All Activities

Making Comics Part 2: Splash Page

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Making Comics Part 2: Splash Page

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students will look at the way characters and settings tell a visual story. They will have a chance to explore a Comic Book Splash Page and create their own.

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

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Making Comics Part 2: Splash Page

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Sushi, Chopstick Relay (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 12

Video

Sushi, Chopstick Relay (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

15 Minutes

Using only chopsticks, transfer candy from station to station until your team reaches the finish line!

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Video

Sushi, Chopstick Relay (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 12

Decorate Your Science Notebook

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 12

Decorate Your Science Notebook

California Academy of Sciences

K - 12

1 Hour

By decorating and personalizing their own science notebooks, students develop a sense of ownership over their learning, establishing routines to record observations and reflections as they learn.

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Decorate Your Science Notebook

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 12

Basics of Presenting (Grades 3-5)

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Basics of Presenting (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students prepare and deliver presentations, focusing on organizing their topic clearly and logically.

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Basics of Presenting (Grades 3-5)

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Make a Stronger Password: The Bruce Schneier Method

Digital Media and Communications, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Make a Stronger Password: The Bruce Schneier Method

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will learn a new method for generating a strong online password. They also will recognize the need for strong passwords.

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Make a Stronger Password: The Bruce Schneier Method

Digital Media and Communications, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Sound Hide-and-Seek

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

Sound Hide-and-Seek

Go2Science

K - 5

50 Minutes

Have you ever wondered about all the ways animals find their way around in nature? One way is through sound! In this sound hide-and-seek game, imagine how field researchers can listen in on bat sounds even though most of their sounds are too high pitched for us to hear with just our ears.

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Sound Hide-and-Seek

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

Eliminating the Runoff Through Green Infrastructure

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Eliminating the Runoff Through Green Infrastructure

The Nature Conservancy

9 - 12

2 Hours

Through collaboration and problem-solving, youth design innovative solutions, using green infrastructures, to solve local runoff.

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Eliminating the Runoff Through Green Infrastructure

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

The Ruby Hop

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

The Ruby Hop

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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The Ruby Hop

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Turning Garbage into Gold

Career and Future Readiness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Turning Garbage into Gold

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Turning Garbage into Gold

Career and Future Readiness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Faces and Feelings

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

Faces and Feelings

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

In this opening activity, students will use the emoji handout to begin identifying their own thoughts and feelings. Before you begin any activity use this icebreaker to get check in with students on how they are feeling.

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Faces and Feelings

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

Pyramid Toss (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades K - 12

Video

Pyramid Toss (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

15 Minutes

Put your carnival skills to the test by tossing poker chips at a pyramid grid to score the highest points!

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Video

Pyramid Toss (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades K - 12

We’re the Same!

Career and Future Readiness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

We’re the Same!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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We’re the Same!

Career and Future Readiness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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What are the Benefits of Eating Healthy Food?

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Pony Race Relay (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Pony Race Relay (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Flip water bottles to race your "pony" to the finish line first!

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Video

Pony Race Relay (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

Making Costumes (Grades K-2)

Arts, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Making Costumes (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children will choose a favorite animal character and design a costume for that character.

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Making Costumes (Grades K-2)

Arts, Literacy

Grades K - 2

My Life (Grades9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

My Life (Grades9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students sit in 2 concentric circles discussing various questions. They rotate every few minutes, changing partners and discussing a new question to practice communication and get to know one another.

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My Life (Grades9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students apply their creativity and imagination to create a new sport, prompted by existing sports and useful adjectives.

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Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Beyond the Headlines: Sneaky Logos

Digital Media and Communications, Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Beyond the Headlines: Sneaky Logos

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Dive into the world of iconic logos! In this lesson, we decode why our brains love images over words, transform plain logos into iconic masterpieces, and give friendly feedback. Get ready to unleash your inner designer!

