STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

422 Activities

Curious minds come alive through hands-on STEM exploration. Learners solve problems, build designs, and explore real-world challenges using science, technology, engineering, and math.

Activities

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Many internet users often claim that “anything can be found online” or that “information is just a point, click, tap, or swipe away.” However, are we sacrificing our privacy in exchange for the convenience that the internet offers? In this activity, students will watch a video about how data is collected and used online, and then consider the benefits and consequences of this system.

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Building a Mini Greenhouse

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

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

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Modeling DNA

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

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students construct a model of half of a strand of DNA, then work with partners to complete the double-strand. This activity builds understanding of the structure and function of DNA and prepares students for a deeper understanding of molecular genetics.

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The Sponge Challenge

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

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

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Practice Internet Hygiene

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Practice Internet Hygiene

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

High school students may consider themselves to be experts on the internet and its protocols. However, they may not recognize how online activities can affect a computer, as well as the dangers that certain internet uses can invite. In this activity, students participate in a simulation of common internet usage, and then discover how easily personal information can be compromised.

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The Ecosystem Where I Live

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

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

An ecosystem is where plants and animals live with and interact with nonliving elements, both natural and human-made. Ecosystems host biotic or living organisms, as well as abiotic or nonliving parts. Biotic organisms include plants and wildlife, while abiotic components of an ecosystem include rocks, temperature, and soil. Ecosystems can be very big or very small; for example, a river is a huge ecosystem, and under a rock is a tiny ecosystem.

Every aspect of an ecosystem depends upon another, either directly or indirectly. To illustrate this, imagine the amount of rainfall in a given location is a variable (other variables include temperature, sunlight, and elevation) to predict the types of plants that will grow there. All of these factors will then support wildlife who depend on these plant species and weather conditions for survival.

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How Viruses Infect Cells

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

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Students present skits in which they role-play the two infectious cycles that viruses undergo to attack cells: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. This activity combines biology and drama to teach skills in both disciplines.

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The Industrial Revolution

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

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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Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

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Logic Puzzle

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

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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Grid Paper Puzzles

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

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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Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

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

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Student teams research various technologies and strategies for combating global climate change, including carbon capture, biofuel production, and new systems for mass transit. They recognize that each of these technologies could offer a huge profit for a savvy entrepreneur or business.

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Big Data Comes with Big Issues

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Big Data Comes with Big Issues

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Building a Mini Greenhouse

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

Building a Mini Greenhouse

OregonASK

6 - 8

1 Hour

Students make a mini greenhouse and learn about how they work.

Discover Activity

Modeling DNA

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

Modeling DNA

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Sponge Challenge

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

The Sponge Challenge

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 12

45 Minutes

Students devise a method to wet all parts of a sponge (inside and out) within 10 seconds. This activity demonstrates an important lesson in life science about cell size.

Discover Activity

Practice Internet Hygiene

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Digital Voices

Practice Internet Hygiene

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Ecosystem Where I Live

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

The Ecosystem Where I Live

National Wildlife Federation

3 - 8

50 Minutes

Discover Activity

How Viruses Infect Cells

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

How Viruses Infect Cells

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Industrial Revolution

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

The Industrial Revolution

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

Discover Activity

Relative Sizes of Planets

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

Relative Sizes of Planets

OregonASK

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students visualize the relative volumes of the eight planets and the dwarf planet Pluto in the solar system.

Discover Activity

Logic Puzzle

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

Logic Puzzle

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Grid Paper Puzzles

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

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.

Discover Activity

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

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

Combat Global Climate Change—and Make Money, Too!

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

45 Minutes

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Collections

Invasive Species

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

5 Activities

Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

As our ecosystems continue to become more vulnerable through anthropogenic change, scientists are working hard to restore the resilience of green space. One of the major detractors from ecosystem resilience are invasive species. In this module, students will assess the impact of invasive species in their local ecosystems. They will work collaboratively with their peers to research effective pest management protocols, participate in field experiences to learn more about local native and invasive species, and analyze data to assess local biodiversity. This newly acquired knowledge and skills will set the foundation for a community outreach project in which students will educate their peers and community members about the importance of invasive species management.

