History and Society

220 Activities

History and Society

Dive into the stories and movements that have shaped the world. Learners explore history, government, and civic action while discovering their own place in shaping change. Projects blend research, discussion, and creativity.

Activities

The Green Revolution

Nature and Wildlife, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

The Green Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn about the work of Norman Borlaug and the agricultural innovations that led to the Green Revolution. They consider current world hunger statistics and brainstorm responses, using what they learn to write and illustrate picture books.

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The Green Revolution

Nature and Wildlife, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

This activity will introduce (or reintroduce) students to the key ideas surrounding the creation, financing, and impact of the Marshall Plan. Students will develop key critical thinking, analysis, and collaborative skills, as well as an understanding of US foreign policy and international relations.

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What Was the Marshall Plan? (Grades 9-12)

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

What is a Space Station?

STEM, History and Society

Grades K - 2

What is a Space Station?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children learn why a space station moves around Earth instead of crashing to Earth or floating away from it. They also learn how people from many countries work together to keep the International Space Station running.

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What is a Space Station?

STEM, History and Society

Grades K - 2

Our 50 States

Arts, History and Society

Grades K - 2

Our 50 States

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Children are assigned an outline map of 1 of the 50 states. They label the map with the state's name and nickname and decorate it with an appropriate image. The group puts together the individual state map they created to make an artistic map of the United States.

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Our 50 States

Arts, History and Society

Grades K - 2

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 6 - 12

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

1 Hour

In this activity, learners examine the lives and contributions of lesser-known Black American innovators—past and present—through close reading, discussion, and synthesis. Each week introduces a new theme that highlights a different way people shape communities and history. Learners create Innovator Trading Cards that capture key details about each innovator and prepare those cards for use in a collaborative, challenge-based game later in the playlist. This activity supports historical understanding, literacy skills, and critical thinking by asking learners to connect individual contributions to broader themes of innovation, culture, and community impact.

This is the first of two activities in the Innovator Trading Card Collection:

Activity 1 focuses on the theme of the week, learning about the innovators and their influence, and designing the innovator trading cards.
Activity 2 focuses on facilitating the associated game to reinforce learning.

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Designing Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 6 - 12

School Start Time Debate

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

School Start Time Debate

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students debate whether their school starts too early, discussing research on the effects of school start times and articulating why school should begin earlier or later.

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School Start Time Debate

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom of Religion?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom of Religion?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students may have heard of the First Amendment. They also may know that 1 part of this amendment focuses on freedom of speech or the right to assemble. But they might not know that the amendment also protects freedom of religion. In this activity, students will learn about different religions and why freedom to practice one’s religion in the United States is an important right. Students will develop some key skills, such as decision-making, collaboration, and advocacy.

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The Bill of Rights: What Is Freedom of Religion?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Who Writes the Laws?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

Who Writes the Laws?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students learn about the people who make the laws for their community, state, and nation. They distinguish the 3 branches of the U.S. government and define the legislative branch as the lawmaking branch. Students split into teams to research the people who make the laws at each level of government and who must follow those laws. They work together to make a chart and present what they learn.

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Who Writes the Laws?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

Social Responsibility and Popular Brands

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Social Responsibility and Popular Brands

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Companies are in business to make a profit, and they must continue to be profitable to stay viable. Nevertheless, many companies at least claim to act responsibly for the greater good of society. In this activity, students will evaluate claims of social responsibility from 3 companies. Are these claims accurate and reasonable, or are they attempts to distract consumers or the government from other agendas?

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Social Responsibility and Popular Brands

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

How Successful Are Monarchies?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

How Successful Are Monarchies?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students investigate the nature of historic and modern monarchies and learn about the distinctions between absolute and constitutional monarchies. They research important monarchs from the past to better understand the system. Finally, they discuss potential benefits and drawbacks of monarchies and reflect on the activity by evaluating the success of the monarchies they studied.

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How Successful Are Monarchies?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

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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Issues of Intellectual Property Rights

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

History and Society, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

55 Minutes

Many scholars cite the First Amendment of the United States Constitution as the most important set of rights in any functioning democracy. Students should understand these basic rights and how they have been challenged, and continue to be, throughout our history. The censorship of hate speech is 1 example of how the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech, relates and helps inform the debates in which Americans engage today. This activity will help students consider some of the arguments both in favor of and against the censorship of hate speech.