This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is best completed as part of SRL’s Beyond the 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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Beyond the Headlines: Sneaky Logos

Digital Media and Communications, Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Mastering Play as a Funologist

STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 5

Mastering Play as a Funologist

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

Welcome to Nickelodeon’s Our World Play Lab! Youth are tasked with helping Nickelodeon create the most exciting and fun games ever for Worldwide Day of Play. Youth learn what it takes to become a Funologist by using science and math to design and build cool new games. As Funologists, they’ll explore what makes a game fun. Youth will play exciting games like the Tennis-Ball-On-A-Spoon Race and Pool Noodle Javelin Toss, and evaluate them using the Lab’s Worldwide Day of Play - Game Criteria Checklist. Get ready for a session full of creativity, teamwork, and celebration!

The activity is 1 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Mastering Play as a Funologist

STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 5

U.S. Trade Balance

History and Society, Career and Future Readiness

Grades 9 - 12

U.S. Trade Balance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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U.S. Trade Balance

History and Society, Career and Future Readiness

Grades 9 - 12

Robins

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Robins

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

American robins are year-round visitors to suburban and rural settings. A male robin is often easier to identify than a female. Males have rust-colored feathers on their chest, a yellow bill, a black head, and white outlines around their eyes. They also have gray wings and backs. Female robins look similar to males, but their colors are much duller and sometimes blend, making identification difficult. Males are also easier to identify because only male robins sing their “cheerily, cheer up” song. This song is usually heard in the early morning, before and after sunrise. Robins also sing at dusk or when it’s about to rain.

American robins live in woodlands, suburban backyards, parks, and grasslands with shrubs. Robins can be found year-round in the continental United States, and some migrate north to spend summers in Alaska. Squirrels, snakes, and other birds have been known to eat robin eggs and chicks. Predators to adult robins include hawks, snakes, and cats. These birds are easily spotted hopping around city parks and lawns, searching for food in flocks. They have flexible diets and will eat whatever is most readily accessible, which can be dependent on the season. Robins often depend more on insects and earthworms in the spring, and consume more fruits and berries during the colder winter months.

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Robins

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Measurement Games (Grades 6-8)

STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Measurement Games (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students test their estimation and measurement skills as they compete for points. This fun activity shows the value of precise measurement instruments and how the unaided eye can be easily misled.

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Measurement Games (Grades 6-8)

STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Ask the Expert

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Ask the Expert

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

1 Hour

In this group activity, students team up to become experts, and a panel of their peers will ask questions to learn more about their expertise.

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Ask the Expert

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Speak and Listen (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 6 - 8

Speak and Listen (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students share details of their lives with one another, as well as stories, ideas, and plans for the future. After listening to one another, they try to recall those details. This simple but effective activity builds speaking and listening skills while helping students learn more about their peers.

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Speak and Listen (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 6 - 8

Post or Not Post?

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 9 - 12

Post or Not Post?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students decide whether or not a post on social media is appropriate. They discover that the answer may depend mostly on their own values and personal guidelines.

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Post or Not Post?

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 9 - 12

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 9 - 12

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Hollywood Squares is a well-known and popular television game show. In this activity, students recreate the game with characters from literature, and they answer questions about their books. This activity uses an enjoyable premise to build knowledge and awareness of literature and may inspire students to delve further into reading.

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Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 9 - 12

Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades 6 - 8

Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore situations in their lives that cause stress, the potentially harmful effects of stress, and how they can manage stressful situations.

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Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades 6 - 8

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Hollywood Squares is a television game show that was launched in the 1960s and has remained popular in various formats to this day. In this activity, students replace the celebrities with characters from literature, and they answer questions about their books. This activity uses an enjoyable premise to build knowledge and awareness of literature. It may inspire students to delve further into reading.

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Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

History and Society, STEM

Grades 3 - 5

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

History and Society, STEM

Grades 3 - 5

Nice to Ya!

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Nice to Ya!

kid-grit

K - 2

10 Minutes

The goal of this activity is to support students in building kindness and empathy skills. Empathy is the key to connection and emotional intelligence. As children get older, they will use their emotional intelligence in several areas of their lives to become happy and productive people.

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Nice to Ya!

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Messages to the Past

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Messages to the Past

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students activate their imagination by writing a letter to a parent or significant adult in their life, and addressing the recipient as middle school students.

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Messages to the Past

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Fact or Opinion?

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Fact or Opinion?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn to distinguish between facts and opinions in informational texts.

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Fact or Opinion?

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice association strategies to remember other's names (or fictitious names), including making up visualizations and stories to help jog thei memory.

