All posts by Jenny Henningsen

#76: Día de los Muertos vs. Halloween: Compare and Contrast

Social Studies Enrichment

Have you ever wondered how Halloween and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) are alike and different? Although both celebrations take place around the same time of year, they have different histories, traditions, and meanings. In this Mini Spark, you will watch a video and explore how these two celebrations compare. You will discover how traditions reflect the history and beliefs of different cultures.

Spark Your Learning!

1: Set up your Social Studies Mini Spark recording page: #76: Día de los Muertos vs. Halloween

2: Watch the video about Día de los Muertos and Halloween. Record 3+ details on your recording sheet.

 

3:  Create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two celebrations.

Include at least 3 details in each section.

  • Halloween Only: What traditions, activities, or symbols are unique to Halloween?
  • Both Celebrations: What traditions, symbols, or ideas do the celebrations share?
  • Día de los Muertos Only: What traditions, activities, or symbols are unique to Día de los Muertos?

4: Answer one of the following questions using 2+ complete sentences.

  1. What is the main purpose of Día de los Muertos? How is it different from the main purpose of Halloween?
  2. How do traditions help people remember their history and celebrate their culture?
  3. Why is it important to learn about celebrations from cultures different from your own?
  4. If you could ask someone who celebrates Día de los Muertos one question about the holiday, what would you ask and why?

5: OPTIONAL:  Imagine you are creating a museum exhibit about Halloween and Día de los Muertos. Write a short paragraph explaining one important similarity and two important differences between the celebrations. Include details from the video to support your ideas.

6: Turn in your Mini Spark to your teacher or EY Coordinator!

LESSON ADAPTED FROM BRIAN TOLINTINO

New York Times Learning Network 26-27 Contests

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests, Uncategorized

Ages: 13-19

Dates: Several Contests open throughout the year.

One page Handout: New York Times 2026-27 Contests

Information for all of the contests can be found @  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/30/learning/our-2026-27-student-contest-calendar.html

 

100-Word Personal Narrative Contest | Sept. 16-Oct. 28, 2026

In 100 words or fewer, tell a powerful story about a meaningful life experience.

What story from your life can you tell in just 100 words? Based on the storytelling form popularized by Modern Love’s Tiny Love Stories, we invite you to write a miniature personal narrative about a meaningful life experience.

What It’s Like to Grow Up in 2026: A Visual Contest | Oct. 28-Dec. 9, 2026 S

how us via any visual medium – including photography, drawing, painting, cartoons, comics, graphs, videos and more – what it’s like to be a teenager now. What are the unique challenges your generation faces and the opportunities the world of 2026 offers you?

STEM Video Interview Contest |Jan. 6-Feb. 17, 2027

Create a video of up to two minutes interviewing an expert about a question of your choice related to science, health , math , engineering or technology.

Open Letter Contest | Feb. 17-March 31, 2027

Write a letter to a specific person or group that persuades them to make a change on an issue that matters to you.

Podcast Contest | March 31-May 12, 2027 Make an original podcast of no more than five minutes that informs or entertains listeners.

Summer Reading Contest | June 4-11; July 2-9; July 30-Aug. 6, 2027

Once each month during the summer we ask, “What got your attention in The Times recently?” Answer in writing or video.

Weekly Current Events Conversation |All School Year

Respond to our daily writing prompts. Each week we publish a selection of student

 

 

 

Outside of school contest opportunity!

Events & Contests

ReadWorks and Simply Draw are teaming up to invite you  to explore Halloween-themed reading and turn what you read into an original illustration.
​
Who: Students grades 1-6

What: Read a ReadWorks article, spark your imagination, and create an illustration using a free trial in the Simply Draw app and inspired by your reading. It’s a fun way to to engage with text, think creatively, and show what you understand in a completely different way.

Due Date: Nov 6, 2026

Please note: To participate in this contest, students need to use the Simply Draw app which is not available at school.

Details and more information for caregivers. Contest Wepage

 

 

 

Bess Streeter Aldrich Short Story Contest 2026-27 Due April 15th

Other Events & Contests

To honor Nebraska author Bess Streeter Aldrich and recognize outstanding writing, the Bess Streeter Aldrich Foundation announces its 2027 Short Story Contest.

