This specially designed virtual show gets students engaged and excited to experience amazing principles of science while they share safe experiments in front of their computers. Exciting experiments from two of our most popular assembly programs, Wacky Science & SuperMarket Science, have become hands-on lessons kids do under the virtual and side-by-side aid of our wacky scientist, Doug Scheer.

MUSIC OF THE EARTH - A Celebration of World Cultures and Our Planet! Mysterious, exciting, information-packed! World cultures come alive through the powerful vibrations of exotic instruments from around the globe. Unique, interactive assemblies with giant drums, crystal singing bowls, Australian didgeridoos, Chinese gongs, Native American flutes and chants, Indian snake charmer, Aztec wind whistle, Scottish Bagpipes, and much more! Special programs available for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Winter Solstice, Earth Week (April) and St. Patrick’s Day.

Established in February of 2011, the Theatre Institute at Sage is dedicated to providing quality live theatre and arts-in-education programming to Capital Region youth, educators and residents. The Institute also provides opportunities for Russell Sage students as performers, technicians and teachers. Programs include educational support services (such as in-class preparations, teacher in-services, post-show residences, and study guides), after school drama programs, weekend workshops, and several theatre camps during the summer for children ages 6-18.

The Seward House Museum offers a variety of educational experiences for students of all ages and adult learners. We host field trips and group tours between the months of March and December in person. Virtual field trips and live streams can also be scheduled year round. Admission is $6.00 for students in a group. Teachers and bus drivers receive complimentary admission. One chaperone is offered complimentary admission per every twenty students. School tours for November-December and May-June tend to book quickly. Teachers are encouraged to make reservations for these seasons as quickly into the school year as possible. The Seward House Museum does its best to fulfill special requests for interpretation. If you would like a particular point of emphasis—Civil War, anti-slavery, women’s rights, etc.—emphasized, please give as much notice as possible when booking your trip. Field trips may be paired with Hands-On History workshops in the Museum. Lectures and Hands-On activities can also be brought into classrooms. The Seward House also offers a variety of virtual resources for students, including lesson plans and resource kits. It also hosts an interactive website for 4th and 5th graders that revolves around the legacy of Fanny Seward.

Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble: Celebrating Rhythms from the Diaspora Join Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble for a vibrant journey through the rich tapestry of African Diasporic music and dance. As a seasoned educator and performer, Jordan Taylor Hill brings to your school an interactive exploration of traditional drumming, dance, and song that illuminates the cultural heritage and historical significance of these art forms. Jordan's workshops and performances are designed to engage students of all ages, providing them with a hands-on learning experience that enhances their understanding of world cultures, rhythm, and movement. Our offerings are tailored to complement educational curricula in arts and humanities, aiming to foster an appreciation for cultural diversity and inspire creativity among students. We are available for bookings across multiple regions, ready to bring our dynamic and educational presentations directly to your school. Whether it's a one-time assembly, a detailed workshop, or a short-term residency, Jordan Taylor Hill & Ensemble are prepared to create a memorable and enriching experience for both students and faculty. For bookings or more information on how we can tailor our programs to meet your educational goals, please reach out to us. Let's make learning unforgettable through the power of live performance and active participation!

