All Activities

Respecting Others

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Respecting Others

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn that everyone has traits that make them unique and play a game to explore their similarities and differences.

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Respecting Others

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

The Natural World, We The People

Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about and discuss the importance of preventing deforestation. Students then work in pairs or small groups to design an infographic to emphasize the issues involved with deforestation.

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Only YOU Can Prevent Deforestation!

The Natural World, We The People

Brief but Spectacular

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Brief but Spectacular

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Essential Question: Who in your community is raising awareness around an issue that they are passionate about and spurring others to action?

Overview

To date, Brief but Spectacular has produced over 200 episodes with a mix of well-known guests like Alec Baldwin and lesser known guests like a musician who uses his art to “groove change.” The videos have earned millions of views and students have also engaged with the series to create their own videos. That’s where you come in: shoot a conversational interview with someone in your community who is making a difference and edit it using Brief but Spectacular’s storytelling style.

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Brief but Spectacular

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Helicopter Engineering

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

Helicopter Engineering

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students work in teams to engineer an optimal paper helicopter design

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Helicopter Engineering

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students use mechanical engineering to build a catapult that will fling a marshmallow projectile, testing and modifying it for speed, aim, and distance.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults

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

Paper Structures

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

Paper Structures

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

Students explore how to support weight using lightweight materials to build a structure.

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Paper Structures

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

Difficult Decisions

Belonging and Community, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Difficult Decisions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students role-play in groups to act out a business-related conflict and work together to resolve the conflict.

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Difficult Decisions

Belonging and Community, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Democracy in Action

We The People, Belonging and Community

Democracy in Action

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students model aspects of democracy as practiced in the United States. They form political parties, hold an election, and observe their representative decide issues that affect their lives as students. Students learn that in many ways our government functions differently than its founders had intended.

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Democracy in Action

We The People, Belonging and Community

Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Whole Body, Whole Self, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore the positive and negative effects of social media and whether it affects mental health. First, students work in small groups to research how social media affects people. Then, they discuss their personal experiences with social media and how it affected them.

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Does Social Media Contribute to Stress? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Whole Body, Whole Self, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Interview Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to conduct mock job interviews. They evaluate the interview process from the perspective of both the applicant and the employer.

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Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

We The People, Belonging and Community

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore significant examples of ways people have exercised their right to assemble, and they model assembling for a purpose of their own choosing. Students will practice key skills including decision-making, collaboration, and advocacy.

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The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom to Assemble?

We The People, Belonging and Community

Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

The only way to conquer the animal kingdom and find your lost teammates is to close your eyes and scream out your animal sounds!

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Animal Kingdom (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Run-of-Show B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Run-of-Show B

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Final preparation for interview mastery! In today’s lesson, students polish their run-of-shows to perfection.

This is lesson 30 of PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs' second module, Building a News Hour.

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Run-of-Show B

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Superhero Lair Part 2

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Superhero Lair Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students continue to read books about superheroes, finish their superhero lairs, and start to work on comic strips.

This activity is part 4 of a 5 activity series: Creating a Superhero, Creating Superhero Suits, Superhero Lair Part 1, Superhero Lair Part 2, and Superhero Comics.

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Superhero Lair Part 2

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Simple Clay Animal Figures

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Simple Clay Animal Figures

OregonASK

3 - 12

30 Minutes

Students create animal figures by using clay and their hands. Also, students learn about the symbolic meanings that animals bring to all cultures, especially the Mayans.

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Simple Clay Animal Figures

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

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

Fish, Birds, and Mammals

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Animals can be categorized in many different ways. Scientists and community scientists use taxonomy or the system used to sort living things. One way animals are classified is by phylum-sorting animals into categories starting with first, whether they have a backbone or no backbone.

Elementary-aged children do not need to know the scientific systems by which animals are categorized, but they do need to begin observing and identifying characteristics that place-specific animals in specific groups. For this activity, children will focus on fish, birds, and mammals.

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Fish, Birds, and Mammals

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

Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students learn and play 3 playground games that originated in different places around the world. Then they vote on their favorite game to play again. This activity builds listening and cooperative learning skills and promotes physical fitness.

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Games From Around the World (Games 3-5)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Safe Sloth Crossing

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

Safe Sloth Crossing

Go2Science

K - 5

50 Minutes

Sloth crossing ahead! Beth and Curtis were worried the sloth they found would get hurt crossing the road. How can people help protect sloths? Design and construct a way for sloths to safely cross a road. Use observations from the video and new resources about sloths for the sloth crossing design.