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STEAM Discovery & Learning with Mizzen Education

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

19 Activities

STEAM Discovery & Learning with Mizzen Education

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 12

This playlist will ignite curiosity and creativity for grades K-12 with a lineup of specially-curated STEAM activities! From mind-bending math puzzles and hands-on science experiments to coding adventures and imaginative art projects, each activity is a new gateway to discovery!

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MLB Players STEM League

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

8 Activities

MLB Players STEM League

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

6 Hours

The MLB Players STEM League is an interactive, sports-based learning experience that connects math, strategy, and social-emotional learning through the game of baseball. Developed in partnership with the MLB Players Trust, this program combines a board game and curriculum to help students build essential skills through a hands-on experience.

Over eight lessons, students take on the roles of players, managers, and analysts, using real MLB player stats to draft teams, track performance, analyze data, and make strategic decisions. Core math concepts—including fractions, percentages, and probability—are woven into gameplay, providing real-world applications of data in sports.

Beyond math, the program reinforces teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience through integrated bonus lessons, helping students navigate challenges and collaborate with their peers effectively. With an emphasis on social-emotional skills and critical thinking, students develop practical abilities that extend beyond the classroom.

The MLB Players STEM League is designed for youth-development organizations and schools of all types, offering a free and accessible way to engage students in learning through the excitement of baseball.

Educators should request their MLB Players STEM League games when preparing for Lesson 1 to ensure they receive them before reaching Lesson 3. Requests can be placed at this link or using the link found in Lesson 1.

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Creativity and Play (Grades 6-12)

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

2 Activities

Creativity and Play (Grades 6-12)

VentureLab

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This is a series on play and being playful, considered cornerstones of creativity and idea generation.

In the first activity, "Play Stations," students are provided with the opportunity to play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

In the second activity, "Wacky Inventions," students work in groups to use existing products and objects to come up with (and then act out) the wackiest inventions they can think of.

Why is play important? There is significant evidence that many ideas for new products and services were developed through playing around with ideas, materials and products. Play itself gives us a fresh perspective which is often critical in solving problems and being innovative.

Play also helps us better understand the world around us because we can explore things in a fun way - we can make and build, create new worlds and personas, play new games and break the rules without fear of consequences. Play helps entrepreneurs innovate because it's risk-free—there's no judgment or failure when you're playing.

Using play and being playful as a tool for developing creativity can improve one's ability to generate ideas and solve problems. Often, to be able to come up with lots of ideas people need to be given permission to play around and be free from judgment!

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Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 1-2)

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

5 Activities

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 1-2)

VentureLab

K - 2

2 Hours

This foundational series of activities introduces elementary students to the concept of entrepreneurship. Expanding beyond the idea that entrepreneurs are just people who set up and run a company, the team at VentureLab wants students to also develop an entrepreneurial way of thinking and acting on ideas.

Through this collection of activities, students develop an understanding of the basic entrepreneurial skills and mindset, as well as what it means and feels like to be an entrepreneur.

Activity 1 ("What is an Entrepreneur?") introduces students to what entrepreneurs are, with students creating a poster of themselves using key words centered on the entrepreneurial mindset.

Activity 2 ("Idea Journals and the Entrepreneur Song") introduces the Idea Journal, a notebook where students can record all of their great ideas in one place. Students also learn a song and the entrepreneurial mindset.

In Activity 3 ("Entrepreneurs, Help Heather!") students design a perch to help an imaginary very tiny friend who wants to be able to see around the room. This problem-solving will help students to experience what it's like to be an entrepreneur.