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How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

My Little Camp

Health and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 8

My Little Camp

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Camping can be enjoyed year round. The National Wildlife Federation hosts the Great American Campout, a summer-long celebration exploring the wild outdoors through camping through October 31. Camping can happen just about anywhere — at a neighborhood, state or national park and even in your own backyard. This is a fun, easy way for family and friends to connect with nature and wildlife.

Today the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Getting kids in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lead to higher test scores. A child’s mind, body and spirit markedly improve in response to unstructured outdoor play.

MIND: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.

BODY: Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese, get fit.

SPIRIT: Nature makes children nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.

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My Little Camp

Health and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 8

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball Basics

STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball Basics

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this lesson, students will discover baseball's fundamental rules, structure, and terminology as they prepare for the STEM League season. Along the way, they'll explore how runs are scored, how teams work together, and how basic arithmetic—like multiplication, addition, and comparison—fits into the game.

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MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball Basics

STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship Contract

STEM, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades K - 12

MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship Contract

Learn Fresh

K - 12

45 Minutes

To start the MLS STEM Goals experience, all students are asked to sign a Sportsmanship Contract! Just like an MLS player, this affirms their commitment to their team and league. An additional curriculum spotlight on sportsmanship asks them to reflect on the skills necessary to be a great competitor.

This is activity 1 of 8 in the MSL STEM Goals Collection from Learn Fresh. To view all activities and Quality Instructional Practices for planning and facilitation, visit the MLS STEM Goals Collection page.

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MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship Contract

STEM, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades K - 12

Tap to Your Toes

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Tap to Your Toes

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

In this closing activity, students explore physical exercises and tapping methods to relieve stress. Using physical stress relievers is another way to reduce anxiety, especially for students who don’t like to talk about it. This activity can be used anytime, all year round!

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Tap to Your Toes

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest Stories

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest Stories

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Step into the world of heartwarming storytelling! Students explore the magic of human-interest stories, celebrating incredible achievements and acts of kindness within their community. Get ready to share stories that touch the heart!

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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A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest Stories

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

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

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Teens Curate Teens: Developing a Theme

Arts, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Teens Curate Teens: Developing a Theme

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

The goal of Teens Curate Teens is to collaboratively assemble an exhibition of artwork created by teens exploring a compelling theme. To start, teens will brainstorm topics or issues important to them. After selecting a theme, students will research multiple viewpoints on the theme. Finally they'll work independently or collaboratively to write an introductory text for their exhibition.

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Teens Curate Teens: Developing a Theme

Arts, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Market Research

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Market Research

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students will conceptualize a new product or service and develop a market research survey to help guide development of the product. Then they will compile and analyze the results of the survey in order to fine-tune their product or service concept. This activity builds research, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills.

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Market Research

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Lion Dance

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 5

Lion Dance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore how animal movements can inspire dance. They watch a short film of the Chinese Lion Dance, and then design an animal dance of their own.

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Lion Dance

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 5

The Big Easy: Day 7 Lesson

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 8

The Big Easy: Day 7 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 7 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Join the rhythm! students participate in a dynamic drum circle while mastering quarter notes, quarter rests, and half notes through musical notations.

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The Big Easy: Day 7 Lesson

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 8

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students will have the opportunity to experiment with pitch in sounds by designing and testing their own "Sound Contraptions" which can make four sounds each at a different pitch, arranged in order from low to high.

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S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 12

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will visually map portrayals of their communities in the news media. The result will be a graphic organizer of unique perspectives and story ideas.

This is activity 1 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 12

Create a Career Presentation

Career and Future Readiness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Create a Career Presentation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students prepare a computer presentation on a career of interest. They research the career of interest, find related photos, and write captions.

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Create a Career Presentation

Career and Future Readiness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Arts, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students practice presenting a short story in a flexible reader's theater format. They plan their presentation in small groups. Then they read aloud and add special effects in a group performance.

