All Activities

Making a Kaleidoscope

Arts, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Making a Kaleidoscope

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Making a KaleidoscopeArts, STEM

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

20 Minutes

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

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Video

Ultimate Cup Stack (Team Building) GameLeadership and Teamwork, STEM

20 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Save the Oceans!

History and Society, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 9 - 12

Save the Oceans!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Save the Oceans!History and Society, Nature and Wildlife

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 2

Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Many Ways to Read (Grades K-2)Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

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

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Catapults Part 2STEM, Nature and Wildlife

30 Minutes•Grades K - 5

Dance the Shim Sham

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

Dance the Shim Sham

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Dance the Shim ShamArts, Leadership and Teamwork

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

Create a Career Presentation

Career and Future Readiness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Create a Career Presentation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Create a Career PresentationCareer and Future Readiness, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 12

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

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

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

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Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

50 Minutes•Grades 6 - 12

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

Arts, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Pollinators and Their Flowers

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Pollinators and Their Flowers

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

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

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

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

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

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Pollinators and Their FlowersNature and Wildlife, STEM

50 Minutes•Grades K - 8

Clay Coil Pot

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Clay Coil Pot

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

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

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Clay Coil PotArts, Literacy

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 12

Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor Migrations

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 3 - 8

Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor Migrations

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Empirical Data in Classrooms: Raptor MigrationsNature and Wildlife, STEM

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

Invasive Species Data Analysis

Nature and Wildlife, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

Invasive Species Data Analysis

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour

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

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

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Invasive Species Data AnalysisNature and Wildlife, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

1 Hour•Grades 6 - 8

Heart Beat Challenge

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 3 - 8

Heart Beat Challenge

OregonASK

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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Heart Beat ChallengeSTEM, Nature and Wildlife

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 6 - 8

Call to Service(Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Call to Service(Grades 6-8)Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

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

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Video

Like and Comment (Team Building) GameSocial and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

30 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1

Health and Wellness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades K - 8

Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

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

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

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Functional Fitness Week 6: Day 1Health and Wellness, Leadership and Teamwork

40 Minutes•Grades K - 8

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Respect and Learn from Others (Grades 6-8)Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Website Design: Band Sites

Arts, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Website Design: Band Sites

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Website Design: Band SitesArts, Digital Media and Communications

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Meet the Me Puppet

Social and Emotional Awareness, Arts

Grades 3 - 5

Meet the Me Puppet

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Meet the Me PuppetSocial and Emotional Awareness, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

What Makes a Year?

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades 6 - 8

What Makes a Year?

OregonASK

6 - 8

30 Minutes

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

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What Makes a Year?STEM, Nature and Wildlife

30 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Stop the Madness!

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

Stop the Madness!

kid-grit

3 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Stop the Madness!Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

What Kind of Day Did I Have?

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades K - 2

What Kind of Day Did I Have?

kid-grit

K - 2

15 Minutes

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

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What Kind of Day Did I Have?Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

15 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)Literacy, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

History and Society, STEM

Grades 3 - 5

The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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The International Space Station (Grades 3-5)History and Society, STEM

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Nice to Ya!

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Nice to Ya!

kid-grit

K - 2

10 Minutes

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

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Nice to Ya!Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

10 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Messages to the Past

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Messages to the Past

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Messages to the PastSocial and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Fact or Opinion?

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Fact or Opinion?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Fact or Opinion?Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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How to Remember Names (Grades 9-12)Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Post or Not Post?

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 9 - 12

Post or Not Post?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Post or Not Post?Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every Story

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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There Are (At Least) 2 Sides to Every StoryDigital Media and Communications, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 9 - 12

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)Literacy, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

Grades 6 - 8

Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Handling Stress (Grades 6-8)Social and Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Teens Curate Teens: Developing a Theme

Arts, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Teens Curate Teens: Developing a Theme

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

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

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Teens Curate Teens: Developing a ThemeArts, Literacy

1 Hour 30 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Market Research

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Market Research

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Market ResearchCareer and Future Readiness, STEM

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Lion Dance

Arts, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 5

Lion Dance

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Lion DanceArts, Leadership and Teamwork

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

The Big Easy: Day 7 Lesson

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 8

The Big Easy: Day 7 Lesson

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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The Big Easy: Day 7 LessonArts, Literacy

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 5

S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

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

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S.INQ Sound Pitch Part 2STEM, Nature and Wildlife

30 Minutes•Grades K - 5

My Little Camp

Health and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 8

My Little Camp

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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My Little CampHealth and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

50 Minutes•Grades K - 8

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball Basics

STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 8

MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball Basics

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

1 Hour

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

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MLB Players STEM League Lesson 2: Baseball BasicsSTEM, Leadership and Teamwork

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 8

MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship Contract

STEM, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades K - 12

MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship Contract

Learn Fresh

K - 12

45 Minutes

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

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

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MLS STEM Goals: Sportsmanship ContractSTEM, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades K - 12

Tap to Your Toes

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Tap to Your Toes

kid-grit

3 - 5

15 Minutes

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

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Tap to Your ToesHealth and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

15 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

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

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

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

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

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

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

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A News Show Structure: Block D and Human-interest StoriesDigital Media and Communications, Literacy

30 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

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

Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

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

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 3-5)Digital Media and Communications, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Trivia Game: All about France

History and Society, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Trivia Game: All about France

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research France and then create trivia questions and have a contest with another group.

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Trivia Game: All about FranceHistory and Society, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

What Is the International Space Station?

History and Society, STEM

Grades 9 - 12

What Is the International Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

Students learn about the International Space Station (ISS). They begin by watching a video clip about life aboard the ISS. They then form teams to research different aspects of the ISS, such as what it does, when it was built and occupied, and why astronauts go there to live and work. Students create infographics to share what they learned. The group closes with a discussion about the importance of the ISS.

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What Is the International Space Station?History and Society, STEM

Grades 9 - 12

Practice Makes Better

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

Practice Makes Better

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students craft questions and responses for their news story interviews in this lesson. Plus, they learn some pro tips on how to conduct a fantastic interview! Get ready for students to shine as a journalist!

This is lesson 13 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Practice Makes BetterDigital Media and Communications, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

My Life (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 6 - 8

My Life (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Middle school students may maintain a strong sense of personal identity, yet at the same time recognize that their identity is changing. Reviewing and presenting their life story, or autobiography, can help a preteen or teen better understand who they are and who they want to become. In this activity, students plan, create, and present their autobiographies, either as an essay, a poster, or a computer presentation.

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My Life (Grades 6-8)Literacy, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

Career and Future Readiness, STEM

Grades 9 - 12

The Road to Becoming a Doctor

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore 4 different aspects of medical school: prerequisites and applying, schooling, internship, and residency.

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The Road to Becoming a DoctorCareer and Future Readiness, STEM

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Memory Card Game (Grades 6-8)

STEM, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

Memory Card Game (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students make and play a memory card game to work on remembering school facts from one of their subject classes, such as science, social studies, or English.

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Memory Card Game (Grades 6-8)STEM, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Imaginative Play

Arts, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

Imaginative Play

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

Release the creativity! In this exhilarating adventure, youth harness the power of fun to create an imaginative role-play where youth explore both fictional and real roles, characters and personas. This lesson takes playing family to a whole new level.

This is activity 7 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Imaginative PlayArts, Social and Emotional Awareness

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 5

Art Exhibit: Animal Pinch Pots

Arts, Literacy

Grades 3 - 5

Art Exhibit: Animal Pinch Pots

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Each student gets the chance to be an artist as they work to create pinch pots with animal faces on them. Once all of the pinch pots are complete, students create an information card to go with their pot and set up their works of art like a museum exhibit.

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Art Exhibit: Animal Pinch PotsArts, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Legacy, Pride, and Hope: Ancestors and Their Freedom Dreams

History and Society, Literacy

Grades K - 8

Legacy, Pride, and Hope: Ancestors and Their Freedom Dreams

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students explore the idea of literal and figurative ancestors, and reflect on the legacy of Black American resistance. They will learn how generations of Black Americans have fought for freedom and a better future by exploring an excerpt from the picture book Born on the Water and the photo essay “Hope” from The 1619 Project. As a culminating activity, students will create self-portraits alongside one of their literal or figurative ancestors, inspired by the photos from “Hope.”

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Legacy, Pride, and Hope: Ancestors and Their Freedom DreamsHistory and Society, Literacy

1 Hour 30 Minutes•Grades K - 8

Ping Pong Obstacle Course (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Ping Pong Obstacle Course (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

Demonstrate your multitasking skills as you race to the finish line while bouncing and balancing a ping pong ball!

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Video

Ping Pong Obstacle Course (Team Building) GameLeadership and Teamwork, Social and Emotional Awareness

15 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Surprise Talent Show (Grades 9-12)

Arts, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 9 - 12

Surprise Talent Show (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Today is a surprise talent show. Students get to display their skills and talents in an impromptu performance.

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Surprise Talent Show (Grades 9-12)Arts, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Unusual College Majors

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Unusual College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read and discuss online sources about 5 unusual college majors.

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Unusual College MajorsCareer and Future Readiness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

All About Me (Grades K-2)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Arts

Grades K - 2

All About Me (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Representing themselves in visual formats can help young children develop their identity and sense of place in the world by identifying elements and personal items that make up their lives.

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All About Me (Grades K-2)Social and Emotional Awareness, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

20 Questions (Grades K-2)

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 2

20 Questions (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children ask questions to figure out what object the leader is thinking of. Children are prompted to ask yes/no questions about the object to learn new information to help them inform their guesses. Children are then selected to lead the class with assistance.

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20 Questions (Grades K-2)Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Patent for Protective Glasses

STEM, Arts

Grades 6 - 8

Patent for Protective Glasses

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students first learn about the patent and designs of protective glasses, and then brainstorm constraints and ideas for their own inventions that could help society.

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Patent for Protective GlassesSTEM, Arts

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Build Your Own Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Health and Wellness

Grades 3 - 5

Build Your Own Obstacle Course

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

1 Hour

Obstacle courses are fun for all ages. They allow for creativity and get youth moving in inventive ways. In the 6th activity of The Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module, youth explore different types of movement as they build and navigate obstacle courses.

This is activity 6 of 12 in the Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab Module.

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Build Your Own Obstacle CourseLeadership and Teamwork, Health and Wellness

1 Hour•Grades 3 - 5

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 6 - 12

Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will learn that mindfulness means paying attention to the world outside you and to the world inside you as well. In this activity, you lead students in a meditation session. They discover that focusing on the breath is an easy and effective first step to mindfulness and that filling the lungs with air can be all-absorbing and help clear the mind.

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Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)Health and Wellness, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 12

Television Ads

Digital Media and Communications, Literacy

Grades K - 2

Television Ads

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children watch food ads aimed at kids and work together to understand how kids are targeted and the purpose of each ad. This activity builds media literacy and critical thinking skills.

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Television AdsDigital Media and Communications, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Hidden Stars

STEM, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 2

Hidden Stars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, learners create their own stars and explore how size, color, distance, and light affect what we can see in the night sky. Through a hands-on search, they discover why some stars shine brightly while others seem hidden.

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Hidden StarsSTEM, Nature and Wildlife

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Teens Curate Teens: Artist Resource Meeting

Arts, Literacy

Grades 9 - 12

Teens Curate Teens: Artist Resource Meeting

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This is a gathering of all of the artists and curators working together to create the teen art exhibition. They have small group discussions to learn more about one another's roles. Artists get to see the exhibition space or photos/video of the space. Curators present a slide show of the artists' work for everyone to see. Curators give an overview of the theme and why it was chosen, and share important dates to remember, information about artwork delivery, the opening, and the exhibition.

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Teens Curate Teens: Artist Resource MeetingArts, Literacy

1 Hour 30 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

History and Society, Literacy

Grades 6 - 8

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about the Marshall Plan, including its main purpose and the countries it helped, allowing students to gain a better understanding of U.S. foreign policy and international relations.

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What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 6-8)History and Society, Literacy

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Building Sub-Irrigated Planters

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades 6 - 8

Building Sub-Irrigated Planters

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

1 Hour 5 Minutes

Sub-irrigated planting systems are a more effective way of providing water to plants, especially as we battle intensified heat waves and prolonged periods of drought due to climate change. This lesson will walk students through the construction of sub-irrigated planters and how we can integrate them into urban green space planning to help support community development and ecosystem support.

