In the Footsteps of History is a transformative educational experience that takes students on extraordinary journeys led by renowned modern-day explorers. The culmination of 14 years of dedicated teaching in both public and private schools across the nation, this groundbreaking program, developed by a diverse team of leading educators, professors, writers, award-winning documentary filmmakers, explorers, and world-class game designers, is unlike anything you’ve experienced in the classroom before! Presenting a new way of learning history that ignites curiosity and passion, In the Footsteps of History seamlessly blends live explorer-in-residence programming, with cutting edge technology, investigation, and academic rigor that brings history to life through the excitement of adventure and exploration. (Works on Chromebook, PC or Mac).

An visually exciting presentation for all ages of an ongoing art project that explores a broad range of artistic and scientific disciplines with a strong sense of humanity.

After retiring from teaching at the elementary level for 25 years, I decided I still wanted to teach. So, my love for nature and children led me in the direction of writing fictional animal based stories based on facts. I offer school wide readings, as well as class presentations. Depending on the program requested, I also offer activities (crafts and games) as well as some science based videos to aid in the presentation. Book signings are always provided for books purchased before or during the special book talk day. Books are: The Flamingo With Two Left Feet Amari’s BIG Surprise…It’s NOT Monkey Bread! We Can...and We Do!

New York Times bestselling author of middle grade and young adult author of over 40 books, Jen Calonita offers both large and small group author assemblies and writing workshops that focus sparking creativity in children. Using popular fairy tales, Jen offers both a "Twisting Tales" workshop for younger and older grades as well as an editing workshop for older students. Her assemblies focus on how she went from a reluctant reader to a writer and how students can turn their own ideas into story magic.

The following two school programs have been designed to follow the current NYS learning standards for performing arts. Each themed assembly also follows their respective NYS learning standard(s). "Anything is Possible!" : a magical character development assembly Focus: good mental health practices, positive self image, emotional regulation Everyone has their own unique talent! It takes a special journey to each person to find what's special about them. Jeff will share his magic and the journey that he took to find his passion. Children will learn techniques that they can use to start their journey and find their own passion. We also take a look at the feelings that come with self discovery and healthy ways to manage them. "The BIG balloon STEAM show!" : a circus variety style STEAM assembly Focus: Critical Thinking, Scientific Method & Vocabulary, Deductive Reasoning Come and explore the science behind balloons! This show combines circus style stunts with educational content that follows the NYS science learning standards. We'll explore how balloons are made along with their scientific properties. We'll also test the scientific method in a LIVE balloon experiment! For the grand finale, students will learn about elastic potential energy as Jeff climbs inside of a giant 10 foot balloon!

Tifft Nature Preserve has been engaging audiences of all ages and communities for decades through our diverse selection of guided programs. We serve as the region’s premier environmental education site in the Buffalo area. Your participants will be immersed in 264 acres of nature while being guided along trails through woodlands, wetlands, and boardwalks or enjoying a hands-on activity in our multi-classroom Darling Environment Education Center. Our most requested Guided Tours and Workshops are listed on our website https://www.tifft.org/schools-and-groups/ , however please contact us to potentially customize a program to meet your content needs for any age audience, from preschool to adults. We can also come to you to facilitate an Outreach program with your audience. All groups of 10 or more individuals visiting the Preserve are required to make a reservation for a self-guided Discovery Visit, Guided Tour, or Workshop. Please call (716) 825-6397 or email tifftreservations@sciencebuff.org to make your reservation.

I offer four topics for my School Assembly Programs. Below are details about my Reading, Dental Hygiene, Ocean Sciences and Social Awareness Programs. 1. Sugar Bug Showdown: Elementary schools that engage my services for the ‘Sugar Bug Showdown‘ performance consistently request my return every third year to do it again. They want to be sure each child in kindergarten through 3rd grade gets the benefit of this unforgettable lesson in good dental hygiene. Your students will learn the right way to brush their teeth (even adults get it wrong!), why dental hygiene is so important, and much more. Dental Hygienists can give the facts, but nobody will motivate or help them remember those facts like Pipsqueak! To ramp up the fun, we demonstrate flossing using kids dressed as teeth. Another segment features caped cavity-defenders in an epic battle against sugar bugs. Here are some additional highlights: How much toothpaste to use How often to brush and proper techniques How cavities & plaque form How “sugar bugs” hurt your teeth Why a healthy diet matters 2. Reading is an Adventure: This program is perfect for PARP (Pick A Reading Partner) or Read Across America incentives. Specific children’s books are referenced & highlighted. My job with this show is to get your students excited about reading. I periodically change the lineup, but the main messages are: Curiosity fuels invention Reading is an adventure Readers are leaders 3. Kindness Quest: This program fits Respect Week and Character Education incentives like a glove! The following key themes are woven throughout: Friendship Kindness Respect Appreciating differences Sharing 4. Waves of Fun: Oceans of Possibilities is a STEM school assembly that sparks an interest in learning about ocean sciences. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be motivated to learn about the amazing things that can be found in the ocean. The program is curated to add more advancing educational content at upper grade levels with marine biology, geology, and ecology professions showcased for the 5th grade. We’ll even use your own school library books in the magic performance! Laugh your way through the “silliest, goofiest, wackiest treasure hunt in the world!” Meet a very intelligent seal who does tricks. Of course, Vern (the bird) will make an appearance. This program is unique and so much fun! It is designed for students K-5th grade.

