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Mizzen Summer Sizzle

16 Activities

More from this collaborator

Grades K - 12

2 Hours

Overview

Join Mizzen and our partner organization for summer learning! This playlist for all ages is a highlight reel of activities from Mizzen's Summer Sizzle features. Continue your summer learning with !Mpact Players, Jazz at Lincoln Center, National Wildlife Federation, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, reDiscover Center, and Mizzen with the list of activities below.

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Grades 3 - 6

2 Hours

Students create lyrics and a blues-inspired comic strip by expressing the sounds and associated feelings of major, minor, and blues chords. Students learn that the blues not only have a characteristic lyrical style, but also use specific musical structures to convey meaning; the blended major and minor chord progressions used by blues musicians are recognizable to audiences and can be duplicated by other musicians.

Discover Activity

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Journalists often pitch story ideas inspired by events occurring in their communities or by issues they care about, but they also turn to the Internet and social media to find out what topics are engaging a large audience.

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

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

Space and Time

Grades 4 - 6

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

Grades 3 - 6

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppets

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppets

Grades 1 - 6

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will make shadow puppets. They will make them out of recyclable materials like what they can find around their homes. Then they'll create or re-enact a short story for their puppets to act out!

This activity is part 1 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Grades 2 - 6

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build a stage and put on a puppet show! The stage may include props, curtains, and a light source for a shadow puppet show. There are a lot of options that students can use to build their stage!

This activity is part 2 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will visually map portrayals of their communities in the news media. The result will be a graphic organizer of unique perspectives and story ideas.

This is activity 1 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. The goal of the interview is to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 12 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Slot Construction Animals

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Animals

Grades K - 6

1 Hour

In this activity, students will use a cardboard construction technique called Slot Construction to make model animals. This technique allows them to build almost instantly without any glue or adhesives so they can explore how to make fun sculptures without always using reinforcements.

This is part 2 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

Grades 3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create prototypes of transportation vehicles. This project was inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty, and illustrated by David Roberts.


Rosie Revere, Engineer is a story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. We can all take a lesson from Rosie to realize that dreams, professions, skills, and passion are gender neutral. With the help of a wonderful role model in great-great Aunt Rose, Rosie realized that she should celebrate her failures and not hide her inventions! In this story, Rosie engineers a helicopter to make her Great Aunt Rose's dreams come true: to fly. With her inspiration, let's prototype our own transportation vehicle or vessel.


Discover Activity

My Little Camp

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

My Little Camp

Grades 1 - 6

50 Minutes

Camping can be enjoyed year round. The National Wildlife Federation hosts the Great American Campout, a summer-long celebration exploring the wild outdoors through camping through October 31. Camping can happen just about anywhere — at a neighborhood, state or national park and even in your own backyard. This is a fun, easy way for family and friends to connect with nature and wildlife.

Today the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Getting kids in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lead to higher test scores. A child’s mind, body and spirit markedly improve in response to unstructured outdoor play.

MIND: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
BODY: Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese, get fit.
SPIRIT: Nature makes children nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.

Discover Activity

Observing Biodiversity

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

Observing Biodiversity

Grades 4 - 6

50 Minutes

Bio meaning life and diversity mean variety; biodiversity is the variety of life at every trophic level from microorganisms to the largest species of plants and animals. Biodiversity is a critical factor in a healthy environment, a part of the biosphere system. When parts of the system are not functioning well, the system starts to struggle, working inefficiently, or having the potential to break down completely.

An assessment of the best-known groups of U.S. plants and animals indicates that as many as one-third of America’s species are vulnerable, one in five is in danger and at high risk of extinction. It is critically important we provide children numerous opportunities to appreciate the natural world and teach them the skills required to be stewards of the land and its inhabitants.

Discover Activity

Design a Pollinator Garden

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

Design a Pollinator Garden

Grades 2 - 6

50 Minutes

More than 85 percent of flowering plants require an insect for pollination, which allows for fruit and seed production. These fruits and seeds are a part of the diet of about 25 percent of birds and many mammals. Each year pollinators affect $577 billion in global crops, including $235 billion in the United States. Native bees pollinate an estimated 15 percent of U.S fruit, nut, vegetable, and field crops.

Planting a pollinator garden doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. Any size is excellent. From window and patio planters to home gardens, to pathways and roadsides, to acres of prairies and meadows - all can support pollinator populations. Besides the usual habitat elements, food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young, pollinator habitats have some specific qualities.
● Use plants that provide nectar and pollen sources;
● Be situated in sunny areas with windbreaks;
● Create “pollinator targets” of native and non-invasive plants;
● Establish continuous bloom throughout the growing season; and
● Eliminate or minimize the impact of pesticides.



Discover Activity

Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

Grades 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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

Grades 6 - 12

30 Minutes

Build the ultimate catapult and compete as your team launches coins across the room!

Discover Activity

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Grades 5 - 12

30 Minutes

Using toilet paper, tape, streamer, and cups, become a fashion icon and strut your stuff down the catwalk!

Discover Activity

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Grades 3 - 6

2 Hours

Students create lyrics and a blues-inspired comic strip by expressing the sounds and associated feelings of major, minor, and blues chords. Students learn that the blues not only have a characteristic lyrical style, but also use specific musical structures to convey meaning; the blended major and minor chord progressions used by blues musicians are recognizable to audiences and can be duplicated by other musicians.

Discover Activity

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Journalists often pitch story ideas inspired by events occurring in their communities or by issues they care about, but they also turn to the Internet and social media to find out what topics are engaging a large audience.

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

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

Space and Time

Grades 4 - 6

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

Grades 3 - 6

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppets

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppets

Grades 1 - 6

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will make shadow puppets. They will make them out of recyclable materials like what they can find around their homes. Then they'll create or re-enact a short story for their puppets to act out!

This activity is part 1 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Grades 2 - 6

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build a stage and put on a puppet show! The stage may include props, curtains, and a light source for a shadow puppet show. There are a lot of options that students can use to build their stage!

This activity is part 2 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will visually map portrayals of their communities in the news media. The result will be a graphic organizer of unique perspectives and story ideas.

This is activity 1 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. The goal of the interview is to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 12 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Slot Construction Animals

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Animals

Grades K - 6

1 Hour

In this activity, students will use a cardboard construction technique called Slot Construction to make model animals. This technique allows them to build almost instantly without any glue or adhesives so they can explore how to make fun sculptures without always using reinforcements.

This is part 2 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

Grades 3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create prototypes of transportation vehicles. This project was inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty, and illustrated by David Roberts.


Rosie Revere, Engineer is a story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. We can all take a lesson from Rosie to realize that dreams, professions, skills, and passion are gender neutral. With the help of a wonderful role model in great-great Aunt Rose, Rosie realized that she should celebrate her failures and not hide her inventions! In this story, Rosie engineers a helicopter to make her Great Aunt Rose's dreams come true: to fly. With her inspiration, let's prototype our own transportation vehicle or vessel.


Discover Activity

My Little Camp

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

My Little Camp

Grades 1 - 6

50 Minutes

Camping can be enjoyed year round. The National Wildlife Federation hosts the Great American Campout, a summer-long celebration exploring the wild outdoors through camping through October 31. Camping can happen just about anywhere — at a neighborhood, state or national park and even in your own backyard. This is a fun, easy way for family and friends to connect with nature and wildlife.

Today the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Getting kids in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lead to higher test scores. A child’s mind, body and spirit markedly improve in response to unstructured outdoor play.

MIND: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
BODY: Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese, get fit.
SPIRIT: Nature makes children nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.

Discover Activity

Observing Biodiversity

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

Observing Biodiversity

Grades 4 - 6

50 Minutes

Bio meaning life and diversity mean variety; biodiversity is the variety of life at every trophic level from microorganisms to the largest species of plants and animals. Biodiversity is a critical factor in a healthy environment, a part of the biosphere system. When parts of the system are not functioning well, the system starts to struggle, working inefficiently, or having the potential to break down completely.