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Reader’s Theater and Poetry (Grades 6-8)

Arts, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Pollinators and Their Flowers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Pollinators and Their Flowers

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Flowering plants are much more common than non-flowering plants. The success of flowering plants is primarily due to the flower’s close relationship with animals in the process called pollination. Over time, flowers have developed adaptations to ensure that the best pollinator for their species will visit and often return to feed. In fact, flowers’ fragrance, bright colors, nourishing nectar, and varied shapes are considered adaptations to attract specific pollinators. For example, the bright colors of flower petals are thought to help flowers stand out against a green background. Many flowers, such as a black-eyed susan, have a bull’s eye pattern of color to focus animal attention on the part of the flower with pollen and nectar. Violets have both a weak bull’s eye pattern and “nectar-guides”— a pattern that radiates out from the nectar cup. Many flowers have nectar guides, which aren’t always visible to the human eye.

Birds and bees find different flowers attractive, largely due to differences in the animal senses. Birds have a poor sense of smell but a keen color vision. Bees use both color and odors to find a suitable flower. The shape of the flower also plays a role in determining the kind of pollinator who can feed from the flower. Butterflies must have a perch to land on while feeding. Hummingbirds can hover in front of the flower and so don’t need a place to land. Pollinators have also adapted to ensure that they will have access to flower nectar. Animal

adaptations include a sense of smell, color, preferences, beak shape (especially noticeable in hummingbirds), and tongue length.

The activity children will complete has them making flower observations as pollinators come and go, then asks them to consider why some pollinators frequent specific flowers more than or instead of others.

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Pollinators and Their Flowers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Clay Coil Pot

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Clay Coil Pot

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students learn how to create a coil pot by molding clay and have the opportunity to decorate their works.

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Clay Coil Pot

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor Migrations

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor Migrations

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

Why do birds migrate? How do seasonal changes in primary productivity influence the behaviors of higher order consumers like raptors? Visualize and explore the connectedness of organisms within and across ecosystems in this teacher-guided activity.

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Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor Migrations

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Invasive Species Data Analysis

Nature and Wildlife, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

Invasive Species Data Analysis

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this lesson, students will learn to plot and analyze invasive species data. They will also collaborate with peers to determine the level of risk that invasive species pose to a habitat and consider ideas for intervention.

This is activity 3 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Invasive Species Data Analysis

Nature and Wildlife, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

Heart Beat Challenge

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 3 - 8

Heart Beat Challenge

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about Stethoscopes and recognize heart beats. They will also learn how to find a person's heartbeat.

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Heart Beat Challenge

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 3 - 8

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

OnTRaC: Networking for Creative Careers

Arts, Career and Future Readiness

Grades 9 - 12

OnTRaC: Networking for Creative Careers

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This activity invites young people to explore careers in the arts and creative fields by first identifying the skills and resources in their own personal networks. Using brainstorming, drawing mind maps, and group discussion, participants will create a roadmap for a professional network that will help guide them in their goals. Then, young people will role-play networking conversations.

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OnTRaC: Networking for Creative Careers

Arts, Career and Future Readiness

Grades 9 - 12

A News Show Structure: Block G and Kickers

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

A News Show Structure: Block G and Kickers

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Students embark on a journey into news storytelling, emotions, and impactful communication. Engage in positive reporting with a trip to a fake World’s Fair of Achievements.

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A News Show Structure: Block G and Kickers

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

Making a Kaleidoscope

Arts, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Making a Kaleidoscope

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a simple, colorful Kaleidoscope and experiment with manipulating light.

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Making a Kaleidoscope

Arts, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

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

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Video

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM

Grades 3 - 12

Save the Oceans!

History and Society, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Save the Oceans!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss the importance of conserving and sustainably using the world's oceans and then create advertisements to persuade others of the importance of oceans.

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Save the Oceans!

History and Society, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 2

Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children listen to a book read aloud to them, and then they read books on their own. This simple activity shows children that they can read and enjoy books in many different ways, including by themselves, with a friend, or in a large group.

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Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 2

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

Students learn about Mechanical Engineering as they use the Engineering Design Process to make a catapult that will fling a marshmallow the furthest, focusing on distance and power as they test and modify their designs.

To gather background information on this activity, try the activity "S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults".

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

Dance the Shim Sham

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

Dance the Shim Sham

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Shim Sham movements. The combination is repeated over and over, mimicking patterns found in the dance's companion song. Students then modernize the dance, applying their own unique twists.