Activity 4 ("Product Analysis & Snapshot of Famous Entrepreneur, Indra Nooyi") is all about analyzing different products and thinking about the entrepreneur behind the product and what they thought about for it to come to life. This activity will really kick start student interest as they consider the wider world of business and entrepreneurship.

Finally, after looking at what goes into creating a product and learning about what appeals to customers, students will draw three cards from three different categories in Activity 5 ("Draw Three") and be challenged to come up with a new product idea.

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Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab

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

12 Activities

Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

12 Hours

Attention, Funologists! Nickelodeon's Our World is calling on young innovators to join them in their Play Lab to help design thrilling new games for Worldwide Day of Play. This adventure starts in the with exploring a variety of games to uncover what makes them fun and exciting. Equipped with these insights, participants will then craft their own unique game from scratch, aiming to make it a success on the big day. This innovative learning journey creates experiences that improve youths' health, wellbeing, and agency. Join us to collaborate, innovate, and turn fun into reality!

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Weather

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

4 Activities

Weather

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Weather has significant impacts on how we carry out our day, but do you think about how it impacts plants and wildlife? In this playlist, youth will differentiate between weather and climate, take a look at the clouds, celebrate Earth Day (everyday), and look more closely at weather impacts on plants and animals.

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Animal Adaptations

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

3 Activities

Animal Adaptations

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Animal adaptations help species to survive. In this module youth will learn about different animal adaptations and learn how urbanization impacts wildlife adaptations.

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Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 6-12)

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

2 Activities

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 6-12)

VentureLab

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This foundational series of activities introduces middle and high school students to the concept of entrepreneurship. Expanding beyond the idea that entrepreneurs are just people who set up and run a company, the team at VentureLab wants students to also develop an entrepreneurial way of thinking and acting on ideas.

Through this collection of activities, students develop an understanding of the basic entrepreneurial skills and mindset, as well as what it means and feels like to be an entrepreneur.

Discover Collection

Invasive Species

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Belonging and Community, The Natural World

5 Activities

Invasive Species

City Parks Foundation

6 - 8

2 Hours

Discover Collection

STEAM Discovery & Learning with Mizzen Education

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

19 Activities

STEAM Discovery & Learning with Mizzen Education

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 12

Discover Collection

MLB Players STEM League

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

8 Activities

MLB Players STEM League

Learn Fresh

3 - 8

6 Hours

Discover Collection

Creativity and Play (Grades 6-12)

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

2 Activities

Creativity and Play (Grades 6-12)

VentureLab

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

This is a series on play and being playful, considered cornerstones of creativity and idea generation.

In the first activity, "Play Stations," students are provided with the opportunity to play and reconnect with their own innate creativity.

In the second activity, "Wacky Inventions," students work in groups to use existing products and objects to come up with (and then act out) the wackiest inventions they can think of.

Discover Collection

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 1-2)

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

5 Activities

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 1-2)

VentureLab

K - 2

2 Hours

Through this collection of activities, students develop an understanding of the basic entrepreneurial skills and mindset, as well as what it means and feels like to be an entrepreneur.

Activity 1 ("What is an Entrepreneur?") introduces students to what entrepreneurs are, with students creating a poster of themselves using key words centered on the entrepreneurial mindset.

Discover Collection

Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab

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

12 Activities

Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab

Nickelodeon + Mizzen Education

3 - 5

12 Hours

Discover Collection

Weather

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

4 Activities

Weather

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Discover Collection

Animal Adaptations

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

3 Activities

Animal Adaptations

National Wildlife Federation

K - 8

Animal adaptations help species to survive. In this module youth will learn about different animal adaptations and learn how urbanization impacts wildlife adaptations.

Discover Collection

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 6-12)

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

2 Activities

Intro to Entrepreneurship (Grades 6-12)

VentureLab

6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Through this collection of activities, students develop an understanding of the basic entrepreneurial skills and mindset, as well as what it means and feels like to be an entrepreneur.

Discover Collection

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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

Account