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Safe Sloth Crossing

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

Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

What would your mobile device, bank card, and fridge say about you? Let's find out!

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Getting the Goods on You (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students read articles in children’s magazines and explore reading in large groups, small groups, and individually.

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Many Ways to Read (Grades 3-5)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Celebrating Earth Day

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

Celebrating Earth Day

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

This activity allows children to take action for the planet and express their ideas for change.

The first Earth Day, founded by Gaylord Nelson, was celebrated in 1970 to mobilize citizens around growing environmental concerns such as toxic waterways, the polluted atmosphere, litter, and dangerous chemicals. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans — at the time, 10% of the total population of the U.S. — took to the streets, parks, and auditoriums to demonstrate a healthy, sustainable environment. By the end of 1970, the first Earth Day led to creating the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts.

Today, Earth Day is celebrated worldwide and is marked by more than a billion people every year as a day of action to change human behavior and advocate for policy changes.

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Celebrating Earth Day

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

One Thing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

One Thing

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this closing, reflection activity, students think actively about doing something positive before the next time they meet. When students can think about kindness without prompting, and it becomes second nature, they are displaying positive character qualities and building empathy skills. Empathy encourages kindness, cooperation, and sharing, and it helps youth learn how to support one another. It also promotes emotional intelligence, allowing them to manage their own feelings better and respond to others in caring, thoughtful ways.

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One Thing

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

Action Packed ABC

Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

Action Packed ABC

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read Curious George Learns the Alphabet and come up with movements to go with each page. Then, they invent their own movements for the letters of thalphabet.

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Action Packed ABC

Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

The Wonderful World of Feelings

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Whole Body, Whole Self

The Wonderful World of Feelings

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

In this opening activity, students will explore their emotions and feelings by using a worksheet with pictures. This activity is a great way to start the class, as it helps understand the emotional state students are in when they arrive.

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The Wonderful World of Feelings

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives, Whole Body, Whole Self

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about key events and ideas of the Cold War. They begin by watching a primary source video from the Federal Civil Defense Administration and discuss the origins of the term “duck and cover.” Students then break into small teams to read articles on key events and aspects of the Cold War. After doing research, students take on the role of television news broadcasters to report on the events.

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What Was the Cold War? (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Case Studies of Business Failures

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Case Studies of Business Failures

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

“Too big to fail” is a popular phrase in business, but what exactly causes a once-thriving company to fail? In most cases, there is not a single answer to this question because several factors often contribute to driving a company to the brink of going out of business or actually pushing it over that edge, as students will discover during this activity.

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Case Studies of Business Failures

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Heavy Lifting

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

Heavy Lifting

NASA

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Students construct balloon-powered rockets to launch the greatest payload possible to the classroom ceiling.

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Heavy Lifting

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

Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to create a short, persuasive piece, which they share with the whole group. This activity provides practice in persuasion, logic, and teambuilding and builds speaking and listening skills.

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Delivering a Persuasive Argument (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

We Can Help the Planet!

The Natural World, Arts in Action

We Can Help the Planet!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children learn about ways they can help the planet by listening to a teacher read a picture book on the subject, then creating posters to illustrate what they learned.

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We Can Help the Planet!

The Natural World, Arts in Action

Clay Slab Construction Faces

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Clay Slab Construction Faces

OregonASK

K - 8

1 Hour

Students sculpt clay faces using a simple slab technique and air-dry clay.

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Clay Slab Construction Faces

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Observing Nature

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

Observing Nature

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Observation is the cornerstone of the inquiry process. It begins an investigation and continues throughout it. When making observations, children are learning to gather evidence, organize their ideas, and propose explanations about the world around them. By challenging children to use their five senses to make detailed observations, teachers are encouraging students to collect and organize information about natural phenomena that they naturally find compelling. ¹

While touch and taste help round out the five senses, it’s crucial children do not touch or taste anything that could cause harm, such as poison ivy or Virginia creeper berries.

¹https://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=52414

Discover Activity

Observing Nature

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

How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?

The Natural World, We The People

How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about ways they can help animals and plants that live on land through various books and websites, and then they have a contest to come up with ideas for protecting them.

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How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?

The Natural World, We The People

Comparing Domesticated and Wild Animals

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

Comparing Domesticated and Wild Animals

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn how a farm animal or type of pet became domesticated and compare similarities and differences with its wild counterpart.

