All Activities

Improv: Say the Line

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Improv: Say the Line

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Have fun with improv! Students are given a scenario, such as "customer at a shoe store" or "students in the cafeteria line" and begin acting out a scene. At your signal, one of the actors needs to pick a slip of paper that contains a random line of dialogue and then try to work it into the scene. Watch the creativity and laughter ensue as you build on students’ improvisation skills.

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Improve Your Community

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Improve Your Community

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work together to design a service project that fills a need in their community.

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Improve Your Focus

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Improve Your Focus

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Because of the internet, digital music players, and other sources of sound and noise, many students pass an entire day without any moments of silence. In this activity, students learn techniques to shut out distractions and focus their attention on worthy subjects or ideas.

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Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

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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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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Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

1 Hour

In small groups, students will plan, rehearse, and act out a story, using pantomime. Other students will guess where the performers are and what they are doing.

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In My Shoes (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

In My Shoes (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students write a fictional first-person narrative from someone else's perspective. Students may choose someone they know personally or research a subject from the past or present.

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In My Shoes (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

In My Shoes (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children consider life from the perspective of a variety of other children, some whose experiences may be very different from their own.

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In Season, Healthy Eating

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

In Season, Healthy Eating

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Just like humans, wildlife also requires a healthy diet to survive. As humans, we’ve become accustomed to having the foods we like at any time of the year, but there was a time when we relied more on the wild game, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains available in a particular season. So when you hear someone say a food item is “in season,” they’re referring to the times of year when the harvest or the flavor of a given type of food is at its peak. It also appeals to people who prefer a low carbon diet that reduces greenhouse gas emissions (food miles) resulting from food consumption.

We could learn a little something from wildlife who always eat a low carbon diet and rely on what’s in season to meet their food needs. Eating a healthy diet gives both wildlife and humans the energy needed to keep all their body systems functioning in proper order. In the activity below, you will help children understand the term “in season” and how it’s vital to the planet and to keep our body healthy and full of the energy it needs. Also, you’ll be looking at five different birds and their healthy, in-season eating habits that get them through the cold winter months.

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In the Groove

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

In the Groove

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students design obstacle courses as if they are jazz musicians playing in the groove. They must complete the course together while taking time to perform an improvisational solo.

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In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Students learn how to become a better visual storyteller by analyzing and creating their own video sequences.

This is activity 15 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Innovation, Stagnation, and Decline: What Happened to the Blackberry Phone?

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

Innovation, Stagnation, and Decline: What Happened to the Blackberry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

The once-innovative BlackBerry was left behind in the wake of its more forward-thinking competition. Students discuss the history of the BlackBerry and explain its innovation, stagnation, and decline.

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Intellectual Property: Protect Your Ideas (Grades 9-12)

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

Intellectual Property: Protect Your Ideas (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about the different types of intellectual property and work in small groups to brainstorm examples of each.

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Interrupting Bias Through News

Digital Voices, We The People

Interrupting Bias Through News

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students will explore what bias is, how it shows up in their lives, and how it can be harmful when left unchecked. They will then brainstorm ways to interrupt bias, and practice methods for doing so through an exploration of underreported news stories.

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Interrupting Bias with Curiosity

Digital Voices, We The People

Interrupting Bias with Curiosity

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students explore how they can use their curiosity to interrupt bias. They will put their curiosity to work in an activity exploring a multimedia news story while using three strategies: slowing down, asking questions, and checking assumptions.

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Interview Fails

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Interview Fails

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

First-time applicants often make some common, simple mistakes during a job interview. Veteran job applicants make these mistakes, too! In this activity, students write and perform skits where they act out some of these common mistakes while their peers try to guess the mistake, and ultimately discuss how and why it should be avoided.

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Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Interview Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Interview Role Play

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

Interview Role Play

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

A job interview is unlike any other conversation that a young adult will have, and it can be a source of anxiety. The person conducting the interview is a stranger, has access to personal information about the applicant, and is charged with judging the applicant as suitable or not suitable for the job. In this activity, students practice interviewing for a job and alternate taking the role of both the job applicant and the interviewer.

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Interview Skills

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Interview Skills

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice being interviewed for a job as well as evaluating job applicants. This activity builds interviewing skills and provides practice in speaking and listening.