This is activity 3 of 3 in the "Sustainable Cities" module from City Parks Foundation.

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Building Sub-Irrigated PlantersNature and Wildlife, STEM

1 Hour 5 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

What Is the World Health Organization?

History and Society, Social and Emotional Awareness

Grades 3 - 5

What Is the World Health Organization?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Introduce students to the World Health Organization (WHO), a key organization that works to improve people's health around the world. Students will develop global awareness, along with collaboration, art, and speaking skills.

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What Is the World Health Organization?History and Society, Social and Emotional Awareness

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

My Talents, Interests, and Strengths

Social and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

Grades K - 5

My Talents, Interests, and Strengths

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Students read books that help them identify their strengths and interests.

This activity is part 3 of a 5 part activity series: A Hero Among Heroes, The Hero Inside, My Talents, Interests, and Strengths, Super ME Part 1, and Super ME Part 2

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My Talents, Interests, and StrengthsSocial and Emotional Awareness, Literacy

1 Hour•Grades K - 5

Taboo!

Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Taboo!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Team competitions are popular among students of all ages. Taboo is a word-guessing game that can be played in teams of 3 people or more. In this activity, students begin by preparing game cards for one another. Then they play several rounds of the game. The goal is to avoid using the taboo words to describe a given word.

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Taboo!Literacy, Digital Media and Communications

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Dress Code Rules

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Dress Code Rules

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students generate and discuss their own pros and cons for a school dress code policy.

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Dress Code RulesSocial and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Writer's Block (Team Building) Game

Social and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Writer's Block (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

10 Minutes

Test your skills by completing a simple task under not-so-ordinary and hilarious conditions!

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Video

Writer's Block (Team Building) GameSocial and Emotional Awareness, Leadership and Teamwork

10 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Why Are Pollinators Important?

Nature and Wildlife, STEM

Grades K - 8

Why Are Pollinators Important?

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

From bees to bats and butterflies to beetles, pollinators play a pivotal role in our ecosystem. Bees are among our most important pollinators, with bee populations providing nearly one-third of our food supply and allowing wild plants to produce the foods that form the natural food web base. The iconic monarch butterfly, another impressive pollinator, spreads pollen as it feeds on the nectar of wildflowers while undertaking its stunning 3,000-mile migration from Canada to Mexico and back each year.

Bats are also incredible pollinators, pollinating the fragrant, white, or pale flowers that bloom at night and dispersing the seeds of more than 300 plant species. Can you imagine life without cashews, mangos, carob, dates, figs, papaya, guava, and cloves? These are a few of the many plants which depend on bats for their survival. Bats, hummingbirds, ants, beetles, wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, and even lizards are “busy as bees” each spring and summer pollinating flowers.

Did you know that some of the world’s top pollinators are flies? Long-tongue flies, gnats, and yes, even male mosquitoes! Some male mosquitoes help pollinate rare orchids; the pollen grains actually stick to their eyes as they travel from flower to flower. When they dip their proboscis (mouth tube) into the flower to take a sip of nectar, the pollen grains mix, and pollination takes place.¹

1. PollinatorLIVE! https://pollinatorlive.pwnet.org/teacher/info.php

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Why Are Pollinators Important?Nature and Wildlife, STEM

50 Minutes•Grades K - 8

Restructure (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM

Grades 3 - 12

Video

Restructure (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

With your fellow engineers, build and design a structure better than the leader's structure... But wait, there's a catch!

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Video

Restructure (Team Building) GameLeadership and Teamwork, STEM

30 Minutes•Grades 3 - 12

Create a Plate

Health and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

Grades K - 2

Create a Plate

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

A healthy diet is essential to help children grow and develop. First, children will discuss the benefits of eating healthfully and learn about the food groups. Then, they will then create a plate with their own healthy meal using what they have learned.

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Create a PlateHealth and Wellness, Nature and Wildlife

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

People, Places, and Things (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, Arts

Grades 9 - 12

People, Places, and Things (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students create story ideas by considering random people, places, and things. This activity builds writing skills and inspires creativity.

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