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Comparing Domesticated and Wild Animals

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

Quick Letters

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Quick Letters

Foundations, Inc.

K - 5

1 Hour

There are more ways to practice spelling than simply writing the words on a piece of paper. In Quick Letters, students use teamwork and communication to learn new words and practice for their spelling test. And, it's fun!

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Quick Letters

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

The World of Banking

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

The World of Banking

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the world of banking, including categories of accounts and services, the differences between banks and credit unions, and the general rules that bankers and their customers must follow.

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The World of Banking

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

The Importance of Black American Media

We The People, Digital Voices

The Importance of Black American Media

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

2 Hours

Since the 19th century, Black Americans have created newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets that entertain, unify, and uplift the race. In this activity, students will be introduced to this tradition as they discuss the importance of stories and media, learn about the functions of the Black American media, and explore contemporary examples of Black media.

In the first part of this two-part activity, students will learn about the history of the Black press and contemporary Black American media. During the second part, students will complete a research project in which they learn and share about Black media outlets past and present.

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The Importance of Black American Media

We The People, Digital Voices

How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Technology has brought numerous innovations into the business world in general and the automotive industry in particular. Invariably, however, negative consequences have accompanied these advancements, often impacting those who provide the labor and consumer power within markets. Students discuss the complex dynamic that exists between technology and business and explore how these two entities can affect people’s lives.

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How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Our World Worldwide Day of Play: Test and Refine

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

Our World Worldwide Day of Play: Test and Refine

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

Youth collaborate as they support one another to develop the most fun, most exciting games for the Worldwide Day of Play. Youth test their designs as both Player and Observer, receive feedback and refine their games in anticipation of the big reveal.

This is activity 11 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Our World Worldwide Day of Play: Test and Refine

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

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

Using toilet paper, tape, streamer, and cups, become a fashion icon and strut your stuff down the catwalk!

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Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Making Rock Candy

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

Making Rock Candy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work together to make a supersaturated solution that solidifies over time into rock candy. This activity builds understanding of solutions, saturation, and supersaturation.

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Making Rock Candy

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

Let’s Learn About California

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About California

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research 1 aspect of California and then create a poster and give a presentation about what they learned.

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Let’s Learn About California

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Basics of Presenting (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Design a New Toy

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

Design a New Toy

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Design a New Toy

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

Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

30 Minutes

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

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Food Tycoon (Team Building) Game

Arts in Action, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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The Big Easy: Day 13 Lesson

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

What makes a video story good isn’t just about the topic, it’s how you tell the story.

In this lesson, you will focus on key elements that make for great nonfiction stories like news packages, video profiles, explainers, and short documentaries.

This is activity 4 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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What Makes a Good Video Story? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Meet the First President!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Meet the First President!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Meet the First President!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

You Make the Rules!

We The People, Belonging and Community

You Make the Rules!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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You Make the Rules!

We The People, Belonging and Community

Train Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Train Obstacle Course

OregonASK

K - 2

1 Hour

Students set up a train-themed obstacle course. Afterward, they get their blood flowing by running through their own course!

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Train Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Building a Background Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Building a Background Story

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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

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Building a Background Story

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work together to choreograph and perform a freestyle dance.

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Choreograph Dance Moves (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

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

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

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Making Comics Part 3: Talking, Thinking, Dreaming

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Beyond the Headlines: Color Stories

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

Beyond the Headlines: Color Stories

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Dive into the colorful world of emotions and branding! Students get hands-on with colors, decode logo meanings, and craft a captivating color story for their news show. It's market research like never before!

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: Color Stories

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

Gallery Walk (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Gallery Walk (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children look at a virtual art gallery from the Tate Gallery called “Who Is Gillian Ayres?” and describe what they see through sketching, writing, discussion, and art creation.

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Gallery Walk (Grades K-2)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Debating the War in Afghanistan

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Debating the War in Afghanistan

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students debate the decision to use military force in Afghanistan. They begin by reflecting on the significance of the attacks on September 11, 2001. They split into teams to analyze a variety of primary and secondary source documents reflecting different perspectives on the decision.

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Debating the War in Afghanistan

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Say Thanks!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Say Thanks!

kid-grit

K - 2

20 Minutes

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

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Say Thanks!

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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

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

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

Farm to Table Kids

3 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

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

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

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

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

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Countries from around the world work together to make sure the International Space Station (ISS) is a success. In this activity, students research international cooperation on this project and share their findings with the group. This activity builds understanding of the challenges and rewards of international cooperation, as well as providing practice in speaking and listening.