Reggie Harris has been affiliated with the John F Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program for over two decades, offering both multimedia performances for students and communities as well as in-depth workshops for educators at all grade levels. His writing, research, fieldwork and recordings have amassed an amazing repertoire of African American music, blending spirituals and freedom songs, the old with the new. Mentored early on by Dr. Charles Blockson and by using music and storytelling to create captivating performances for audiences of all ages, he has raised awareness of the Underground Railroad in young school audiences, college symposiums and adult concerts. • Arts-in-Education Performance Offerings "Music and the Underground Railroad" (Grades K-12) The Underground Railroad is one of the most important chapters in American History. This engaging, interactive concert of songs, stories and narratives about slavery and the quest for freedom reveals the hope, power and eventually, the triumph that was accomplished and shared by a network of multicultural allies. Through song, story and audience involvement, Music & the Underground Railroad provides an understanding of the secrets and passion of this powerful era. - Curriculum Areas:  Social studies, cultural geography, history, music, storytelling - Study Guide Link:  http://loydartists.com/images/resources/UndergroundRRStudyGuide.pdf - VideoLink: (starts with lower elementary and then changes to upper elementary around the 9:15 mark):  https://youtu.be/yu1Gzic1L14 "How Martin Climbed the Mountain!" (Grades 3-12) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream, but he did not dream alone. This program is an interactive multi-media presentation honoring the artists, poets, educators, inventors, explorers, scientists and other important contributors to the life and culture of America and the world, and who influenced and informed the work of Dr. King. Using stories and music, Reggie highlights how the contributions of Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Benjamin Banneker, Satchel Paige and others helped young Martin become a man who added to the fabric of our nation and who changed the world. - Curriculum Areas:  Social studies, cultural geography, history, music, storytelling - Study Guide Link: https://loydartists.com/images/resources/HowMartinClimbedPerfguide2019.pdf - VideoLink: https://vimeo.com/452762352 • Student Workshops Elementary: "Exploring the Underground Railroad in Song & Story and Classroom Interaction" "The Story of Children’s Impact on the Modern Civil Rights Movement / The Birmingham Children’s March" Middle: "Get On Board the Freedom Train  (Exploring the Underground Railroad)" "Keep Your Eyes On The Prize (AMERICAN EXPERIENCES IN CIVIL RIGHTS)" • Kennedy Center Professional Development for Teachers "Sing to Freedom: Music & Stories of the Underground Railroad" This proven in-service workshop offers a “hands on – classroom ready” historical and musical workshop on the Underground Railroad. Teachers receive valuable tools for building the knowledge base of students through effective art based curriculum connected lessons designed to open classroom study to a more vibrant exploration of history, music and language. Copies of the highly praised CD “Steal Away,” and an extensive teaching guide are included. The workshop explores the history of the Antebellum time period in America and provides information and context on how music and culture have been instrumental throughout history. Learning to sing, write, and update “code songs” based on historical words and phrases along with contemporary composition brings together both the musical and historical material contained in the workshop.

We offer a historically rich heritage of hosting guests of all ages, sharing the spirit of the wild Adirondacks for all who venture here. 1000 Acres Ranch was founded in 1942 by Jack and Ester Arehart. Located on the banks of the Hudson River, in the heart of the Adirondack Park, the ranch offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Adirondacks while having a true dude ranch experience. Over the decades, the ranch gained the reputation of being “The Cadillac of Ranches” and “The Pearl of The Adirondacks.” We pride ourselves on upholding that reputation to this day. Delight in the beauty of the Adirondacks and experience trails the way they did in the wild west - on horseback. For almost a century 1000 Acres Ranch has offered guests an Adirondack experience not found anywhere else. Get a taste of the rugged cowboy life – but with a few more of the modern amenities and activities.

We offer dynamic, bilingual programs tailored for our diverse community, showcasing author visits, writing workshops, poetry readings, and engaging cultural events. Through immersive experiences, we celebrate heritage as our superpower, focusing on Afro-Caribbean culture and exploring themes like personal and cultural identity, belonging, migration, and family values. Our programs are designed to be engaging and culturally responsive, offering a rich fusion of experiences for all.

Expand your students' marine science experience via live, interactive presentations! Our 1-hour videoconference sessions incorporate live animal observations (whenever possible) and current research projects happening right here at the Alaska SeaLife Center. The materials for each program include a teacher's guide with background information and activity ideas, as well as supplies for the session's hands-on activities.

Misty Yarnall is a writer and teaching artist. She actively teaches creative writing and theatre workshops through libraries, homeschool co-ops, and nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about creating brave spaces for people of all ages to share their stories. A few examples of workshops she has led in the past are included below. World Building 101: Do you love reading adventure books with fantastical settings and magical elements? Have you ever wanted to write a story set in a place you’ve never been? In this workshop, students will master the layout of the land within their stories, no matter what genre. Students will take inspiration from real plants, animals, and cultures, and apply what they've learned to their made-up worlds. Writing for the Screen: Have you ever wondered how your favorite TV show got to the screen? Want to try your hand at writing a script made for TV? In this workshop, you will learn to write your own screenplay and collaborate on a pilot episode for a TV series. We will generate ideas, learn to use the three-act structure, and operate as if we were in our own TV writers' room. Playing with Plays: Through movement-based improv games and collaborative writing prompts, students will better understand how plays go from the page to the stage. We will learn about character motivations, use of props, scene structure, and understanding of performance. Students will end the workshop with a new play to showcase. Guided Journaling: Have you always wanted to start journaling, but aren’t sure where to start? Have you been journaling for a while and want a community to write and share with? In this workshop, participants will complete writing prompts geared towards eliminating the daunting, listy idea of journaling and replace it with interactive, fun activities for all ages and backgrounds. No prior journaling or writing experience necessary!