistakes! If an error occurs, the fault is with the code, or software, and not the computer circuitry. In this activity, students will model the instructions, variables, and calculations of a computer program, 1 line of code after another. The skills they practice will be useful for writing programs of their own, as well as debugging their programs. The activity also demonstrates the remarkable speed and accuracy at which computers complete tasks.

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Freedom of the Press Blog Entry

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Freedom of the Press Blog Entry

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore protections for and limits on the freedom of the press in the United States. In teams, they watch a video summary on the history of the freedom of the press and read a news article about high school students’ efforts to protect their “right to write.” They use what they learn to prepare a team blog entry analyzing the freedom of the press.

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My Watershed

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

My Watershed

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams, rainfall, and snowmelt to a common outlet such as the outflow of a reservoir, mouth of a bay, or ocean and consists of surface water, such as lakes, streams, reservoirs, and wetlands and all underlying groundwater. The word “watershed” is sometimes used interchangeably with drainage basin or catchment. Larger watersheds contain many smaller watersheds. Watersheds are critical because the water flowing over the land impacts habitat, and wildlife health supports various recreational activities and provides communities with drinking water.

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Wacky Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Wacky Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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EMI Pre-Survey Analysis

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

EMI Pre-Survey Analysis

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students take the Pre-EMI survey to get a report of the current status of their own developing entrepreneurial mindset.

Note that the survey is designed to be completed by most students in less than one instructional period. However, depending on the reading levels and abilities of your students, it may take longer for many students. Adjust the discussion time appropriately to match the amount of time your students will need to complete the survey.

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Make a Straw Rocket

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

Make a Straw Rocket

NASA

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther!

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Southern States Pen Pals

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Southern States Pen Pals

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research the southern region of the United States and then write each other "pen pal" letters based on their research.

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Create and Perform a Scene from a Book (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Create and Perform a Scene from a Book (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose a meaningful and memorable scene from a favorite story and then work together to dramatize it. This activity introduces young children to dramatic storytelling.

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Functional Fitness Week 2: Day 3

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 2: Day 3

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

45 Minutes

Finish week 2 with the skill of the week: Running. In this activity, students polish their stamina and speed with team sprints and game of Junkyard. Then, they challenge their fruit-focused learning in a summative game.

This activity is part of the Active Kids and Minds Functional Fitness 12-week program. If you are new to the program, visit the Active Kids and Minds Functional Fitness: Weeks 1-4 Collection before getting started.

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The Big Easy: Day 10 Lesson

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

The Big Easy: Day 10 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

K - 12

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Dribble and Dazzle

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Dribble and Dazzle

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students use found objects, such as basketballs, to create fun, rhythmic performance pieces.

Discover Activity

Brand Design Mood Board (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Brand Design Mood Board (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will use design elements and principles (colors, images, shapes, etc.) to create a mood board to promote their own business brand concept.

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The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Infomercials (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Infomercials (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

Pitch your wacky products with creative and clever infomercials! Let's close that deal!

Discover Activity

A Visit to South America

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

A Visit to South America

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students research and plan a family trip to a South American country, developing key research, collaboration, and organizational skills.

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Responding to the News

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Responding to the News

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Strut Like an Animal

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Strut Like an Animal

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Activity

Kit Inventory

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

Kit Inventory

California Academy of Sciences

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn to use the Windowpane technique to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.

Discover Activity

Local Hero Scene Part 2

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Scene Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students continue to complete on their local heroes scenes and share their final products to the class.

This activity is part 3 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

Discover Activity

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Whole Body, Whole Self, Stories and Perspectives

Vitamins, Mineral Supplements, and You

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

Yoga for Worry and Anxiety (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn yoga positions and breathing techniques to help alleviate worry and anxiety and build confidence.

Discover Activity

Help Underwater Animals and Plants (Grades K-2)

The Natural World, We The People

Help Underwater Animals and Plants (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn how to help underwater animals and plants by listening to a teacher read a picture book on the subject and then creating posters illustrating what they learned.

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Sound Effects

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

Sound Effects

NASA

6 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Character Mash-Up (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Character Mash-Up (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

I Am Not My Actions

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

I Am Not My Actions

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

In this opening activity, students will learn that a negative behavior does not define who they are as a person. A negative behavior is an action that doesn't have to be permanent.

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I Love My Neighbor!

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

I Love My Neighbor!

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

5 Minutes

Students get warmed up and moving with this take on musical chairs!

Discover Activity

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

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

S.INQ Sound: Amplifying Sounds

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build, test and modify their own megaphones using a variety of simple materials.

Discover Activity

Hiring a Crew

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Hiring a Crew

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Lights, camera, action! Read, discuss, and match skills to the jobs in a news crew. Students uncover what it takes to bring the news to an audience!

This is lesson 7 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

Discover Activity

Making Voices Travel

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

Making Voices Travel

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students investigate how sound travels through string and air. They create their own creations for their investigation!