An assessment of the best-known groups of U.S. plants and animals indicates that as many as one-third of America’s species are vulnerable, one in five is in danger and at high risk of extinction. It is critically important we provide children numerous opportunities to appreciate the natural world and teach them the skills required to be stewards of the land and its inhabitants.

Discover Activity

Design a Pollinator Garden

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

Design a Pollinator Garden

Grades 2 - 6

50 Minutes

More than 85 percent of flowering plants require an insect for pollination, which allows for fruit and seed production. These fruits and seeds are a part of the diet of about 25 percent of birds and many mammals. Each year pollinators affect $577 billion in global crops, including $235 billion in the United States. Native bees pollinate an estimated 15 percent of U.S fruit, nut, vegetable, and field crops.

Planting a pollinator garden doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. Any size is excellent. From window and patio planters to home gardens, to pathways and roadsides, to acres of prairies and meadows - all can support pollinator populations. Besides the usual habitat elements, food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young, pollinator habitats have some specific qualities.
● Use plants that provide nectar and pollen sources;
● Be situated in sunny areas with windbreaks;
● Create “pollinator targets” of native and non-invasive plants;
● Establish continuous bloom throughout the growing season; and
● Eliminate or minimize the impact of pesticides.



Discover Activity

Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

Grades 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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

Grades 6 - 12

30 Minutes

Build the ultimate catapult and compete as your team launches coins across the room!

Discover Activity

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Grades 5 - 12

30 Minutes

Using toilet paper, tape, streamer, and cups, become a fashion icon and strut your stuff down the catwalk!

Discover Activity

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

More from this collaborator

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

Grades K - 12

2 Hours

Overview

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Grades 3 - 6

2 Hours

Students create lyrics and a blues-inspired comic strip by expressing the sounds and associated feelings of major, minor, and blues chords. Students learn that the blues not only have a characteristic lyrical style, but also use specific musical structures to convey meaning; the blended major and minor chord progressions used by blues musicians are recognizable to audiences and can be duplicated by other musicians.

Discover Activity

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Journalists often pitch story ideas inspired by events occurring in their communities or by issues they care about, but they also turn to the Internet and social media to find out what topics are engaging a large audience.

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

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

Space and Time

Grades 4 - 6

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

Grades 3 - 6

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppets

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppets

Grades 1 - 6

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will make shadow puppets. They will make them out of recyclable materials like what they can find around their homes. Then they'll create or re-enact a short story for their puppets to act out!

This activity is part 1 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Grades 2 - 6

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build a stage and put on a puppet show! The stage may include props, curtains, and a light source for a shadow puppet show. There are a lot of options that students can use to build their stage!

This activity is part 2 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will visually map portrayals of their communities in the news media. The result will be a graphic organizer of unique perspectives and story ideas.

This is activity 1 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. The goal of the interview is to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 12 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Slot Construction Animals

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Animals

Grades K - 6

1 Hour

In this activity, students will use a cardboard construction technique called Slot Construction to make model animals. This technique allows them to build almost instantly without any glue or adhesives so they can explore how to make fun sculptures without always using reinforcements.

This is part 2 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

Grades 3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create prototypes of transportation vehicles. This project was inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty, and illustrated by David Roberts.


Rosie Revere, Engineer is a story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. We can all take a lesson from Rosie to realize that dreams, professions, skills, and passion are gender neutral. With the help of a wonderful role model in great-great Aunt Rose, Rosie realized that she should celebrate her failures and not hide her inventions! In this story, Rosie engineers a helicopter to make her Great Aunt Rose's dreams come true: to fly. With her inspiration, let's prototype our own transportation vehicle or vessel.


Discover Activity

My Little Camp

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

My Little Camp

Grades 1 - 6

50 Minutes

Camping can be enjoyed year round. The National Wildlife Federation hosts the Great American Campout, a summer-long celebration exploring the wild outdoors through camping through October 31. Camping can happen just about anywhere — at a neighborhood, state or national park and even in your own backyard. This is a fun, easy way for family and friends to connect with nature and wildlife.