Objective: To generate a fictional short story that is written in the wholesome spirit displayed by Bess Streeter Aldrich in her works while incorporating a theme that focuses on Nebraska’s family life, economy, history, cultural diversity, and/or geography (past, present, and/or future). Writers are encouraged to focus on historical and/or realistic topics remembering that Mrs. Aldrich had a passion for Nebraska, small-town dynamics, and family antics.

High School (Grades 9-12): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Middle School (Grades 6-8): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Intermediate School (Grades 3-5): 1st Prize $50; 2nd Prize $25; 3rd Prize $15

Length: 1,000 to 2,000 words (there is no minimum word requirement for the Intermediate Category)

Scoring: Stories will be based upon the writer’s effective use of theme and the use of the six-traits of writing.

Due Date: Submission Process:  midnight April 15, 2027

A submission link is found at www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/short-story-contest.

Who was Bess Streeter Aldrich (1881-1954) Elmwood? Check out her biography page.

 

For more information and to submit your story go to

https://www.bessstreeteraldrich.org/short-story-contest or check out the handout 

Questions about the contest or an alternative paper submission can be directed to Kurk Shrader, Executive Director (email aldrichfoundation@gmail.com or call 402-867-4233).

Also, anyone who enters the contest is eligible for a free tour anytime before December 31, 2027. A master list of participants will be maintained at the registration desk. Simply tell the guide you were a short story participant.

Bess Streeter Aldrich House & Museum
204 East F St. – P O Box 167
Elmwood, NE 68349

Intl. Academic Competitions: Upcoming Tournaments for Nebraska Students

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

Presenting Quiz Competitions in History, Science, and Geography for Elementary, Middle & High School Students Across the USA!

National Science Bee, National History Bee & National Geography Bee Regional Tournaments

Subject-specific individual quiz competitions for students in grades K-12. Each tournament below features all 3 events at different times during the day. For students in grades K-8, prior qualifying through the Online Regional Qualifying Exam in each subject is required. Register on each tournament’s page, linked below! The deadline is 12 days in advance of each event.

Upcoming In-Person Tournaments

TBD

A full list of National Science, History, and Geography Bee Regional Tournaments is maintained here on the website.

Qualifying IAC events can be offered at the elementary and middle school level. Contact the EY coordinator at your child’s school with questions.

#44 Megalodon: Why Did the Giant Shark Go Extinct?

Science Mini Spark

Have you ever imagined swimming with the biggest shark that ever lived? Meet the Megalodon, a prehistoric shark that was as long as two school buses! Scientists believe it ruled the oceans for millions of years—but today, it’s completely extinct. What happened to this incredible predator?

Spark Your Learning!

1. Set up your Science Mini Spark recording page: #44 Megalodon: Why Did the Giant Shark Go Extinct?

2. Before learning about Megalodon, answer these questions.

  1. What do you already know about sharks?
  2. How do you think an animal as large as Megalodon survived?
  3. Why do you think giant animals sometimes become extinct?

3. Read the National Geographic Kids article: Megalodon Facts

As you read, write down:

  • Three amazing facts about Megalodon.
  • Two ways Megalodon was different from today’s great white shark.
  • One question you still have.

4. Watch the video: Why Did Megalodon Go Extinct?

While watching, record evidence that answers these questions:

  • What changes happened in Earth’s oceans?
  • How did climate change affect Megalodon?
  • Why did food become harder to find?
  • What new predators competed with Megalodon?
  • Which reason do scientists think was the biggest cause of extinction?

5. Draw a size comparison showing:

  • You
  • A great white shark
  • A Megalodon

Label the approximate lengths of each.

6. Turn your completed Mini Spark into your teacher or EY Coordinator.

Check out the Shark Study badge at the EY Website.

Learn about the myth of Dakuwaqa in this Language Arts mini spark.

Ocean Awareness- Bow Seat contest OPENING IN SEPT 2026

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

Prompt for 2027: TBD

Contest Overview

The Contest deadline : TBD
Ages 11-18
Submissions are accepted in:
  • Visual Art: Handcrafted
  • Visual Art: Digital
  • Poetry & Spoken Word
  • Creative Writing
  • Film
  • Performing Arts: Music & Dance
  • Interactive & Multimedia

Rules and guidelines to look over carefully-https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/how-to-enter/#submissionrequirements 

Past winners-https://bowseat.org/gallery/

Please reach out to the EY teacher in your school if you need help

Origami Workshops-Hosted on Zoom

Events & Contests, Other Events & Contests

Origami Connect is OrigamiUSA’s program of online classes, open to anyone anywhere in the world, whether or not you are a member of OrigamiUSA. All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Check out  exciting workshop opportunities for folders of all ages.

