Lesson Plans & Activities

Stop Motion Animation

Learn how to create a short (<1 minute) stop-motion animation of a story!
This short sequence of tutorials is designed to be completed in two sessions. Each part is about 1.5 – 2 hours long. You may want to leave time between sessions for students to make their pieces. Depending on how intricate their story is, they may need more time for cutting out shapes, making “characters,” etc.

Lesson

STEAM Activity

Action Project

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

University/College

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Aerial view of a Waffle Garden which includes segments of gardens dedicated to different plants as well as roads

Waffle Garden Take & Make Kit

This Take & Make Kit will help you understand ancient Indigenous agricultural techniques, including science and math skills that are still effective in modern times!
Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest, including the Diné (Navajo), A:shiwi (Zuni), Zia Pueblo, and Laguna Pueblo, have been using a time-tested agricultural method known as a waffle garden to successfully grow crops in the semi-arid environment for generations. In this activity student's will reflect upon and learn about Indigenous relationships with water and the land to help them understand diverse methods of using water in dry climates.

STEAM Activity

Action Project

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Un jardín de forma de wafle | Waffle Garden Take & Make Kit

This Take & Make Kit will help you understand ancient Indigenous agricultural techniques, including science and math skills that are still effective in modern times!
La gente indígena del suroeste de los Estados Unidos, incluyendo los Diné (Navajo), A:shiwi (Zuni), Zia Pueblo y Laguna Pueblo, han utilizado durante generaciones un método agrícola de probada eficacia conocido como Un jardín de forma de wafle para cultivar con éxito en el entorno semiárido. En esta actividad, los estudiantes reflexionarán y aprenderán sobre las relaciones indígenas con el agua y la tierra para ayudarlos a comprender diversos métodos de uso del agua en climas secos.

STEAM Activity

Action Project

Elementary School

Middle School

High School

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Close-up of people setting up a professional video camera, with one person adjusting controls and another holding cables

Filmmaking: Pre-Production

This is the first part of a 3-part unit on the filmmaking process for both formal and informal education settings.
This lesson has students explore science content, decide on the topic for their film, and do all the preparatory work before filming begins.

Lesson

Action Project

Middle School

High School

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Person in a pink plaid shirt operating a video camera on a tripod in an open field with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

Filmmaking: Production

This is the second part of a 3-part unit on the filmmaking process for both formal and informal education settings.
In this lesson, students film interviews with content experts as well as additional B-roll footage, and film mentors help students find existing footage and media to supplement their films.

Lesson

Action Project

Middle School

High School

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Group of students filming an interview indoors; one person holds a boom microphone, another operates a camera, while a man sits in front of them speaking, with a large world map on the wall behind

Filmmaking: Post-production

This is the third part of a 3-part unit on the filmmaking process for both formal and informal education settings.
This lesson teaches students about editing films and respecting licensed materials, while also ensuring they receive the support they need to ensure completion of their films.

Lesson

Action Project

Middle School

High School

Out-of-school/Non-formal

Lesson Plans & Activities