Discover Activity

“Shape” Your Own Touch-and-Feel Book

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

“Shape” Your Own Touch-and-Feel Book

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Feelings and Words

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Feelings and Words

kid-grit

K - 2

10 Minutes

Discover Activity

Hook 'Em

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Hook 'Em

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

This game will lead to a "chain" reaction of success when you hook the most paper clips together as a team.

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In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Students learn how to become a better visual storyteller by analyzing and creating their own video sequences.

This is activity 15 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Optical Illusion Circuit Toy

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

Optical Illusion Circuit Toy

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students use a battery, magnet, and copper wire to build an electric motor that spins.

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 4 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 4 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

City Hopper U.S.A.

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

City Hopper U.S.A.

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Olympic Games (Grades 9-12)

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Olympic Games (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 8: Maximizing Shot Options

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

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 8: Maximizing Shot Options

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Days 14-16 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Days 14-16 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

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

Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students brainstorm creative innovations to improve people's lives.

This activity is Part 1 of 6 in the Amazing Bodies! series, with activities designed to build upon each another:

Amazing Bodies! 1: Prototype Brainstorm

Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

Amazing Bodies! 3: Prototype Build

Amazing Bodies! 4: Prototype Test & Modify

Amazing Bodies! 5: Prototype Naming

Amazing Bodies! 6: Prototype Presentations

Discover Activity

What Is Mindfulness?

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

What Is Mindfulness?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Sketching for Observation Exercises

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

Sketching for Observation Exercises

California Academy of Sciences

K - 12

3 Hours

Discover Activity

World War II (Grades 3-5)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

World War II (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Rules of Discussion (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop rules for discussions to help them be thoughtful participants within a discussion.

Discover Activity

State Report

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

State Report

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to learn about a state and then create a presentation to give in front of the group.

Discover Activity

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

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

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn about inventors and inventions by creating inventor cards and then sort and trade them to build sets of related cards.

Discover Activity

Engineering an Upgrade (Grades 9-12)

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

Engineering an Upgrade (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Tarp Toss (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Tarp Toss (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

15 Minutes

Race down the field towards the finish line as your team transfers your ball by launching it and catching it from tarp to tarp!

Discover Activity

The Art of the Campaign Yard Sign

We The People, Arts in Action

The Art of the Campaign Yard Sign

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

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

What is Carbon and the Carbon Cycle?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Beyond the Headlines: Designing My Pitch

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Blocking My News Hour

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blocking My News Hour

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Thoughts on Brands

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Digital Voices

Thoughts on Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

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

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.

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

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.

Discover Activity

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.

Discover Activity

What Should I Feed My New Dog?

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

What Should I Feed My New Dog?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Wacky Cars

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Wacky Cars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Who Is Marie Curie?

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Who Is Marie Curie?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the famous scientist Marie Curie. They read a biography of Curie’s life and use what they have learned to write an acrostic poem about her.

Discover Activity

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

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

What is Causing the Current Climate Change? - Part 2

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Modeling an Elbow

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

Modeling an Elbow

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Fact-checking for Beginners (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Fact-checking for Beginners (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

Students will learn the basics of fact-checking a news story, and the difference between primary and secondary sources.

This is activity 13 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Gallery Walk

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Gallery Walk

After-School All-Stars

6 - 12

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Startup Survival

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Startup Survival

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

Discover Activity

Cell City

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

Cell City

OregonASK

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about cells, including their functions in the body, by building models for themselves!

Discover Activity

Global Intervention in the First Gulf War

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Global Intervention in the First Gulf War

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What is an Entrepreneur?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

What is an Entrepreneur?

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

20 Questions (Grades 3-5)

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

20 Questions (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Super Secret Handshake Society (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Super Secret Handshake Society (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

15 Minutes

Meet new friends while creating secret, custom handshakes that are guaranteed to impress an audience!

Discover Activity

Draw a Scientist

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

Draw a Scientist

California Academy of Sciences

K - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Singing and Rhythm

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Singing and Rhythm

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Tower of Power

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Tower of Power

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

1 Hour 40 Minutes

Discover Activity

How to Look at Monuments

Arts in Action, We The People

How to Look at Monuments

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Model a Computer Program

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Model a Computer Program

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Freedom of the Press Blog Entry

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Freedom of the Press Blog Entry

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

My Watershed

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

My Watershed

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

Wacky Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Wacky Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

EMI Pre-Survey Analysis

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

EMI Pre-Survey Analysis

Network For Teaching Entrepreneurship

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students take the Pre-EMI survey to get a report of the current status of their own developing entrepreneurial mindset.

Discover Activity

Make a Straw Rocket

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

Make a Straw Rocket

NASA

3 - 8

30 Minutes

Create a paper rocket that can be launched from a soda straw – then, modify the design to make the rocket fly farther!

Discover Activity

Southern States Pen Pals

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Southern States Pen Pals

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research the southern region of the United States and then write each other "pen pal" letters based on their research.

Discover Activity

Create and Perform a Scene from a Book (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Create and Perform a Scene from a Book (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose a meaningful and memorable scene from a favorite story and then work together to dramatize it. This activity introduces young children to dramatic storytelling.

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 2: Day 3

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 2: Day 3

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity