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My Life: Highlights Reel

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

My Life: Highlights Reel

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Think of your life as an ongoing motion picture. There is so much to see, and every day is different. If you had to put together a highlights reel for your life, what would you include? In this activity, students decide just that as they make a slideshow "highlights reel" of their lives.

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S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

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

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about the water cycle, detailing the ways that water changes states as it supports life on earth.

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Careers in Education

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers in Education

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students will learn about education as a career by speaking with a teacher who has been invited to discuss their career with the group. Then, students will view a website to compare education to other possible careers.

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Who Could My Customers Be?

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

Who Could My Customers Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together to design an online marketing plan to reach international customers. This activity builds research and problem-solving skills while also developing speaking and listening skills.

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Many Businesses, Many Models

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Many Businesses, Many Models

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore different business models and apply them to real-life examples. They begin by drawing a simple model of their own to understand the similarities and differences in business structures. They then break into teams to learn about a business started by a young entrepreneur. Using a worksheet describing the different types of business models, they match the appropriate model to the business they studied. Finally, they create a visual to explain the business model they studied and use it to share what they learned with the rest of the group.

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Speak and Listen (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Speak and Listen (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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What Is Pi?

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

What Is Pi?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

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Build a Business Logo

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Arts in Action

Build a Business Logo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Lemonade stands, lawn service, and dog walking. These are all business ideas that most of us had at one point. Students collaborate to develop their own age-appropriate small business, designing an attractive and memorable logo for their business.

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Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

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

Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

OregonASK

6 - 8

15 Minutes

Students brainstorm the pros and cons of their inventions, and how they can fix them.

This activity is Part 2 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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Memory and Place-Making

We The People, Belonging and Community

Memory and Place-Making

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students explore how enslaved people worked to stay connected to their cultures and homelands. They will read a short text illustrating this idea from The 1619 Project and discuss the importance of commemorating one's own cultural background, as well as learning about other cultures.

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The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

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

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the Wright brothers' background and use problem-solving skills to design and create paper airplanes to fly long distances.

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Round Robin Storytelling

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Round Robin Storytelling

Foundations, Inc.

K - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a group story by adding a few lines at a time.

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New Foods

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

New Foods

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children work collaboratively to match the names of fruits and vegetables with pictures. Then they talk about fruits and vegetables, building cooperative learning skills, and interest in trying a variety of foods.

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Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Blogging 101

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blogging 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

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What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

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

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Make It Move! 6: Transportation Prototype Presentations

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

Make It Move! 6: Transportation Prototype Presentations

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create presentations for their Transportation inventions and showcase their creativity and hard work.

This activity is Part 6 of 6 in the Make it Move! series, and builds off of previous activities:

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

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Nature Squares

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

Nature Squares

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop their scientific inquiry and observational skills as they list all the living and nonliving things in a 1-meter-by-1-meter plot of land.

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

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Who Is Telling the Truth? (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Who Is Telling the Truth? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students try to guess which of the 3 players is telling the truth. This game builds self-awareness by identifying feelings related to honesty and dishonesty. The game also builds speaking and listening skills and helps group members get to know one another.

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The Lord of the Rings

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Lord of the Rings

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students delve into the fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings (LotR) trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien. They explore the characters, settings, and themes of the novels and then write a scene that could take place in the LotR world. Students do not need to have read the trilogy to enjoy this activity.

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The Cube Game

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

The Cube Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students arrange 27 small cubes into pieces that may—or may not—form a large cube. They practice logical reasoning and spatial reasoning skills as they solve this simple but intriguing puzzle.

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Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 1

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Start week 7 by learning the skill of the week: Burpees. In this activity, students demonstrate power, endurance, and coordination while practicing burpees, and play a game of Steal the Turkey Bacon. Then, they learn about healthy beverage choices.


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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Paper Sculptures (Grades 3-5)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Paper Sculptures (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students create different shapes out of paper and glue them together to make a sculpture that represents themselves. As they create, they learn different ways to manipulate paper and to express themselves.

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An Online Quest for Answers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

An Online Quest for Answers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

The internet can be an excellent source of verifiable facts, such as the scores of sports contests and the vote totals of an election. However, not all questions have factual answers. In this activity, students will explore the limits of the internet and other reference sources in the quest for facts, knowledge, and opinions.

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NBA Math Hoops Lesson 5: Steals & Strategy

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 5: Steals & Strategy

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students review the “steal rule” and practice identifying incorrect calculations while reinforcing computational accuracy. Then, they work through various gameplay scenarios in teams, discussing different strategies and decisions.

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Why Some Democracies Fail

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Why Some Democracies Fail

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Nations and their systems of governments sometimes remain intact for hundreds of years. Yet as history shows, even the nations that appear especially strong and permanent to their citizens, such as Ancient Rome, may fail and be replaced. Democracies are no exception. In this activity, students will study and evaluate examples of democracies that failed to live up to their promise, and they will consider the future of democracy worldwide and in the United States.

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Slideshow: A Day at the Zoo

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Slideshow: A Day at the Zoo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Making slide presentations can introduce children to the power of computers and their many uses. In this activity, children collaborate with the leader to make a presentation about zoo animals.