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Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

History and Society, Digital Media and Communications

Grades 9 - 12

Collections

10 Activities Exploring Black History Month

History and Society, Social and Emotional Awareness

8 Activities

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Grades K - 8

10 Activities Exploring Black History Month

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 8

7 Hours 30 Minutes

Explore our curated playlist of activities for Black History month in Mizzen. These activities span the topics of social justice, civil rights, the civil war, abolitionist leaders and more. Allow Mizzen to help with planning Black History Month for students and get started with these activities today.

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Exploring 'The 1619 Project'

Digital Media and Communications, History and Society

5 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

Exploring 'The 1619 Project'

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

3 Hours 45 Minutes

This module is designed to introduce students to The 1619 Project, an initiative of The New York Times Magazine that examines the legacy of slavery in contemporary U.S. systems and society, and celebrates Black Americans' contributions to democracy.

Students will explore images, multimedia, and short text excerpts associated with the project. They will strengthen their knowledge and critical thinking skills through engaging discussion and hands-on activities such as a fact-sorting challenge, a gallery walk, and the collaborative construction of a timeline of racial (in)justice.

For more activities that explore the injustices of slavery and uplift the resistance and innovation of Black Americans, visit The 1619 Project playlist from the Pulitzer Center, also available on Mizzen.

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Clay Projects Inspired by Mesoamerican Culture

History and Society, Arts

7 Activities

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Grades 3 - 8

Clay Projects Inspired by Mesoamerican Culture

OregonASK

3 - 8

7 Hours

This module includes fun, hands-on clay projects using air-dry clay that focus on simple techniques like coil, slab, and pinch construction of vessels, animals, and human forms inspired by Mesoamerican Culture and history.

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American History: Elevating Black Voices (6-12)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

13 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

American History: Elevating Black Voices (6-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

9 Hours 10 Minutes

The American History: Elevating Black Voices Collection is a weekly, inquiry-driven playlist that invites learners to examine how storytelling, innovation, creativity, and leadership shape American history and civic life. Through complex texts, Innovator Trading Cards, and theme-based activities across literacy, STEM, the arts, and collaborative problem-solving, students engage with lesser-known Black Americans—whose contributions have influenced systems, culture, and community change. Each week introduces a thematic lens that builds historical analysis, critical reading, argumentation, and interdisciplinary thinking, culminating in a challenge-based game that requires evidence, reasoning, and collaboration. Designed to support meaningful discussion and application, this Collection highlights innovation as a collective process and underscores the power of amplifying voices that shape our shared history.

This collection is designed to have learners apply ideas from the weekly themes introduced through the Innovator Playing Cards with additional related activities; it is recommended to follow this sequence to maintain consistency:

Week 1: Storytelling and Voice

Designing Innovator Trading Cards

What Makes a Good Story?

One Minute Speeches

Erasure Poetry as Resistance

Week 2: Inventing and Problem Solving

Designing Innovator Trading Cards

Cell City

Catapult (Team Building) Game

Build an Extension Arm

Week 3: Creativity and Expression

Designing Innovator Trading Cards

Create a Cardboard Self-Portrait

Improv: Say the Line

How to Look at Dance

Week 4: Leadership and Change

Designing Innovator Trading Cards

Playing Innovator Trading Cards

Analyzing and Constructing Timelines of Racial (In)justice

Dream Team

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The 1619 Project for Grades 2–6: Exploring Enslavement and Resistance

History and Society, Literacy

10 Activities

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Grades K - 8

The 1619 Project for Grades 2–6: Exploring Enslavement and Resistance

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

This collection offers students an engaging, affirming introduction to the concepts of history, culture, and resistance to injustice, all while centering the experiences of Black Americans. Activities guide students in multimedia explorations, personal reflections, and group discussions before culminating in a range of hands-on projects, including research, art, creative writing, and presentations. Students are consistently encouraged to reflect on how they can honor the contributions of Black Americans and build a more just world for all people.

Using elementary-friendly text and multimedia resources, students will learn about the history, culture, and resistance of early African civilizations; enslaved Black Americans; and contemporary Black American communities. At the core of these resources is The 1619 Project, an award-winning collection of journalism and history resources about the legacy of slavery and the contributions of Black Americans in moving the country towards its stated ideals.

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American History: Elevating Black Voices (K-2)

History and Society, Literacy, Arts, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

13 Activities

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Grades K - 2

American History: Elevating Black Voices (K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

9 Hours 10 Minutes

The American History: Elevating Black Voices Collection is a weekly, hands-on playlist that helps young learners explore how stories, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership shape communities and American history. Through engaging texts, Innovator Trading Cards, and theme-based activities in literacy, STEM, the arts, and teamwork, students discover lesser-known Black Americans whose voices and ideas have made a lasting impact. Each week introduces a new theme that strengthens early reading skills, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, while giving learners multiple opportunities to apply their understanding through play and exploration. Designed for easy facilitation and joyful learning, this playlist shows that innovation takes many forms—and that every voice matters.

For a consistent learning experience, it is recommended that this collection be completed in the sequence outlined below. This allows learners to apply the weekly themes from the Innovator Playing Cards through supplementary activities.

Week 1: Storytelling and Voice

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

New End to the Story

Round Robin Storytelling

Animal Interviews

Week 2: Inventing and Problem Solving

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

Balanced Mobile

Sound on a String

Mechanical Engineering Tops

Week 3: Creativity and Expression

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

Masquerade Masks

Music and Rhythm (Grades k-2)

Creative Play Design Challenges

Week 4: Leadership and Change

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

Playing Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

People Bingo

What is a Quality

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Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

2 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

2 Hours

This collection invites learners to analyze the work of lesser-known Black American innovators and transform their learning into a collaborative, challenge-based experience. Students design Innovator Trading Cards by closely reading informational texts, identifying historical context, and synthesizing each innovator’s contribution using evidence and symbolism. In the final game, learners apply teams of innovators to complex community scenarios, justifying their choices with text-based reasoning and historical insight. Together, the card design and gameplay encourage critical thinking, interdisciplinary connections, and a deeper understanding of how innovation, leadership, and culture shape society.

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Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

2 Activities

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Grades K - 2

Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

1 Hour

Students will engage in a four-week learning experience focused on creating innovator trading cards. This project allows them to explore and highlight the varied contributions of Black Americans to their communities, developing key skills such as listening, drawing, speaking, and foundational categorization. In the final week, Week 4, students will use their completed trading cards to determine the most suitable type of community helper for various scenarios.

There are two activities in the Innovator Trading Card Collection:

Activity 1, Designing Innovator Trading Cards, focuses on the "theme of the week," learning about the innovators and their influence, and designing the innovator trading cards.
Activity 2, Playing Innovator Trading Cads, focuses on facilitating the associated game to reinforce learning.

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American History: Elevating Black Voices (3-5)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

13 Activities

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Grades 3 - 5

American History: Elevating Black Voices (3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

9 Hours 10 Minutes

This Collection is a weekly, hands-on playlist that helps learners explore how stories, creativity, problem-solving, and leadership shape communities and American history. Through engaging texts, Innovator Trading Cards, and theme-based activities in literacy, STEM, the arts, and collaboration, students discover lesser-known Black Americans whose voices and ideas have made a lasting impact. Each week introduces a new theme that strengthens reading comprehension, evidence-based thinking, creativity, and teamwork, while giving learners multiple opportunities to apply their understanding through discussion, design, and gameplay. Designed for flexible facilitation and active learning, this playlist shows that innovation happens in many ways—and that elevating diverse voices deepens our understanding of history.

For a consistent learning experience, it is recommended that this collection be completed in the sequence outlined below. This allows learners to apply the weekly themes from the Innovator Playing Cards through supplementary activities.

Week 1: Storytelling and Voice

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (3-5)

Word Detectives

What is that Tone

Rhythm and Language

Week 2: Inventing and Problem Solving

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (3-5)

S.INQ Mechanical Engineering Self Propelled Cars

Arm and Belt Accessories

Engineering an Upgrade (Grades 3-5)

Week 3: Creativity and Expression

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (3-5)

The Animal Spin