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

Grid Paper Puzzles

STEM, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Grid Paper Puzzles

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Not all puzzles have simple solutions! In this activity, students try different strategies to divide a grid into rectangular regions. The goal is to make each region as equal in size as possible.

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Grid Paper PuzzlesSTEM, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

The Industrial Revolution

STEM, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

The Industrial Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

During the Industrial Revolution, many new technologies and inventions were introduced to Americans. Students learn all about them as they complete a scavenger hunt by using internet resources to find the answers to clues. They conclude the activity with a group discussion about the impact of these technologies on our lives today.

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The Industrial RevolutionSTEM, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Logic Puzzle

STEM, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Logic Puzzle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

In earlier grades, students might have completed an activity in which they match descriptions or captions to individual photographs. Middle School students, however, will be intrigued by a more challenging version of this activity, in which an individual description might apply to many photos. Today, the students will work together to find the one reasonable match, among many possible matches, between 20 descriptions and 20 photos. Students will discover that finding the solution requires perseverance, logic and reasoning skills, and cooperation.

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Logic PuzzleSTEM, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Free Press Comic or Collage

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 3 - 5

Free Press Comic or Collage

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students explore the importance of the freedom of the press in the United States. They identify examples of the press, examine modern newspapers and magazines, and analyze a mock headline and story to consider limitations on a free press. Finally, teams use what they have learned to create a cartoon, collage, or comic strip illustrating the rights of the press, limits on those rights, and the importance of a free press.

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Free Press Comic or CollageLiteracy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 3 - 5

Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

Human Rights: Rights for Everyone

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students recognize the concept of human rights and are introduced to a proclamation from the United Nations: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Students work in small groups to create a poster to demonstrate 1 of the rights identified in the document.

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Human Rights: Rights for EveryoneSocial and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European Union

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students work in pairs to learn about the European Union and create and share a 1-minute presentation about it.

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The EU: A Brief History (and more!) of The European UnionLiteracy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest Songs

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

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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Journey in Time: The Lyrics of 1960s Protest SongsLiteracy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

What Is the Legislative Branch?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

What Is the Legislative Branch?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students explore the legislative branch of the U.S. government by distinguishing the 3 branches of government and describing the main purpose of the legislative branch at the local, state, and federal levels.

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What Is the Legislative Branch?Literacy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Is This Brand Socially Responsible?

Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

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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Is This Brand Socially Responsible?Career and Future Readiness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Call to Service (Grades 9-12)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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

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Call to Service (Grades 9-12)Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

What Was the Truman Doctrine?

Literacy, History and Society

Grades 6 - 8

What Was the Truman Doctrine?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students develop key critical thinking and collaborations skills, as well as gain a better understanding of international relations. The activity introduces students to the Truman Doctrine, which shaped U.S. foreign policy in response to the Soviet Union.

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What Was the Truman Doctrine?Literacy, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 6 - 8

Quality Education for All

Social and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

Grades 9 - 12

Quality Education for All

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students define the concept of a quality education. Students discuss the material (e.g. books) and non-material (e.g. a safe environment) needs are most necessary for a quality education. To conclude, students begin to plan a potential service project to promote quality education for all.

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Quality Education for AllSocial and Emotional Awareness, History and Society

45 Minutes•Grades 9 - 12

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

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

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 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

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 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

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

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

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