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Intro to Advanced Manufacturing and Automation

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

Intro to Advanced Manufacturing and Automation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

20 Minutes

This mini-lesson introduces the Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Career Exploration Course. Students explore various aspects of this exciting field, including learning how technological advances increase efficiency in producing goods and services.

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Introduction to Scientific Sketching

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

Introduction to Scientific Sketching

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students learn how to sketch like scientists. You can teach this even if you think you can't draw!

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Invasion (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Invasion (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

Invade your opponents territory by quickly tossing poker chips into a bucket before your opponent invades your territory!

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Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

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Invention Idea Jigsaw

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

Invention Idea Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students claim 1 adjective card and 1 noun card from the card decks provided. Then they form groups of 2 or 3 and see whether the words they have selected spark an idea for a new invention. Volunteers present their ideas to the whole group, a process similar to the television show Shark Tank.

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Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

With only minutes on the clock, your team must create, sketch, and present a hilarious invention to solve an odd-ball problem!

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Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

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

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn about inventors and inventions by creating inventor cards and then sort and trade them to build sets of related cards.

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Investing in Human Capital

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Investing in Human Capital

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the meaning of human capital and its role in economic production. They work in teams as entrepreneurs to analyze a business’s human capital needs and reflect on the roles of scarcity and incentives in choosing workers.

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Investing in the Future of Transportation

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

Investing in the Future of Transportation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students can earn millions by investing wisely! In this activity, students research the development of 5 new types of transportation and make investment decisions based on the most promising choices.

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Is Pop Culture Inclusive?

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Is Pop Culture Inclusive?

PBS

6 - 12

Let’s talk pop culture. There’s been a ton of buzz about the importance of representation of minorities in all the latest movies, TV shows, music, sports, video games, and books. Whether it’s racial, gender, socioeconomic, disability, or sexual orientation, many people believe that pop culture hasn’t fully succeeded at being inclusive and representative.

Most recently, the casting of Black actress Halle Bailey as Ariel in the new Little Mermaid remake had some critics fuming. They claimed that Bailey couldn’t possibly play the red-haired, porcelain-skinned mermaid, while also launching #NotMyAriel and #NotMyMermaid campaigns on social media. Disney-owned TV channel Freeform clapped back, calling the naysayers “poor, unfortunate souls.” On the flip side, from the SRL archives, an example (link in preparation steps)about MTV’s short-lived reality TV show, Buckwild, where students from West Virginia talk about how rural stereotypes in the show can be hurtful.

Productions like Crazy Rich Asians, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Blackish, The Hate U Give, Queer Eye, and Coco, however, show that diversity can be successful.

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Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students evaluate information about social media to try to determine if it is addictive.

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Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will evaluate information about social media to try to determine if it is addictive.

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Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students explore the concept of corporate social responsibility and greenwashing. They work in small groups to research a company’s social responsibility practices. Then, they create an advertisement for the company’s product, based on their research. When they finish, they share their completed ad with the group and discuss ways in which companies can become more socially responsible.

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Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students define the concept of intellectual property rights and then research and report on issues involving these rights. They share their findings with the whole group and discuss the importance of these rights to a business or entrepreneur.

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I’ve Got a Question for You (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

I’ve Got a Question for You (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students form two concentric circles to discuss various topics. Every few minutes, the inner circle rotates one place to the left, and students begin a discussion on another topic. Students then reconvene as a whole group to discuss what they have learned about others.

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I’ve Got a Question!

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

I’ve Got a Question!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn reading and analysis skills, writing down questions that come to mind about ideas and vocabulary in an assigned text. After reading, students discuss and work through the most challenging questions together.

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Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

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Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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Job Interview

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Job Interview

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

As an entrepreneur, it can be hard to decide who to hire and bring on board for your new business venture. Asking good interview questions can help make this process a little easier. Students will be working in groups to come up with interview questions for their peers. They will then go through the process of interviewing one another.

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Job Interview Round Robin

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Job Interview Round Robin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will prepare and conduct mock interviews for a business of their choice. They will practice speaking skills and thinking on their feet—both important skills in the business world.

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Jobs in My Community

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Jobs in My Community

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, children learn how different jobs help fill different needs in the community. Children randomly choose 1 job and 1 need, and then walk around the room in search of the child with the job that can help them.