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Favorite Animal

Arts in Action, The Natural World

Favorite Animal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose their favorite animal to be the subject of a large informational poster.

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Chatting Safely Online

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Chatting Safely Online

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students evaluate mock conversations that could occur online and recognize strategies for maintaining their safety and dignity.

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Where Did You Come From?

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

Where Did You Come From?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this engaging lesson, students explore their connection to food and its origins. Through hands-on activities, they sketch their favorite fruits and vegetables, examine their geographical sources, and create thought-provoking food art to reflect on the impact of locally grown versus shipped produce.

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Find Your Story (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Find Your Story (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story.

This is activity 7 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

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

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

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

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

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

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Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

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

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

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

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Shadow Scenes

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

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

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

Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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

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S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

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S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

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

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The First Cellphone Call

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The First Cellphone Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

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Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

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

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

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

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Helping People Learn

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Helping People Learn

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Windchimes & Mobiles

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Windchimes & Mobiles

Rediscover Center

K - 8

1 Hour

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

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Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

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Pollinators Project

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

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

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

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

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

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

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

This activity is 2 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

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Half the Conversation

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Half the Conversation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Your Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork

Your Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

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

Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Telling Fact From Opinion

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Telling Fact From Opinion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Spelling Survivor

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Spelling Survivor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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The Cold Call

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The Cold Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

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What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

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

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

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

Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

40 Minutes

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

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Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

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


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

Discover Activity

Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Make a Hovercraft

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

Make a Hovercraft

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Quiet on Set

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Quiet on Set

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

My Life: Highlights Reel

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

My Life: Highlights Reel

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Think of your life as an ongoing motion picture. There is so much to see, and every day is different. If you had to put together a highlights reel for your life, what would you include? In this activity, students decide just that as they make a slideshow "highlights reel" of their lives.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

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

S.INQ Up Earth Sciences

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about the water cycle, detailing the ways that water changes states as it supports life on earth.

Discover Activity

Careers in Education

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Careers in Education

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students will learn about education as a career by speaking with a teacher who has been invited to discuss their career with the group. Then, students will view a website to compare education to other possible careers.

Discover Activity

Who Could My Customers Be?

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

Who Could My Customers Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together to design an online marketing plan to reach international customers. This activity builds research and problem-solving skills while also developing speaking and listening skills.

Discover Activity

Many Businesses, Many Models

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Many Businesses, Many Models

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore different business models and apply them to real-life examples. They begin by drawing a simple model of their own to understand the similarities and differences in business structures. They then break into teams to learn about a business started by a young entrepreneur. Using a worksheet describing the different types of business models, they match the appropriate model to the business they studied. Finally, they create a visual to explain the business model they studied and use it to share what they learned with the rest of the group.

Discover Activity

Speak and Listen (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Speak and Listen (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

What Is Pi?

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

What Is Pi?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

Build a Business Logo

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Arts in Action

Build a Business Logo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Lemonade stands, lawn service, and dog walking. These are all business ideas that most of us had at one point. Students collaborate to develop their own age-appropriate small business, designing an attractive and memorable logo for their business.

Discover Activity

Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

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

Amazing Bodies! 2: Prototype Selection

OregonASK

6 - 8

15 Minutes

Students brainstorm the pros and cons of their inventions, and how they can fix them.

This activity is Part 2 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

Memory and Place-Making

We The People, Belonging and Community

Memory and Place-Making

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students explore how enslaved people worked to stay connected to their cultures and homelands. They will read a short text illustrating this idea from The 1619 Project and discuss the importance of commemorating one's own cultural background, as well as learning about other cultures.

Discover Activity

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

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

The Wright Brothers and the Airplane

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about the Wright brothers' background and use problem-solving skills to design and create paper airplanes to fly long distances.

Discover Activity

Round Robin Storytelling

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Round Robin Storytelling

Foundations, Inc.

K - 8

30 Minutes

Students create a group story by adding a few lines at a time.

Discover Activity

New Foods

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

New Foods

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children work collaboratively to match the names of fruits and vegetables with pictures. Then they talk about fruits and vegetables, building cooperative learning skills, and interest in trying a variety of foods.

Discover Activity

Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Skills for Workers in the Twenty-First Century

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 17 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Blogging 101

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Blogging 101

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

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

S.INQ Up Space Systems Part 2

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn what constellations are and how they work, and how to find them.

Discover Activity

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

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

What Happened to the BlackBerry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Make It Move! 6: Transportation Prototype Presentations

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

Make It Move! 6: Transportation Prototype Presentations

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create presentations for their Transportation inventions and showcase their creativity and hard work.

This activity is Part 6 of 6 in the Make it Move! series, and builds off of previous activities:

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

Discover Activity

Nature Squares

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

Nature Squares

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students develop their scientific inquiry and observational skills as they list all the living and nonliving things in a 1-meter-by-1-meter plot of land.

Discover Activity

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

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Who Is Telling the Truth? (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Who Is Telling the Truth? (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students try to guess which of the 3 players is telling the truth. This game builds self-awareness by identifying feelings related to honesty and dishonesty. The game also builds speaking and listening skills and helps group members get to know one another.

Discover Activity

The Lord of the Rings

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Lord of the Rings

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students delve into the fantasy world of The Lord of the Rings (LotR) trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien. They explore the characters, settings, and themes of the novels and then write a scene that could take place in the LotR world. Students do not need to have read the trilogy to enjoy this activity.

Discover Activity

The Cube Game

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

The Cube Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students arrange 27 small cubes into pieces that may—or may not—form a large cube. They practice logical reasoning and spatial reasoning skills as they solve this simple but intriguing puzzle.

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 1

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Functional Fitness Week 7: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Start week 7 by learning the skill of the week: Burpees. In this activity, students demonstrate power, endurance, and coordination while practicing burpees, and play a game of Steal the Turkey Bacon. Then, they learn about healthy beverage choices.


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.

Discover Activity

Paper Sculptures (Grades 3-5)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Paper Sculptures (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students create different shapes out of paper and glue them together to make a sculpture that represents themselves. As they create, they learn different ways to manipulate paper and to express themselves.

Discover Activity

An Online Quest for Answers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

An Online Quest for Answers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

The internet can be an excellent source of verifiable facts, such as the scores of sports contests and the vote totals of an election. However, not all questions have factual answers. In this activity, students will explore the limits of the internet and other reference sources in the quest for facts, knowledge, and opinions.

Discover Activity

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 5: Steals & Strategy

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community

NBA Math Hoops Lesson 5: Steals & Strategy

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students review the “steal rule” and practice identifying incorrect calculations while reinforcing computational accuracy. Then, they work through various gameplay scenarios in teams, discussing different strategies and decisions.

Discover Activity

Why Some Democracies Fail

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Why Some Democracies Fail

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Nations and their systems of governments sometimes remain intact for hundreds of years. Yet as history shows, even the nations that appear especially strong and permanent to their citizens, such as Ancient Rome, may fail and be replaced. Democracies are no exception. In this activity, students will study and evaluate examples of democracies that failed to live up to their promise, and they will consider the future of democracy worldwide and in the United States.

Discover Activity

Slideshow: A Day at the Zoo

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Slideshow: A Day at the Zoo

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Making slide presentations can introduce children to the power of computers and their many uses. In this activity, children collaborate with the leader to make a presentation about zoo animals.

Discover Activity

Favorite Animal

Arts in Action, The Natural World

Favorite Animal

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children choose their favorite animal to be the subject of a large informational poster.

Discover Activity

Chatting Safely Online

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Chatting Safely Online

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students evaluate mock conversations that could occur online and recognize strategies for maintaining their safety and dignity.

Discover Activity

Where Did You Come From?

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

Where Did You Come From?

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this engaging lesson, students explore their connection to food and its origins. Through hands-on activities, they sketch their favorite fruits and vegetables, examine their geographical sources, and create thought-provoking food art to reflect on the impact of locally grown versus shipped produce.

Discover Activity

Find Your Story (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Find Your Story (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story.

This is activity 7 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces: Magnetic Force

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this lesson, students test different objects to see if the magnetic force is strong enough to pass through and attract a paper clip.

Discover Activity

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

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

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

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Music and Rhythm (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Assigning Reporters and Camera Persons

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

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

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Mindfulness (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Shadow Scenes

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

Shadow Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

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

Farm to Table 4: Prototype Test & Modify

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

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

S.INQ Invisible Forces Magnetic Attraction

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

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

S.INQ Up Weather & Climate

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Egg Safe Seat

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

The First Cellphone Call

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The First Cellphone Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

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Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Pre-interviewing (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

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

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

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

Discover Activity

Helping People Learn

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Helping People Learn

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Windchimes & Mobiles

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Windchimes & Mobiles

Rediscover Center

K - 8

1 Hour

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

Discover Activity

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Celebrating Culture, Resisting Erasure

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Pollinators Project

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

Pollinators Project

OregonASK

6 - 12

1 Hour 15 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

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

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

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

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

This activity is 2 of 5 in the "How to Grow Dahlias" module from Farm to Table Kids. Visit the module to view the full set of learning resource and learn more about Part 1 of the module series, "Things to Know Before You Grow."

Discover Activity

Half the Conversation

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Half the Conversation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Your Olympic Games

Leadership and Teamwork

Your Olympic Games

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

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

Smoothies and Startups: The Costs of Starting a Business

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Acrostic Poem Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Creating Setting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

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

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Video Games of Past and Present

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Video Games of Past and Present

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Telling Fact From Opinion

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Telling Fact From Opinion

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Spelling Survivor

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Spelling Survivor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Promotional Writing and “Advertorials”

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

The Cold Call

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

The Cold Call

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

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

What Are the Costs of Starting a Business?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

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

Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Presentation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

40 Minutes

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

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Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Hidden Information: Mapping Our Digital Footprint

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 6: Details and Description

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

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


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

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Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

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

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Make a Hovercraft

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

Make a Hovercraft

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

A Good Hook (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Quiet on Set

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Quiet on Set

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

Discover Activity

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Stations of the Yamas and Niyamas of Yoga Philosophy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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

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