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Dance the Shim Sham

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

Website Design: Band Sites

Arts, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Website Design: Band Sites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Website Design: Band Sites

Arts, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Meet the Me Puppet

Social and Emotional Awareness, Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Meet the Me Puppet

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students make a sock puppet to represent themselves. Then the group uses their puppets to have conversations with one another. The activity aims to provide students with an outlet for speaking up in their own voice. Another benefit of the activity is that it allows students to define the elements of their essential selves.

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Meet the Me Puppet

Social and Emotional Awareness, Arts

Grades 3 - 5

What Makes a Year?

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 6 - 8

What Makes a Year?

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

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

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What Makes a Year?

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 6 - 8

Stop the Madness!

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

Stop the Madness!

kid-grit

3 - 12

45 Minutes

Web-based information and content can definitely be false. It is always important to be an educated participant of information on the internet. How can we ourselves- and then our students- learn how to decipher what is true or false? In this lesson, we will ask students to do their own research about internet 'information' and how to examine it with a critical eye.

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Stop the Madness!

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

What Kind of Day Did I Have?

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades K - 2

What Kind of Day Did I Have?

kid-grit

K - 2

15 Minutes

At the end of program time, use this reflection activity to help students think critically about the day and what they learned. In this activity, students practice reflection by identifying and exploring something that was a challenge for them that day. Students can share, journal, or draw it out. In the second part of the activity, they will develop and provide solutions for each other to show that there are ways to navigate difficult things.

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What Kind of Day Did I Have?

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades K - 2

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

Create a positive, real-world social media environment where art and memories are displayed for others to like and comment!

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Video

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1

Health and Wellness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades K - 8

Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Start week 6 by learning the skill of the week: Squats. In this activity, students test their endurance with stations and a game of Toilet Tag. Then, they learn about dairy foods.

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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Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1

Health and Wellness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades K - 8

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about tolerance by learning about their peers and recognizing and appreciating their similarities and differences. The activity builds communication and listening skills and also helps students learn to respect one another’s strengths, interests, and perspectives.

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Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Researching Robotics

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 6 - 8

Researching Robotics

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research topics in robotics, then present what they learned to the whole group by making a human timeline.

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Researching Robotics

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 6 - 8

Circle Sort

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 3 - 5

Circle Sort

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students stand at the back of a room and view colored construction paper circles spread throughout the room. Their task is to place the circles in order from smallest to largest. This activity builds spatial reasoning and collaboration skills.

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Circle Sort

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 3 - 5

Make It Move! 1: Transportation Prototype Brainstorm

STEM, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Make It Move! 1: Transportation Prototype Brainstorm

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students work together and brainstorm ideas for their transportation invention protoype.

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

Make It Move! 1: Transportation Prototype Brainstorm

Make It Move! 2: Transportation Prototype Selection

Make It Move! 3: Transportation Prototype Build

Make It Move! 4: Transportation Prototype Test & Modify

Make It Move! 5: Transportation Prototype Naming

Make It Move! 6: Transportation Prototype Presentations

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Make It Move! 1: Transportation Prototype Brainstorm

STEM, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Idioms

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 2

Idioms

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children are rarely exposed to figurative language. The Amelia Bedelia books, by Peggy Parish, are a great introduction to figurative and literal meanings. In this activity, children interact with the original text of Amelia Bedelia as it is read aloud to them. Later, they illustrate the literal and figurative meanings of idioms.

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Idioms

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 2

Product Analysis & Snapshot of Famous Entrepreneur, Indra Nooyi

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades K - 2

Product Analysis & Snapshot of Famous Entrepreneur, Indra Nooyi

VentureLab

K - 2

25 Minutes

How are everyday products designed to solve problems and appeal to customers? In this activity, students will survey people about products they buy at the grocery store and think entreprenurially about packaging, logos, and other aspects of product design. Students will also learn about a real, famous entrepreneur, Indra Nooyi, helping make the connection that real-life entrepreneurs have ideas and take steps to carry out those ideas, being thoughtful about every aspect of the product they create.

This activity was designed as Part 4 of 5 in a series created by VentureLab. Check out the "Intro to Entrepreneurship" lesson to see more.

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Product Analysis & Snapshot of Famous Entrepreneur, Indra Nooyi

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades K - 2