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Jobs on the Move!

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Jobs on the Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read and discuss picture books to learn about a variety of vehicles and the people who operate them.

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Journalism Ethics (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Journalism Ethics (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

1 Hour

Students will explore, engage and develop a thorough understanding of the components and ethics related to journalism.

This is activity 3 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

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Journey in Time: 9/11

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: 9/11

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students watch videos or view articles about the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon that occurred on September 11, 2001. Teams share and discuss their feelings and findings with the whole group. This activity builds reading and awareness skills. It also develops skills in speaking, listening, and empathy.

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Journey in Time: Campaigns

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: Campaigns

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read, analyze, and discuss news reports from the same event—the New Hampshire primary—for 4 different presidential campaigns.

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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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Journey in Time: The 1970s

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: The 1970s

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work together to read and investigate a topic from the 1970s, such as Watergate, Star Wars, early computers, or the end of the Vietnam War. Teams share their findings by creating a television news report. This activity builds skills in research, cooperative learning, and public speaking.

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Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Much of the music of the 1960s is well known for its social commentary. Students will read the lyrics of 6 songs from this era and use them to write a new song that conveys a message for our time. They will also explore how the perceptions of a writer and reader can be the same or different.

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Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Jungle Layers

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

Jungle Layers

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about rainforest layers and the plants and animals who inhabit them by singing a fun Jungle Layers Song.

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Kit Inventory

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

Kit Inventory

California Academy of Sciences

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn to use the Windowpane technique to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.

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Labor Unions

We The People, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Labor Unions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students explore the role of labor unions. They examine the purpose and methods of labor unions. Then, through case studies, they learn about the successes and challenges of labor unions over time and contrast right to work vs. right to organize ideologies. Finally, students will apply what they have learned to present arguments for and against the merits of labor unions.

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Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

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

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Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Learn a New Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Learn a New Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students teach one another their favorite board games or card games.

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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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Let’s Have a Debate

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Let’s Have a Debate

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students debate topics that are appropriate and of interest to middle school students.

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Let’s Learn About California

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About California

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Let’s Learn About Careers

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About Careers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children learn about a variety of careers through age-appropriate books. First, the children listen while the adult reads a book about a career. Then, the children form smaller groups, reading and listening to each other. Finally, the children reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Let’s Learn About Texas

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About Texas

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to research Texas and then create a map of the state showing what they learned and have a gallery walk.

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Let’s Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Let’s Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Exercise can help reduce stress and help maintain a healthy weight. It also improves posture and overall health by keeping the body flexible. If the body stays seated and does not move around, it gets stuck in certain positions or patterns, leading to sore backs or stiff joints. In this activity, students will practice some useful exercise techniques and try exercising in large groups, small groups, with a partner, or by themselves.

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Let’s Plan a Presentation!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Let’s Plan a Presentation!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn steps to follow when planning a presentation, and then they practice those steps with partners. This activity builds organizational skills as well as skills in collaboration, speaking, and listening.

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Light Up Circuit Clay Creatures

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

Light Up Circuit Clay Creatures

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a circuit out of dough and batteries.

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Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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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Likes + Skills = College Major

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Likes + Skills = College Major

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students research college majors that align with their likes and skills. First, they fill out the Personal Inventory worksheet. Then they try to connect their likes and skills with various college majors. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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Likes, Skills, and College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Likes, Skills, and College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students learn how people’s likes and skills relate to college majors. First, they brainstorm likes and skills as a group. Then, using index cards, they post likes and skills near various college majors displayed around the room. Finally, students reconvene as a whole group for discussion.

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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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Lion Dance

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

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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Listen to Your Partner

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Listen to Your Partner

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Everyone can benefit from practice in listening and following instructions. In this activity, students take turns instructing one another about where to draw symbols on blank grids. They challenge themselves to listen to and follow instructions of increasing complexity.

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Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

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 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

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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The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

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Local Hero Scene Part 1

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Local Hero Scene Part 1

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students create out their own scene to honor the heroes in their community.

This activity is part 2 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

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Local Hero Scene Part 2

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Scene Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students continue to complete on their local heroes scenes and share their final products to the class.

This activity is part 3 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

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Local Hero Walk

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Walk

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Students have the opportunity to meet, thank, and honor the heroes in their community.

This activity is part 5 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

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Improv: Say the Line

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Improv: Say the Line

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

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Improve Your Community

Belonging and Community, Leadership and Teamwork

Improve Your Community

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work together to design a service project that fills a need in their community.

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Improve Your Focus

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

Improve Your Focus

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Improvisation: Fictional Characters in Daily Life (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

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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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.

Discover Activity

Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Improvise, Write, and Perform Scenes

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

1 Hour

In small groups, students will plan, rehearse, and act out a story, using pantomime. Other students will guess where the performers are and what they are doing.

Discover Activity

In My Shoes (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

In My Shoes (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

In this activity, students write a fictional first-person narrative from someone else's perspective. Students may choose someone they know personally or research a subject from the past or present.

Discover Activity

In My Shoes (Grades K-2)

Belonging and Community, Arts in Action

In My Shoes (Grades K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children consider life from the perspective of a variety of other children, some whose experiences may be very different from their own.

Discover Activity

In Season, Healthy Eating

Whole Body, Whole Self, The Natural World

In Season, Healthy Eating

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

In the Groove

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

In the Groove

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students design obstacle courses as if they are jazz musicians playing in the groove. They must complete the course together while taking time to perform an improvisational solo.

Discover Activity

In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

In-camera Edit (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

2 Hours

Students learn how to become a better visual storyteller by analyzing and creating their own video sequences.

This is activity 15 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Indoor-Outdoor Theater Voices

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Innovation, Stagnation, and Decline: What Happened to the Blackberry Phone?

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

Innovation, Stagnation, and Decline: What Happened to the Blackberry Phone?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Intellectual Property: Protect Your Ideas (Grades 9-12)

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

Intellectual Property: Protect Your Ideas (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students learn about the different types of intellectual property and work in small groups to brainstorm examples of each.

Discover Activity

Interrupting Bias Through News

Digital Voices, We The People

Interrupting Bias Through News

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Interrupting Bias with Curiosity

Digital Voices, We The People

Interrupting Bias with Curiosity

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Interview Fails

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Interview Fails

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Interview Practice

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Interview Practice

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Interview Role Play

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Belonging and Community

Interview Role Play

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Interview Skills

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Interview Skills

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students practice being interviewed for a job as well as evaluating job applicants. This activity builds interviewing skills and provides practice in speaking and listening.

Discover Activity

Intro to Advanced Manufacturing and Automation

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

Intro to Advanced Manufacturing and Automation

After-School All-Stars

6 - 8

20 Minutes

Discover Activity

Introduction to Scientific Sketching

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

Introduction to Scientific Sketching

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 12

1 Hour

Students learn how to sketch like scientists. You can teach this even if you think you can't draw!

Discover Activity

Invasion (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Invasion (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

15 Minutes

Invade your opponents territory by quickly tossing poker chips into a bucket before your opponent invades your territory!

Discover Activity

Invent an Outdoor Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Invent an Outdoor Game

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students create their own outdoor game with a partner.

Discover Activity

Invention Idea Jigsaw

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

Invention Idea Jigsaw

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

3 - 12

30 Minutes

With only minutes on the clock, your team must create, sketch, and present a hilarious invention to solve an odd-ball problem!

Discover Activity

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

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

Inventor Trading Cards (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn about inventors and inventions by creating inventor cards and then sort and trade them to build sets of related cards.

Discover Activity

Investing in Human Capital

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Investing in Human Capital

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Investing in the Future of Transportation

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

Investing in the Future of Transportation

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students can earn millions by investing wisely! In this activity, students research the development of 5 new types of transportation and make investment decisions based on the most promising choices.

Discover Activity

Is Pop Culture Inclusive?

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Is Pop Culture Inclusive?

PBS

6 - 12

Productions like Crazy Rich Asians, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before, Blackish, The Hate U Give, Queer Eye, and Coco, however, show that diversity can be successful.

Discover Activity

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students evaluate information about social media to try to determine if it is addictive.

Discover Activity

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 9-12)

Digital Voices, Belonging and Community

Is Social Media Addictive? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students will evaluate information about social media to try to determine if it is addictive.

Discover Activity

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

I’ve Got a Question for You (Grades 6-8)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

I’ve Got a Question for You (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

I’ve Got a Question!

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

I’ve Got a Question!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Jamming with Musicians

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Jigsaw: Create a Sport

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Job Interview

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Job Interview

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Job Interview Round Robin

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Job Interview Round Robin

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

1 Hour

Discover Activity

Jobs in My Community

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Leadership and Teamwork

Jobs in My Community

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Jobs on the Move!

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Jobs on the Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children read and discuss picture books to learn about a variety of vehicles and the people who operate them.

Discover Activity

Journalism Ethics (Student Reporting Labs)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Journalism Ethics (Student Reporting Labs)

PBS

6 - 12

1 Hour

Students will explore, engage and develop a thorough understanding of the components and ethics related to journalism.

This is activity 3 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: 9/11

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: 9/11

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: Campaigns

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: Campaigns

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students read, analyze, and discuss news reports from the same event—the New Hampshire primary—for 4 different presidential campaigns.

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

Journey in Time: The 1970s

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Journey in Time: The 1970s

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Stories and Perspectives, We The People

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Whole Body, Whole Self, Leadership and Teamwork

Jump and Push Up for Good Health

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Jungle Layers

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

Jungle Layers

California Academy of Sciences

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn about rainforest layers and the plants and animals who inhabit them by singing a fun Jungle Layers Song.

Discover Activity

Kit Inventory

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

Kit Inventory

California Academy of Sciences

K - 8

1 Hour

Students learn to use the Windowpane technique to take stock of materials at the beginning of an investigative unit.

Discover Activity

Labor Unions

We The People, Future Ready: Learning and Earning

Labor Unions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Launcher (Team Building) Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Launcher (Team Building) Game

!Mpact Players

6 - 12

30 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Learn About the United States

We The People, Belonging and Community

Learn About the United States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Learn a New Game

Leadership and Teamwork, Belonging and Community

Learn a New Game

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students teach one another their favorite board games or card games.

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

Discover Activity

Let’s Have a Debate

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Let’s Have a Debate

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students debate topics that are appropriate and of interest to middle school students.

Discover Activity

Let’s Learn About California

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About California

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Let’s Learn About Careers

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About Careers

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Let’s Learn About Texas

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

Let’s Learn About Texas

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to research Texas and then create a map of the state showing what they learned and have a gallery walk.

Discover Activity

Let’s Move!

Leadership and Teamwork, Whole Body, Whole Self

Let’s Move!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Let’s Plan a Presentation!

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Let’s Plan a Presentation!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Light Up Circuit Clay Creatures

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

Light Up Circuit Clay Creatures

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students create a circuit out of dough and batteries.

Discover Activity

Like and Comment (Team Building) Game

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

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!

Discover Activity

Likes + Skills = College Major

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Likes + Skills = College Major

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Likes, Skills, and College Majors

Future Ready: Learning and Earning, We The People

Likes, Skills, and College Majors

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

Discover Activity

Lion Dance

Arts in Action, Leadership and Teamwork

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.

Discover Activity

Listen to Your Partner

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

Listen to Your Partner

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Literature Squares (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Literature Squares (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Animal Spin

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

The Animal Spin

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

2 Hours

Students experience collective improvisation through everyday conversations and vocalizing like animals.

Discover Activity

Local Hero Scene Part 1

Arts in Action, Belonging and Community

Local Hero Scene Part 1

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students create out their own scene to honor the heroes in their community.

This activity is part 2 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

Discover Activity

Local Hero Scene Part 2

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Scene Part 2

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Students continue to complete on their local heroes scenes and share their final products to the class.

This activity is part 3 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

Discover Activity

Local Hero Walk

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Local Hero Walk

OregonASK

K - 5

1 Hour

Students have the opportunity to meet, thank, and honor the heroes in their community.

This activity is part 5 of a 5 part series: Everyday Superheroes, Local Hero Scene Part 1, Local Hero Scene Part 2, Preparing for the Local Hero Walk, and Local Hero Walk.

Discover Activity

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Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

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Library

Categories Collaborators Explore All Activities All Collections

Community

Our Story Team Mizzen Events The Mizzen Minute

Engage

Newsroom Contact Us Privacy Policy

Account