Today the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Getting kids in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lead to higher test scores. A child’s mind, body and spirit markedly improve in response to unstructured outdoor play.

MIND: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
BODY: Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese, get fit.
SPIRIT: Nature makes children nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.

Discover Activity

Observing Biodiversity

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

Observing Biodiversity

Grades 4 - 6

50 Minutes

Bio meaning life and diversity mean variety; biodiversity is the variety of life at every trophic level from microorganisms to the largest species of plants and animals. Biodiversity is a critical factor in a healthy environment, a part of the biosphere system. When parts of the system are not functioning well, the system starts to struggle, working inefficiently, or having the potential to break down completely.

An assessment of the best-known groups of U.S. plants and animals indicates that as many as one-third of America’s species are vulnerable, one in five is in danger and at high risk of extinction. It is critically important we provide children numerous opportunities to appreciate the natural world and teach them the skills required to be stewards of the land and its inhabitants.

Discover Activity

Design a Pollinator Garden

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

Design a Pollinator Garden

Grades 2 - 6

50 Minutes

More than 85 percent of flowering plants require an insect for pollination, which allows for fruit and seed production. These fruits and seeds are a part of the diet of about 25 percent of birds and many mammals. Each year pollinators affect $577 billion in global crops, including $235 billion in the United States. Native bees pollinate an estimated 15 percent of U.S fruit, nut, vegetable, and field crops.

Planting a pollinator garden doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. Any size is excellent. From window and patio planters to home gardens, to pathways and roadsides, to acres of prairies and meadows - all can support pollinator populations. Besides the usual habitat elements, food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young, pollinator habitats have some specific qualities.
● Use plants that provide nectar and pollen sources;
● Be situated in sunny areas with windbreaks;
● Create “pollinator targets” of native and non-invasive plants;
● Establish continuous bloom throughout the growing season; and
● Eliminate or minimize the impact of pesticides.



Discover Activity

Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

Grades 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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

Grades 6 - 12

30 Minutes

Build the ultimate catapult and compete as your team launches coins across the room!

Discover Activity

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Grades 5 - 12

30 Minutes

Using toilet paper, tape, streamer, and cups, become a fashion icon and strut your stuff down the catwalk!

Discover Activity

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Blues: Lyrics & Chords

Grades 3 - 6

2 Hours

Students create lyrics and a blues-inspired comic strip by expressing the sounds and associated feelings of major, minor, and blues chords. Students learn that the blues not only have a characteristic lyrical style, but also use specific musical structures to convey meaning; the blended major and minor chord progressions used by blues musicians are recognizable to audiences and can be duplicated by other musicians.

Discover Activity

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

What Is Newsworthy? (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Journalists often pitch story ideas inspired by events occurring in their communities or by issues they care about, but they also turn to the Internet and social media to find out what topics are engaging a large audience.

This lesson will challenge students to think about the term “newsworthy” and what makes a story worthy of being reported.

This is activity 2 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

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

Space and Time

Grades 4 - 6

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

Grades 3 - 6

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppets

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppets

Grades 1 - 6

45 Minutes

In this activity, students will make shadow puppets. They will make them out of recyclable materials like what they can find around their homes. Then they'll create or re-enact a short story for their puppets to act out!

This activity is part 1 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Shadow Puppet Stage!

Grades 2 - 6

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students will build a stage and put on a puppet show! The stage may include props, curtains, and a light source for a shadow puppet show. There are a lot of options that students can use to build their stage!

This activity is part 2 of 2 in the Shadow Puppet Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Shifting the Frame (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

50 Minutes

Students will visually map portrayals of their communities in the news media. The result will be a graphic organizer of unique perspectives and story ideas.

This is activity 1 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

Art of the Interview (Student Reporting Labs)

Grades 6 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Preparation and practice are the keys to a successful interview and amazing story. The goal of the interview is to get soundbites that connect with your audience, illuminate the topic and move your story forward.

This is activity 12 of 16 in the PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs Module. Visit the Module to learn more before getting started.

