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My Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

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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Trivia Game: All about France

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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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20 Questions (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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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All About Me (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

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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Build Your Own Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

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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Patent for Protective Glasses

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

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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Imaginative Play

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

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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Unusual College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

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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Ping Pong Obstacle Course (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

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

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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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Surprise Talent Show (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

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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Art Exhibit: Animal Pinch Pots

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

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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Teens Curate Teens: Artist Resource Meeting

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

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

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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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Television Ads

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

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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Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

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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Hidden Stars

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

Hidden Stars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students decorate paper stars, the leader arranges the stars in the classroom, and then students try to identify their stars and other stars. Students learn that a variety of factors affect how we see stars in the night sky. These factors include a star’s size, brightness, and distance to Earth.

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Building Sub-Irrigated Planters

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

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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What Is the World Health Organization?

We The People, Belonging and Community

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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Restructure (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

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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Writer's Block (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

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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Why Are Pollinators Important?

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

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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My Talents, Interests, and Strengths

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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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Dress Code Rules

Belonging and Community, We The People

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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Taboo!

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

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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A Musical Comic Book

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

A Musical Comic Book

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a comic story using a Comic Book Key Code. They develop an understanding of pattern and symbols, which are two key elements of writing jazz music.

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Rebus Puzzles (Team Building) Game

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

Rebus Puzzles (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

25 Minutes

Work in teams to solve and decode complex puzzles and problems. But keep it on the downlow, other teams may try to steal your answers!

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

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

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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Create a Plate

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

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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U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

We The People, Belonging and Community

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children may know who the President is, but they may not understand the role of the President and Congress in passing laws. In this activity, children explore and model the legislative process.

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Simultaneous Chess

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Leadership and Teamwork

Simultaneous Chess

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

One highly skilled chess player plays simultaneously against two or more opponents. This activity builds planning, logic, strategy, and cooperative learning skills.

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Why Is the Fourteenth Amendment Important Today?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Why Is the Fourteenth Amendment Important Today?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about the Fourteenth Amendment, with a specific focus on the equal protection clause. In addition to extending their knowledge and understanding of this amendment and its application in landmark Supreme Court cases, students develop key analytical, collaboration, and speaking skills.

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OnTRaC: Acting the Interview

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

OnTRaC: Acting the Interview

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Theater exercises allow young people to practice eye contact, projecting their voices, and speaking with confidence – skills necessary in theater, as well as in job interviews. In an arts-led strengths inventory, students brainstorm careers, jobs, personal and academic interests. Then, they role-play or improvise a simple interview scene - taking turns being the interviewee and being the interviewer to build their confidence in speaking in more formal scenarios like a job interview.

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Networking Circles

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Networking Circles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students identify similar interests and career goals, which they apply to model a business or professional network.

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World War II (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Digital Voices

World War II (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students analyze the causes and effects of World War II. They produce a 30-second video, audio clip, or podcast to share their knowledge or opinions.

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Clay Pinch Pot Turtles

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Clay Pinch Pot Turtles

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students learn how to mold clay to create Pinch Pot Turtles and have a blast designing their turtles!

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Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Using “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in a modified reader's theater format, children experience ways to dramatize any story and increase their ability to retell stories, as well as increase fluency and enjoyment.

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Character Mash-Up (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Character Mash-Up (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students choose well-known characters from books, movies, and other media. Then, they form groups of 3 to plan and perform a short skit about the character.

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Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Relay races are a great way to get students moving while working together. In this activity students will be broken into teams to brainstorm different tasks for their fellow students to complete in a variety of relay races.

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Pantomime (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Pantomime (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students act out a good citizen or stewardship activity that could happen at school and other students guess the activities.

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Free Speech for Students

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Free Speech for Students

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will review the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, focusing on freedom of speech. They will learn that this freedom is a cornerstone of American culture and democracy, and it extends to students at school. Students will evaluate Tinker v. Des Moines along with a present-day case focusing on students’ first amendment rights.

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Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Teens may struggle to talk about a wide variety of personal subjects with parents, teachers, peers, and siblings. In this activity, teens will role-play a variety of conversation topics and evaluate their performances. (Note that the activity incorporates subjects such as honesty, friendship, academic achievement, and general health and wellness. However, it excludes controversial and emotionally sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and gender identity.)

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What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. This lesson uses a famous art project, Humans of New York, to reverse-engineer good interview questions and techniques.

Before you write your own interview questions, understand your goal: to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 10 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Do You Like This Website?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Do You Like This Website?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children explore a variety of age-appropriate websites and evaluate them. First, the children explore websites with a partner. Then, they fill out a simple worksheet on their own to evaluate different aspects of the site. Finally, children reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students improvise skits to show how fictional characters might respond to everyday situations and challenges. This activity demonstrates how fiction can differ from real life.

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Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will identify what they know and don’t know about their story’s topic. Once students know what they don’t know, they will use curiosity to guide research that will result in better developed stories.

This is activity 8 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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No Boundaries Chess

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

No Boundaries Chess

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Chess is generally considered an individual sport. In this activity, the addition of a few new rules encourages players to work together as a team.

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Creative Reuse Collection Box

Arts in Action, Whole Body, Whole Self

Creative Reuse Collection Box

Rediscover Center

K - 12

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create a collection box for recyclable home goods and materials. This is a group project and will require the participation of all students to collect from their homes to donate. This fun building and decorating activity will encourage everyone to be mindful of their waste!

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Stats-Minded Scrabble® Tournament

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

Stats-Minded Scrabble® Tournament

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In traditional games of Scrabble® or other word games, the player with the highest total score is declared the winner. Not so in today’s activity! Students will play a word game in which the winner achieves a certain statistical goal, such as a mean score closest to 12 points or a set of scores with the greatest standard deviation.

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Rock Cycle Roundabout

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

Rock Cycle Roundabout

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

After playing a board game to learn how to differentiate the three ways rocks can form, students analyze maps of local topography, water sources, and volcanic activity, to better understand how geology affects a given region. They also experience scale, recognizing geologic processes as fast or extremely gradual.

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Balloon Buddies (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Balloon Buddies (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

10 Minutes

Grab a friend and try to keep your balloon up in the air longer than anyone else in the room!

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Crowdsourcing

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

Crowdsourcing

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about different types of crowdsourcing and then work together in small groups to develop a project idea that uses crowdsourcing. This activity builds analytic and problem-solving skills. It also develops speaking and listening skills.

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Early African Civilizations and Cultures

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Early African Civilizations and Cultures

Pulitzer Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students exercise their research and presentation skills while learning about the cultures of early African civilizations. Facilitators will model inquiry and research by co-creating a presentation on the kingdom of Ndongo, featured in the picture book Born on the Water, with the whole group. Students will then complete their own inquiry into an early African civilization and share their learning with their peers.

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group and learn that these groups can be successful and enjoyable, as long as everyone is respectful.

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Stop the Show (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Stop the Show (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Small groups of students plan scenarios that have concrete starting points and a conflict, obstacle, or problem the characters have to solve. At a certain point, the adult leader stops the play and asks the audience to vote on the ending to the scene. Students learn to be flexible and creative by acting out the new ending.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students have the opportunity to build, test, and modify self propelled cars using an engineering design grid. Students will build cars with sails, testing them with a fan to see what kinds of sails work best to propel their vehicle.

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Hate Speech vs. Free Speech

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Hate Speech vs. Free Speech

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will discover that the First Amendment guarantees Americans the right to free speech but that not all speech is protected. They will define the concept of hate speech, explain when it is protected, and explain when the government can step in to limit it. Students will analyze different real-life situations to determine if hate speech should be protected and explaining their reasoning to the whole group.

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Clutch (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Clutch (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

10 Minutes

Circle up to see who has the reflexes and discipline to be "clutch" for this activity. Here's a hint; success will depend on how well you can multitask.

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Four Square Bonanza

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Four Square Bonanza

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Four Square is a fast-paced game that keeps students moving. In this activity, students refine their skills in coordination and sportsmanship by participating in Four Square Bonanza!

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Plan a Trip Through China

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Plan a Trip Through China

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research China and then plan a trip through the country.

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Functional Fitness Week 10: Day 1

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 10: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Start week 10 by learning the skill of the week: Donkey Kicks. In this activity, students perfect their strength and balance with donkey kicks and a game of Shadow. Then, they sharpen their understanding of food groups.


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 getting started.

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Play Stations

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

Play Stations

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

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Economic Concepts: What Is a Consumer?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Economic Concepts: What Is a Consumer?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Students participate in simulated shopping, with some spending play money in local mock stores while others act as proprietors. These stores are all small businesses (i.e., not large chains or box stores) and offer items attractive to consumer students, who will have to determine how and where to spend their money. After a shopping trip, total receipts from each store will be counted. A group discussion will include why students made their choices and how their choices as consumers affected the businesses.

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Olympic Games (Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Olympic Games (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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20 Questions (Grades 6-8)

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

20 Questions (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students play the popular game 20 Questions. First, students pair off, with 1 student thinking of an animal, vegetable, or mineral while the other asks their partner up to 20 questions to determine what it is. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for a discussion.

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Designing a Garden

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

Designing a Garden

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

Youth design a garden paradise for the purpose of growing fruit and vegetables.

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Copyright & Fair Use (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Copyright & Fair Use (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

25 Minutes

Students create short presentations to learn about copyright and fair use on the internet.

This is activity 5 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Unlock the secrets of journalism in today's investigative lesson! Join us in playing detective, decoding clues, and uncovering the key to journalism - finding the story or angle! Get ready to think critically and collaborate with your fellow reporters.

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’s That For?

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

What’s That For?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children observe and ask questions about unfamiliar objects that nevertheless serve a useful purpose in their lives. This activity helps provoke children’s curiosity in the world around them and shows them that the world can surprise them in many ways.

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Multiplication Relay

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

Multiplication Relay

PowerUp Fitness

3 - 8

15 Minutes

PowerUp Multiplication Relay - practice factor families and multiplication with this fun relay game!

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What Should My College Major Be?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Should My College Major Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research college majors based on likes and skills. First, they fill out the My Personal Inventory worksheet. Then, they work in small groups to try to connect each student's likes and skills with various college majors. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Minimize Your Footprint

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

Minimize Your Footprint

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. Since the industrial revolution, more CO₂ is being emitted into the mix of heat-trapping gases (greenhouse gases) than can be absorbed by what is known as carbon sinks — places where carbon can be absorbed instead of trapped in the atmosphere. Carbon sinks include trees, the ocean, and soil. Every little action makes a change, and therefore, It is vital to reduce our carbon footprint to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Focus on the positive. Do not use scare tactics (doom and gloom) to encourage behavior change. What children should know:
● Carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere, mainly when we burn fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), primarily the result of our transportation needs and energy use.
● Industry, agriculture, and tree burning also contribute to CO₂ in the atmosphere.
● Carbon that is not absorbed in sinks (oceans, trees, and soils) stays trapped in the atmosphere making the global temperature warmer.
● Each action we take has a positive or negative impact on the environment, think cause and effect.
● You can change your habits and behavior to reduce the amount of CO₂ you contribute to the atmosphere.

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: Searching World War II Primary Sources

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: Searching World War II Primary Sources

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students search primary sources on a scavenger hunt for information on the 1930s and 1940s, the era of World War II.

Discover Activity

Linda Brown Went to School . . . and Changed History: The Equal Protection Clause

We The People, Belonging and Community

Linda Brown Went to School . . . and Changed History: The Equal Protection Clause

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Young students may have never heard of the equal protection clause, yet they can identify with the act of going to school every day. In this activity, students discuss a landmark Supreme Court case involving grade-school student Linda Brown.

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Superhero Lair Part 1

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Superhero Lair Part 1

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students read books about superheroes and make superhero lair.

This activity is a part 3 of a 5 activity series: Creating a Superhero, Creating Superhero Suits, Superhero Lair Part 1, Superhero Lair Part 2, and Superhero Comics.

Discover Activity

My Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

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.

Discover Activity

Trivia Game: All about France

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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.

Discover Activity

20 Questions (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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.

Discover Activity

All About Me (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

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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Build Your Own Obstacle Course

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

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.


Discover Activity

Patent for Protective Glasses

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

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.

Discover Activity

Imaginative Play

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

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.

Discover Activity

Unusual College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Unusual College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Ping Pong Obstacle Course (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

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!

Discover Activity

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

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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.”

Discover Activity

Surprise Talent Show (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

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.

Discover Activity

Art Exhibit: Animal Pinch Pots

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

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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Teens Curate Teens: Artist Resource Meeting

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

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.

Discover Activity

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

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

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.

Discover Activity

Television Ads

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

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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Mindfulness (Grades 7-10)

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

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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Hidden Stars

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

Hidden Stars

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this fun activity, students decorate paper stars, the leader arranges the stars in the classroom, and then students try to identify their stars and other stars. Students learn that a variety of factors affect how we see stars in the night sky. These factors include a star’s size, brightness, and distance to Earth.

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Building Sub-Irrigated Planters

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

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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What Is the World Health Organization?

We The People, Belonging and Community

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.

Discover Activity

Restructure (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

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!

Discover Activity

Writer's Block (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

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!

Discover Activity

Why Are Pollinators Important?

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

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

Discover Activity

My Talents, Interests, and Strengths

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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

Discover Activity

Dress Code Rules

Belonging and Community, We The People

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.

Discover Activity

Taboo!

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

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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A Musical Comic Book

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

A Musical Comic Book

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a comic story using a Comic Book Key Code. They develop an understanding of pattern and symbols, which are two key elements of writing jazz music.

Discover Activity

Rebus Puzzles (Team Building) Game

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

Rebus Puzzles (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

25 Minutes

Work in teams to solve and decode complex puzzles and problems. But keep it on the downlow, other teams may try to steal your answers!

Discover Activity

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

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

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.

Discover Activity

Create a Plate

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

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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U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

We The People, Belonging and Community

U.S. Government: Who Writes Laws for People to Follow?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Young children may know who the President is, but they may not understand the role of the President and Congress in passing laws. In this activity, children explore and model the legislative process.

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Simultaneous Chess

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Leadership and Teamwork

Simultaneous Chess

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

One highly skilled chess player plays simultaneously against two or more opponents. This activity builds planning, logic, strategy, and cooperative learning skills.

Discover Activity

Why Is the Fourteenth Amendment Important Today?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Why Is the Fourteenth Amendment Important Today?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about the Fourteenth Amendment, with a specific focus on the equal protection clause. In addition to extending their knowledge and understanding of this amendment and its application in landmark Supreme Court cases, students develop key analytical, collaboration, and speaking skills.

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OnTRaC: Acting the Interview

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

OnTRaC: Acting the Interview

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Theater exercises allow young people to practice eye contact, projecting their voices, and speaking with confidence – skills necessary in theater, as well as in job interviews. In an arts-led strengths inventory, students brainstorm careers, jobs, personal and academic interests. Then, they role-play or improvise a simple interview scene - taking turns being the interviewee and being the interviewer to build their confidence in speaking in more formal scenarios like a job interview.

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Networking Circles

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Networking Circles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students identify similar interests and career goals, which they apply to model a business or professional network.

Discover Activity

World War II (Grades 9-12)

We The People, Digital Voices

World War II (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students analyze the causes and effects of World War II. They produce a 30-second video, audio clip, or podcast to share their knowledge or opinions.

Discover Activity

Clay Pinch Pot Turtles

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Clay Pinch Pot Turtles

OregonASK

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students learn how to mold clay to create Pinch Pot Turtles and have a blast designing their turtles!

Discover Activity

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Reader’s Theater: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Using “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” in a modified reader's theater format, children experience ways to dramatize any story and increase their ability to retell stories, as well as increase fluency and enjoyment.

Discover Activity

Character Mash-Up (Grades 9-12)

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Character Mash-Up (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students choose well-known characters from books, movies, and other media. Then, they form groups of 3 to plan and perform a short skit about the character.

Discover Activity

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Ready, Set, Relay Race!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Relay races are a great way to get students moving while working together. In this activity students will be broken into teams to brainstorm different tasks for their fellow students to complete in a variety of relay races.

Discover Activity

Pantomime (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Pantomime (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students act out a good citizen or stewardship activity that could happen at school and other students guess the activities.

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Free Speech for Students

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Free Speech for Students

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will review the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, focusing on freedom of speech. They will learn that this freedom is a cornerstone of American culture and democracy, and it extends to students at school. Students will evaluate Tinker v. Des Moines along with a present-day case focusing on students’ first amendment rights.

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Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Tricky Conversations (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Teens may struggle to talk about a wide variety of personal subjects with parents, teachers, peers, and siblings. In this activity, teens will role-play a variety of conversation topics and evaluate their performances. (Note that the activity incorporates subjects such as honesty, friendship, academic achievement, and general health and wellness. However, it excludes controversial and emotionally sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and gender identity.)

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What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

What Makes a Good Interview? (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. This lesson uses a famous art project, Humans of New York, to reverse-engineer good interview questions and techniques.

Before you write your own interview questions, understand your goal: to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 10 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Do You Like This Website?

Digital Voices, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Do You Like This Website?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children explore a variety of age-appropriate websites and evaluate them. First, the children explore websites with a partner. Then, they fill out a simple worksheet on their own to evaluate different aspects of the site. Finally, children reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students improvise skits to show how fictional characters might respond to everyday situations and challenges. This activity demonstrates how fiction can differ from real life.

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Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Research and Understanding (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will identify what they know and don’t know about their story’s topic. Once students know what they don’t know, they will use curiosity to guide research that will result in better developed stories.

This is activity 8 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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No Boundaries Chess

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

No Boundaries Chess

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Chess is generally considered an individual sport. In this activity, the addition of a few new rules encourages players to work together as a team.

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Creative Reuse Collection Box

Arts in Action, Whole Body, Whole Self

Creative Reuse Collection Box

Rediscover Center

K - 12

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create a collection box for recyclable home goods and materials. This is a group project and will require the participation of all students to collect from their homes to donate. This fun building and decorating activity will encourage everyone to be mindful of their waste!

Discover Activity

Stats-Minded Scrabble® Tournament

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

Stats-Minded Scrabble® Tournament

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In traditional games of Scrabble® or other word games, the player with the highest total score is declared the winner. Not so in today’s activity! Students will play a word game in which the winner achieves a certain statistical goal, such as a mean score closest to 12 points or a set of scores with the greatest standard deviation.

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Rock Cycle Roundabout

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

Rock Cycle Roundabout

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour 20 Minutes

After playing a board game to learn how to differentiate the three ways rocks can form, students analyze maps of local topography, water sources, and volcanic activity, to better understand how geology affects a given region. They also experience scale, recognizing geologic processes as fast or extremely gradual.

Discover Activity

Balloon Buddies (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Balloon Buddies (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

10 Minutes

Grab a friend and try to keep your balloon up in the air longer than anyone else in the room!

Discover Activity

Crowdsourcing

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

Crowdsourcing

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about different types of crowdsourcing and then work together in small groups to develop a project idea that uses crowdsourcing. This activity builds analytic and problem-solving skills. It also develops speaking and listening skills.

Discover Activity

Early African Civilizations and Cultures

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Early African Civilizations and Cultures

Pulitzer Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students exercise their research and presentation skills while learning about the cultures of early African civilizations. Facilitators will model inquiry and research by co-creating a presentation on the kingdom of Ndongo, featured in the picture book Born on the Water, with the whole group. Students will then complete their own inquiry into an early African civilization and share their learning with their peers.

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What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

What Makes a Strong Online Community? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students model an online chat group and learn that these groups can be successful and enjoyable, as long as everyone is respectful.

Discover Activity

Stop the Show (Grades 6-8)

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Stop the Show (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Small groups of students plan scenarios that have concrete starting points and a conflict, obstacle, or problem the characters have to solve. At a certain point, the adult leader stops the play and asks the audience to vote on the ending to the scene. Students learn to be flexible and creative by acting out the new ending.

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S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

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

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

OregonASK

K - 5

30 Minutes

In this activity, students have the opportunity to build, test, and modify self propelled cars using an engineering design grid. Students will build cars with sails, testing them with a fan to see what kinds of sails work best to propel their vehicle.

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Hate Speech vs. Free Speech

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Hate Speech vs. Free Speech

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will discover that the First Amendment guarantees Americans the right to free speech but that not all speech is protected. They will define the concept of hate speech, explain when it is protected, and explain when the government can step in to limit it. Students will analyze different real-life situations to determine if hate speech should be protected and explaining their reasoning to the whole group.

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Clutch (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Clutch (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

K - 12

10 Minutes

Circle up to see who has the reflexes and discipline to be "clutch" for this activity. Here's a hint; success will depend on how well you can multitask.

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Four Square Bonanza

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Four Square Bonanza

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Four Square is a fast-paced game that keeps students moving. In this activity, students refine their skills in coordination and sportsmanship by participating in Four Square Bonanza!

Discover Activity

Plan a Trip Through China

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Plan a Trip Through China

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students work in small groups to research China and then plan a trip through the country.

Discover Activity

Functional Fitness Week 10: Day 1

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Functional Fitness Week 10: Day 1

Active Kids and Minds

K - 8

40 Minutes

Start week 10 by learning the skill of the week: Donkey Kicks. In this activity, students perfect their strength and balance with donkey kicks and a game of Shadow. Then, they sharpen their understanding of food groups.


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 getting started.

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Play Stations

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

Play Stations

VentureLab

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Give students the opportunity to freely play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

Discover Activity

Economic Concepts: What Is a Consumer?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Economic Concepts: What Is a Consumer?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Students participate in simulated shopping, with some spending play money in local mock stores while others act as proprietors. These stores are all small businesses (i.e., not large chains or box stores) and offer items attractive to consumer students, who will have to determine how and where to spend their money. After a shopping trip, total receipts from each store will be counted. A group discussion will include why students made their choices and how their choices as consumers affected the businesses.

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Olympic Games (Grades 6-8)

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Olympic Games (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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20 Questions (Grades 6-8)

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

20 Questions (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students play the popular game 20 Questions. First, students pair off, with 1 student thinking of an animal, vegetable, or mineral while the other asks their partner up to 20 questions to determine what it is. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for a discussion.

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Designing a Garden

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

Designing a Garden

The Nature Conservancy

6 - 8

1 Hour

Youth design a garden paradise for the purpose of growing fruit and vegetables.

Discover Activity

Copyright & Fair Use (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Copyright & Fair Use (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

25 Minutes

Students create short presentations to learn about copyright and fair use on the internet.

This is activity 5 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Be an Assignment Editor: Pick an Angle

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Unlock the secrets of journalism in today's investigative lesson! Join us in playing detective, decoding clues, and uncovering the key to journalism - finding the story or angle! Get ready to think critically and collaborate with your fellow reporters.

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’s That For?

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

What’s That For?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children observe and ask questions about unfamiliar objects that nevertheless serve a useful purpose in their lives. This activity helps provoke children’s curiosity in the world around them and shows them that the world can surprise them in many ways.

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Multiplication Relay

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

Multiplication Relay

PowerUp Fitness

3 - 8

15 Minutes

PowerUp Multiplication Relay - practice factor families and multiplication with this fun relay game!

Discover Activity

What Should My College Major Be?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

What Should My College Major Be?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research college majors based on likes and skills. First, they fill out the My Personal Inventory worksheet. Then, they work in small groups to try to connect each student's likes and skills with various college majors. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Minimize Your Footprint

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

Minimize Your Footprint

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

A carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person, group, etc. Since the industrial revolution, more CO₂ is being emitted into the mix of heat-trapping gases (greenhouse gases) than can be absorbed by what is known as carbon sinks — places where carbon can be absorbed instead of trapped in the atmosphere. Carbon sinks include trees, the ocean, and soil. Every little action makes a change, and therefore, It is vital to reduce our carbon footprint to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Focus on the positive. Do not use scare tactics (doom and gloom) to encourage behavior change. What children should know:
● Carbon dioxide is put into the atmosphere, mainly when we burn fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), primarily the result of our transportation needs and energy use.
● Industry, agriculture, and tree burning also contribute to CO₂ in the atmosphere.
● Carbon that is not absorbed in sinks (oceans, trees, and soils) stays trapped in the atmosphere making the global temperature warmer.
● Each action we take has a positive or negative impact on the environment, think cause and effect.
● You can change your habits and behavior to reduce the amount of CO₂ you contribute to the atmosphere.

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Journey in Time: Searching World War II Primary Sources

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: Searching World War II Primary Sources

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students search primary sources on a scavenger hunt for information on the 1930s and 1940s, the era of World War II.

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Linda Brown Went to School . . . and Changed History: The Equal Protection Clause

We The People, Belonging and Community

Linda Brown Went to School . . . and Changed History: The Equal Protection Clause

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Young students may have never heard of the equal protection clause, yet they can identify with the act of going to school every day. In this activity, students discuss a landmark Supreme Court case involving grade-school student Linda Brown.

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Superhero Lair Part 1

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Superhero Lair Part 1

OregonASK

K - 5

45 Minutes

Students read books about superheroes and make superhero lair.

This activity is a part 3 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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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.