Historic Cherry Hill tells a story of America through the lives and experiences of five generations of an Albany, New York, family. One of Albany's most recognizable landmarks, Cherry Hill was built in 1787 for Philip and Maria Van Rensselaer. Rare among this country's house museums,Cherry Hill's extensive and intact collection includes more than 70,000 items-decorative arts and furnishings, books, diaries, documents, clothing, bedding, photographs, and other objects reflecting daily life-all related to the family that lived here between 1787 and 1963. On-site Programs: Contact holly@historiccherryhill.org to plan your visit. Mining the Untold Stories: Black & Female Voices at Historic Cherry Hill, Schuyler Mansion, & the Stephen & Harriet Myers Residence Grades 4-8 Group size: max. 30 students (Up to 90 students for a 3 site visit) Length: 60 minutes per program (approx. 4 hours for a 3 site visit) Schools are invited to visit up to three historic sites in the city of Albany on the same day to build a stronger understanding of New York State history and the diverse voices in our historic communities. Each site guides students through an examination of the experiences of underrepresented people living in Albany during three different time periods, from the turn of the 19th century through the late 1800s. Pre-Visit Materials, Digitized Collections and other Teacher Resources are available on Consider the Source New York Historic Cherry Hill's "Mining the Untold Stories" programs are divided by grade into 2 distinct offerings: Time Capsules Through History, grades 4 & 5 Students work in small groups to learn about 3 generations of families who lived and labored at Cherry Hill and in Albany's South End during the 1800s. They explore time capsules left by individuals affected by slavery, industry, immigration, urbanization and other changes. Students also tour this historic house and tie it all together with an interactive timeline activity. Greetings from Cherry Hill, grades 7 & 8 Students examine letters and other primary sources to compare and contrast the experiences of two wards and domestic workers who grew up in Van Rensselaer households between 1850 and 1900. They tour the historic house, participate in a letter reading workshop, and interactive timeline activity to discover change over time, particularly for women and people of color. Students leave with materials to write their own postcards "19th century style." Research and planning for "Mining the Untold Stories" was funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). New & Improved! The 1827 Murder Mystery at Cherry Hill Grades 7-12+ Students take on the role of coroner to investigate the suspicious murder of John Whipple on May 7, 1827. Working together, participants analyze primary source documents and object clues to learn about the roles (and experiences) of different members of the Cherry Hill household. This interactive tour uses the unique circumstances of the infamous murder at Cherry Hill in Albany to examine how attitudes about class, race and gender shaped life in early 19th century America. Group size: Up to 30 students, split into 2 groups Length: This program runs 60 minutes Learning to Look Tours Grades pre-K-12, college, and mixed age groups. Topics upon request. Outreach Programs: We can come to your school (space providing) or a location of your choice (we love to partner!). Hudson River Trading Game- This program complements New York State Learning Standards in Social Studies & ELA. Grades 4 & 5 This hands-on program creatively combines history, economics, science, ELA and math. Students role play using a 34-foot game board to experience the challenges of 18th-century trade and travel on the Hudson River and discover how Hudson River trade was linked to global trade. Group size: Up to 25 students per program, 2 classes per outreach visit Length: Approximately 60 min. (depending on group size), with additional time to set up & pack up. Kit Option: A more cost efficient way to play- borrow the Hudson River Trading Game as a board game to facilitate at your school! The *New* Cherry Hill Case- This program complements New York State Learning Standards in Social Studies and ELA. Grades 4 & 5 Through hands-on exploration of primary source documents, photographs and objects, students work together to investigate the roles, relationships, and every day lives of people who shared a home at Cherry Hill during the mid 1800s. The Cherry Hill Case is "closed" when students test their hypotheses through participation in a document-based Reader's Theatre. Group size: Up to 1 class (25 students) per program, 2 classes per outreach visit Length: Approximately 90 minutes Live Remote Programs: Life at Cherry Hill Show & Tell (grades 4 & 5): Learn about life in the mid 1800s by seeing objects that belonged to members of the Cherry Hill household. Presentations (grades 7-12): Interactive slide presentations: The 1827 Cherry Hill Murder...dig into early 19th century issues of women's roles, legal rights, social class, punishment & law, and slavery in New York. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide whom you think was guilty or innocent. Child Servants at Cherry Hill: Kinship & the Struggle for Autonomy...explore the experiences of children raised as servants in Van Rensselaer households during the Victorian Era, their connection to Cherry Hill's earliest days, and the practice of child indenture in Albany. Agency & Identity: Cherry Hill's Would-Be Sisters...analyze the photographs, accounts, and possessions left behind by two Victorian Era women to understand how class, race, and gender shaped life. Tours (grades 4 - 12): Take an interpretive live tour of Cherry Hill Mansion, the Edward Frisbee Collections Care Center or the historical gardens grounds, topics vary by season and age.

The Magic of Reading with Brian Richards is designed to tickle the imagination, highlight the fun of reading, and encourage children to explore the library. This elementary reading school assembly will inspire your students to open a book and start reading! Featuring magic, comedy, audience participation, storytelling, and educational fun, The Magic of Reading assembly show is a hit with students, teachers, and staff! Librarians, Teachers, PTA Presidents, Principals, Students, and Parents have and continue to give amazing reviews for this program. This elementary reading school assembly show promotes reading and the importance of visiting the library, utilizing Magic, Comedy, Storytelling, and Audience participation. The Magic of Reading will touch on reading genres and the types of books found in the library, including Fantasy, Adventure, Mysteries, Science Fiction, Horror, Non-Fiction, and more. The show features the books “The Empty Pot” and “Abiyoyo.”

