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 World of Banking

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

The World of Banking

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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The World of BankingCareer and Future Readiness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?

Nature and Wildlife, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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How Can We Help Land Animals and Plants?Nature and Wildlife, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Let’s Learn About California

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

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 CaliforniaLiteracy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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How Has Technology Changed the Way Businesses Work?Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

The Importance of Black American Media

History and Society, Digital Media and Communications

Grades K - 8

The Importance of Black American Media

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

2 Hours

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

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

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The Importance of Black American MediaHistory and Society, Digital Media and Communications

2 Hours•Grades K - 8

You Make the Rules!

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades K - 2

You Make the Rules!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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You Make the Rules!Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Meet the First President!

Literacy, History and Society

Grades K - 2

Meet the First President!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

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

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Meet the First President!Literacy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades K - 2

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades K - 8

What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

1 Hour 15 Minutes

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

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What Is History, and Why Does It Matter?Literacy, History and Society

1 Hour 15 Minutes•Grades K - 8

Order in the (Supreme) Court!

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

Order in the (Supreme) Court!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

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

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Order in the (Supreme) Court!Literacy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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The International Space Station (Grades 6-8)Literacy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Debating the War in Afghanistan

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Debating the War in Afghanistan

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Debating the War in AfghanistanLiteracy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

The Art of the Campaign Poster

Arts, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

The Art of the Campaign Poster

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

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

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The Art of the Campaign PosterArts, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Collections

11 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

Activities to Engage with 'The 1619 Project'

Digital Media and Communications, History and Society

Collection

Activities to Engage with 'The 1619 Project'

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

11 Hours 15 Minutes

Welcome to The 1619 Project playlist for afterschool educators!

These activities give various entry points into exploring the legacy of slavery in contemporary U.S. systems and society, and celebrating Black Americans' contributions to democracy. Each activity is designed for facilitation across one or two 45-minute sessions, and can be completed in any order. To provide a strong foundation for exploring the project, consider starting with the activities entitled "Introducing The 1619 Project," "The Idea of America," and/or "Visualizing the Legacy of Slavery."

Activities in this playlist engage images, podcasts, video, and text excerpts from the project. Students will have the opportunity to connect with the content and one another through meaningful discussions and collaborative team challenges; deepen their research and presentation skills by sharing stories of Black innovators; activate their creativity through writing and visual art; hone their media literacy skills; build historical knowledge; and more.

The 1619 Project is an initiative of The New York Times Magazine that challenges us to reframe U.S. history by marking the year when the first enslaved Africans arrived on Virginia soil as our nation's foundational date. The Pulitzer Center is the official education partner for the project.

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Activities to Engage with 'The 1619 Project'Digital Media and Communications, History and Society

11 Hours 15 Minutes•Grades 6 - 12

Collection

13 Activities

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Grades 3 - 5

American History: Elevating Black Voices (3-5)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

Collection

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

Create and Perform a Scene from a Book

Clay Pinch Pot

Week 4: Leadership and Change

Designing Innovator Trading Cards (3-5)

Playing Innovator Trading Cards (3-5)

More Tools Are Better Than One

Build Your Own Obstacle Course

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American History: Elevating Black Voices (3-5)History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

9 Hours 10 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Collection

2 Activities

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Grades K - 2

Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

Collection

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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Innovator Trading Cards (K-2)History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

1 Hour•Grades K - 2

Collection

2 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

Innovator Trading Cards (6-12)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

Collection

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 (6-12)History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

2 Hours•Grades 6 - 12

Collection

13 Activities

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Grades K - 2

American History: Elevating Black Voices (K-2)

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

Collection

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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American History: Elevating Black Voices (K-2)History and Society, Literacy, Arts, STEM, Leadership and Teamwork

9 Hours 10 Minutes•Grades K - 2

Collection

10 Activities

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Grades K - 8

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

History and Society, Literacy

Collection

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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The 1619 Project for Grades 2–6: Exploring Enslavement and ResistanceHistory and Society, Literacy

Grades K - 8

Collection

13 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

American History: Elevating Black Voices (6-12)

History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

Collection

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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American History: Elevating Black Voices (6-12)History and Society, Literacy, Leadership and Teamwork

9 Hours 10 Minutes•Grades 6 - 12

Collection

7 Activities

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Grades 3 - 8

Clay Projects Inspired by Mesoamerican Culture

History and Society, Arts

Collection

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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Clay Projects Inspired by Mesoamerican CultureHistory and Society, Arts

7 Hours•Grades 3 - 8

Collection

5 Activities

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Grades 6 - 12

Exploring 'The 1619 Project'

Digital Media and Communications, History and Society

Collection

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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Exploring 'The 1619 Project'Digital Media and Communications, History and Society

3 Hours 45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 12

Collection