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The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Order in the (Supreme) Court!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Order in the (Supreme) Court!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students discover the world of procedures, structure, traditions, and terminology that make up the highest court in the judicial branch of the U.S. Government.

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Order in the (Supreme) Court!

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Plant Mysteries: Solved!

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

Plant Mysteries: Solved!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students identify a mystery to solve about plants, and then they research and report on the solution. This activity shows students the complexity of organisms that are essential for all animal life, including the lives of humans.

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Plant Mysteries: Solved!

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

Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children use tongue-twisters to experiment with modulating their voices. They progress from a soft whisper to a stage whisper and then up to a stage projection.

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Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

Rediscover Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create prototypes of transportation vehicles. This project was inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty, and illustrated by David Roberts.

Rosie Revere, Engineer is a story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. We can all take a lesson from Rosie to realize that dreams, professions, skills, and passion are gender neutral. With the help of a wonderful role model in great-great Aunt Rose, Rosie realized that she should celebrate her failures and not hide her inventions! In this story, Rosie engineers a helicopter to make her Great Aunt Rose's dreams come true: to fly. With her inspiration, let's prototype our own transportation vehicle or vessel.

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Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Elevator Pitch Practice: Scripted Pitch

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Elevator Pitch Practice: Scripted Pitch

Young Entrepreneur Institute

3 - 12

20 Minutes

In this activity, students practice presenting a provided pitch. The goals are to become more comfortable presenting to a group; start to establish a safe space by practicing constructive feedback with peers; develop or refine presentation skills such as pace, volume, tone, eye contact and confidence.

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Elevator Pitch Practice: Scripted Pitch

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Invasive Species Management Proposal

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

Invasive Species Management Proposal

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour

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

This is activity 4 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Invasive Species Management Proposal

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

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this activity, students define history and explore its significance. Students will analyze a short text, participate in group discussions, and develop personal and collective understandings of the importance of history. Then, students will reflect on their personal histories to create a Roots and Wings mural that charts where they come from and where they are going.

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What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Shape Hunt

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

Shape Hunt

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children in primary grades are familiar with basic geometric shapes, such as circles, squares, and rectangles. However, they may not recognize that these shapes are ideal constructions that may not be duplicated perfectly in the world around them. In this activity, children identify familiar shapes that are hiding in plain sight in the environment and accept that irregular shapes are generally more common.

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Shape Hunt

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

Ghost and Super Ghost

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Ghost and Super Ghost

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students form groups to play Ghost and Super Ghost by adding letters to word fragments to make viable words.

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Ghost and Super Ghost

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Harvesting Game

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Harvesting Game

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour 10 Minutes

In this activity, students learn about the resources and processes involved in harvesting and processing food.

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Harvesting Game

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Balloon Rockets Challenge

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

Balloon Rockets Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students design and operate balloon-powered drinking straw rockets. They conduct and evaluate several trials to improve their results.

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Balloon Rockets Challenge

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

Native and Invasive Species

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

Native and Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

In this activity students will learn about the impact of invasive species on native fauna and flora. They will also learn about the different measures taken by community members and land conservation agencies to mitigate the impacts of invasives. With this context, students will put together species profiles on native and invasive species in their local regions which they will contribute to the development of their invasive species management proposals for Lesson 4 in the Invasive Species module.

This is activity 1 of 5 in the "Invasive Species" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Native and Invasive Species

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

Simon Says…Exercise!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Simon Says…Exercise!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, students discuss why exercise is important, how often they should exercise, and identify examples of exercises. Then, they brainstorm examples of exercise movements that will be used in a game of Simon Says.

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Simon Says…Exercise!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Fable Character Charades

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Fable Character Charades

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

Students listen to and read along with 4 popular fables. They form pairs and act out characters and character traits from the fables.

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Fable Character Charades

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Art of the Campaign Poster

We The People, Arts in Action

The Art of the Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In the weeks and months before an election, candidates are promoted on billboards, posters, yard signs, and advertisements in all media. What qualities make these promotions effective? In this activity, students will explore this question as they design and make signs or posters for a political campaign.

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The Art of the Campaign Poster

We The People, Arts in Action

Panel Expert

Stories and Perspectives, Leadership and Teamwork

Panel Expert

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn to be panelists that share their expertise on common interests and answer audience member's questions about their topics.

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Panel Expert