Fort Field Trip Bring history to life for your students with an unforgettable field trip to Fort William Henry Museum in Lake George, NY. Your students will step back in time as they explore a real 18th-century military fort and learn about the pivotal role it played during the French and Indian War. Our expert fort interpreters, dressed in period uniforms, will engage students with captivating stories and interactive demonstrations, making history both exciting and accessible. Through immersive storytelling, they’ll highlight how the events at Fort William Henry contributed to the eventual defeat of the French in North America, and how this conflict set the stage for the American Revolution. What to expect during your visit: Interactive Learning: Fort interpreters will link the events of the French and Indian War to the larger context of American history, showing students how the outcomes of this conflict directly influenced the colonies’ path toward independence. Live Demonstrations: Students will witness the dramatic loading and firing of a musket and cannon, giving them a powerful glimpse into 18th-century warfare and the skills soldiers needed to survive. Explore the Museum and Exhibits: After the demonstrations, students can wander through the fort’s museum buildings, where they’ll encounter exhibits filled with fascinating artifacts that tell the story of life at this remote outpost. From soldiers’ daily routines to the strategies that shaped battles, these displays offer a comprehensive look at military life on the frontier. Learn About Native American History: In addition to military history, students will explore the rich cultural heritage of the Native American peoples who lived in the region long before European settlement. Exhibits featuring artifacts, tools, and artwork provide a deeper understanding of their way of life and their role in the conflict between European powers. Scavenger Hunt: To enhance their experience, students will receive a scavenger hunt sheet that encourages them to find key information and artifacts throughout the fort. This fun and educational activity ensures that they stay engaged and curious as they explore. This field trip to Fort William Henry provides a unique opportunity for students to experience history firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the early American colonies. Combining live demonstrations, immersive storytelling, and hands-on learning, this trip is designed to inspire curiosity and a love of history in students of all ages. Reserve Your Trip Now!

Eileen Egan Mack is a singer/storyteller who has several music programs, storytelling related programs that honor woman in one-person shows and storytelling programs that draw from folk tales, world cultures, history, and personal stories. This program proposal is for a music program. “Jazzy Ladies-Composers, Lyricists, and Singers” featuring vocalist Eileen Egan Mack backed by a jazz ensemble. Eileen, a retired educator, introduces the audience to the music and lives of women of jazz through brief stories and songs. It honors, among others, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday, Maxine Sullivan, Ethel Waters, Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall, and Marian McPartland. This is a program to recognize women’s place in music and social history and presents jazz standards through singing, program notes and jazz instrumentals.

Programs present the fascinating story of the Shakers, beginning with their arrival to our site in Albany in 1776, under the leadership of a woman named Mother Ann Lee. We follow their impact on local and national history and material culture. Daily life in this community was deeply impacted by the introduction of the nearby Erie Canal which fueled its transformation from an agricultural community to a community that was both agricultural and industrial. The Shakers lived as hard working and mindful innovators. They were strict pacifists who sought religious freedom and relinquished private property within their communities, and embraced human equality regardless of gender or race. Today, the Shakers are probably best known for their human-centered architecture and furniture design. It’s simple, functional, and beautiful. It's easy to get lost in the aesthetic qualities of Shaker objects, so a big part of what we do is bring attention to the human side of these objects, and how they are reflective of Shaker values. Students can learn to weave on a loom, and other hands-on activities are possible.

Jermiko Thomas is an Educational Market Best-Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, and creator of the national and international award-winning Adventures of Walter children’s series. His books promote Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), STEM education, inclusion, friendship, bullying prevention, and autism awareness. Through Cornhill Publishing, he offers K–5 author visits, SEL workshops, STEM demonstrations, read-alouds, writing sessions, audiobook + ASL integration, activity sheets, and curriculum-aligned programming used in schools, BOCES systems, and libraries across Central New York and beyond. Programs support UDL, special education, deaf & hard-of-hearing communities, and general education classrooms. Jermiko Thomas is an Educational Market Best-Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, and creator of the national and international award-winning Adventures of Walter children’s series. His books are known for their engaging, uplifting, and award-winning rhyming storytelling style that helps children connect deeply with themes of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), STEM, friendship, kindness, bullying prevention, autism awareness, and inclusion. He offers K–5 author visits, classroom presentations, interactive SEL/STEM workshops, ASL-integrated sessions, writing residencies, multimedia storytelling assemblies, and teacher professional development, all aligned with literacy standards, UDL principles, special education needs, and district SEL frameworks. Jermiko has been featured on TEDx, WSYR Bridge Street, WKTV, TALK! 100.7 FM, the Rome Sentinel, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, MVCC, and has delivered programs across numerous school districts. His work is officially verified as an Educational Market Best-Selling Author through Ingram Content Group distribution, and his books are placed in public and elementary school libraries across New York State. His mission is to inspire young learners through creativity, resilience, imagination, and the power of reading—proving that big dreams can grow from any community.

The World’s Best Classroom Reset Button is BrainBreak Academy! An online resource bundle full of videos that helps teachers take back control of the classroom and re-engage students. These 3-5 minute videos help students: FOCUS over puzzling BrainTeasers, INSPIRE students during virtual field trips RELAX with simple breathing & stretching exercises ENERGIZE while engaging with interactive classroom games Positive classroom environments are conducive to students’ growth, and teachers should expect their students to be ready to learn. Give educators the tools they need from BrainBreak Academy so they can take back control of the classroom right away!