The events are held virtually throughout the year.

Main Event Website-https://origamiusa.org/connect

Make an account to register https://origamiusa.org/connect-registration

 

 

 

#65: Make a Maze

Full STEAM Ahead

A maze is a puzzle made of pathways, twists, turns, and dead ends. People have enjoyed solving mazes for thousands of years, from ancient labyrinths to giant hedge mazes and even digital games. In this Mini Spark, you will explore different kinds of mazes and then become an engineer by designing your own marble maze!

Spark Your Learning!

1. Set up your STEAM Mini Spark recording page: #45: Make a Maze

2.  Learn about mazes by reading the Maze Fact Sheet.

As you read, record:

  • Three facts you learned about mazes.
  • One fact that surprised you.

When you are done, scroll to the bottom of this page to see some answer options.

3. Try to solve a few mazes with your eyes only!

Record:

    • Which maze was your favorite.
    • Which maze was the most challenging.
    • One strategy that helped you solve a maze.

4. Watch this video to learn how to make a marble maze. Record the materials you will need. Ask you teacher for help collecting the materials.

5. Create your own marble maze.

Your maze should:

    • Have a clear start and finish.
    • Include at least 3 turns.
    • Have at least 1 obstacle or challenge.
    • Successfully guide a marble from start to finish.

6. Test your maze and make improvements.

Record:

      • What worked well.
      • What did not work well.
      • One change you made to improve your design.

7. Submit your completed Mini Spark recording page and a photo of your marble maze to your teacher or EY Coordinator.

There is a Maze Design badge to try at the EY website.

Suggested Answers for Step 2

  • Mazes and labyrinths are not exactly the same thing.
  • One of the earliest recorded mazes was the Egyptian Labyrinth.
  • The legend of Theseus and the Minotaur takes place in a labyrinth on Crete.
  • Scientists have used mazes to study how animals learn.
  • The world’s largest permanent hedge maze is located in Hawaii.

Your answers may be different if you found other interesting facts!

#43: Fingerprints

Uncategorized

Did you know that no two people have exactly the same fingerprints? Fingerprints help identify people and are used by scientists, law enforcement, and even the technology we use every day. Fingerprints are one type of biometric, a unique physical characteristic that can be used to recognize a person. In this Mini Spark, you will learn about fingerprints and discover how biometrics are used in the modern world.

Spark Your Learning!

1. Set up your Science Mini Spark recording page: #43: Fingerprints. Answer this questions: Why do you think every person has different fingerprints?

2. Watch this video.  How do the different patterns of fingerprints get started?

 

3. Create a Fingerprint Mini Dictionary.

Choose at least 8 vocabulary words from the video.

For each word, include:

  • The term
  • A definition in your own words
  • A small illustration or symbol

Example:

Fingerprint

The pattern of ridges on the tip of a finger that is unique to each person.

4. Biometrics are physical traits that can be used to identify a person. Examples include:

  • Fingerprints
  • Facial recognition
  • Iris scans
  • Voice recognition

Record these on your recording page. Next to each on, think of a real life example of when they would be used.  When you are done, scroll to the bottom of this post to see some suggested answers.

5. Choose 2 questions to answer

Can you think of another way biometrics might be used in the future to make life easier or safer?

Why are fingerprints useful for identifying people?

How are fingerprints used in technology today?

Do you think biometrics are helpful? Why or why not?

6. Submit your completed Mini Spark notebook pages and Fingerprint Mini Dictionary to your teacher or EY Coordinator.

To learn more about biometrics, complete the biometrics badge at the EY website.

examples for Step 4:

Biometric Tool How It Identifies a Person Real-Life Example
Fingerprints Uses the unique ridges and patterns on a person’s fingers. Unlocking a smartphone with a fingerprint sensor.
Facial Recognition Uses measurements and features of a person’s face. Opening a phone with Face ID or checking in at some airports.
Iris Scans Uses the unique pattern in the colored part of the eye. Security access at research labs, government buildings, or some international airports.
Voice Recognition Uses the unique characteristics of a person’s voice. Asking Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant to recognize your voice.