Discover Activity

Slot Construction Animals

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Slot Construction Animals

Grades K - 6

1 Hour

In this activity, students will use a cardboard construction technique called Slot Construction to make model animals. This technique allows them to build almost instantly without any glue or adhesives so they can explore how to make fun sculptures without always using reinforcements.

This is part 2 of 2 in the Slot Construction Activities by reDiscover Center.

Discover Activity

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

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

Prototype a Transportation Vehicle/Vessel

Grades 3 - 8

1 Hour

In this activity, students will create prototypes of transportation vehicles. This project was inspired by Rosie Revere, Engineer, written by Andrea Beaty, and illustrated by David Roberts.


Rosie Revere, Engineer is a story of a young girl who dreams of becoming an engineer. We can all take a lesson from Rosie to realize that dreams, professions, skills, and passion are gender neutral. With the help of a wonderful role model in great-great Aunt Rose, Rosie realized that she should celebrate her failures and not hide her inventions! In this story, Rosie engineers a helicopter to make her Great Aunt Rose's dreams come true: to fly. With her inspiration, let's prototype our own transportation vehicle or vessel.


Discover Activity

My Little Camp

The Natural World, Whole Body, Whole Self

My Little Camp

Grades 1 - 6

50 Minutes

Camping can be enjoyed year round. The National Wildlife Federation hosts the Great American Campout, a summer-long celebration exploring the wild outdoors through camping through October 31. Camping can happen just about anywhere — at a neighborhood, state or national park and even in your own backyard. This is a fun, easy way for family and friends to connect with nature and wildlife.

Today the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Getting kids in nature is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even lead to higher test scores. A child’s mind, body and spirit markedly improve in response to unstructured outdoor play.

MIND: Exposure to natural settings may be widely effective in reducing ADHD symptoms.
BODY: Outdoor play increases fitness levels and builds active, healthy bodies, an important strategy in helping the one in three American kids who are obese, get fit.
SPIRIT: Nature makes children nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and close relationships.

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Observing Biodiversity

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

Observing Biodiversity

Grades 4 - 6

50 Minutes

Bio meaning life and diversity mean variety; biodiversity is the variety of life at every trophic level from microorganisms to the largest species of plants and animals. Biodiversity is a critical factor in a healthy environment, a part of the biosphere system. When parts of the system are not functioning well, the system starts to struggle, working inefficiently, or having the potential to break down completely.

An assessment of the best-known groups of U.S. plants and animals indicates that as many as one-third of America’s species are vulnerable, one in five is in danger and at high risk of extinction. It is critically important we provide children numerous opportunities to appreciate the natural world and teach them the skills required to be stewards of the land and its inhabitants.

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Design a Pollinator Garden

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

Design a Pollinator Garden

Grades 2 - 6

50 Minutes

More than 85 percent of flowering plants require an insect for pollination, which allows for fruit and seed production. These fruits and seeds are a part of the diet of about 25 percent of birds and many mammals. Each year pollinators affect $577 billion in global crops, including $235 billion in the United States. Native bees pollinate an estimated 15 percent of U.S fruit, nut, vegetable, and field crops.

Planting a pollinator garden doesn’t have to be a big undertaking. Any size is excellent. From window and patio planters to home gardens, to pathways and roadsides, to acres of prairies and meadows - all can support pollinator populations. Besides the usual habitat elements, food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young, pollinator habitats have some specific qualities.
● Use plants that provide nectar and pollen sources;
● Be situated in sunny areas with windbreaks;
● Create “pollinator targets” of native and non-invasive plants;
● Establish continuous bloom throughout the growing season; and
● Eliminate or minimize the impact of pesticides.



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Inventions (Team Building) Game

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

Inventions (Team Building) Game

Grades 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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Catapult (Team Building) Game

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

Catapult (Team Building) Game

Grades 6 - 12

30 Minutes

Build the ultimate catapult and compete as your team launches coins across the room!

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Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

Project Funway (Team Building) Games

Grades 5 - 12

30 Minutes

Using toilet paper, tape, streamer, and cups, become a fashion icon and strut your stuff down the catwalk!

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