CILC Calendar of Events

Community of Learning

Chinese Folktales

by Author Marty Chan

Marty brings Chinese folktales to life using tech tricks, improv and audience participation.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Mountain - Swamp Trek: a Habitat Adventure!

by South Carolina Aquarium

Start at the top of the mountains, meet our resident river otters and learn all about their special adaptations. Then travel to the swamp and discover the differences and similarities between these two amazing habitats! Meet many different animals along the way

For Grades K-6

Fighting for Freedom:  Nisei Soldiers in World War II - FREE

by National Museum of the U.S. Army

Learn about the courageous men and women of Japanese ancestry from Hawaii and the mainland United States who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, while some of their families were placed in War Relocation Authority Confinement Sites.

Second generation Japanese Americans, known as Nisei, demanded the right to join the armed forces during World War II. On February 9, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt ordered the relocation of Japanese Americans living on the west coast. 122,000 men, women, and children were sent to incarceration camps throughout the United States. Further, the government classified males of Japanese ancestry as enemy aliens. This classification disqualified them from military service. The Army later loosened this restriction in June 1942. Despite the odds, thousands of Nisei Soldiers bravely served in World War II.

During this Virtual Field Trip, explore the commitment, challenges, and sacrifices of the Nisei Soldiers. Participants will also examine Executive Order 9906, its impact on Japanese Americans living on the west coast and how military service was used as a strategy to advance civil rights.

For Grades 4 -12

Community of Learning

Great Ocean Voyage: Shark Adaptations

by South Carolina Aquarium

Walk through the Aquarium and learn about stingray adaptations in The Shallows. Then “dive into” the deepest tank in North America: our Great Ocean Tank! The Great Ocean Tank holds four different shark species and over 550 individual animals. Learn all about the adaptations that help sharks to survive, and how they should be protected -- not feared!

For Grades K-6

Opening Astronaut Panel at Space Education Summit

by ARES Learning

Join the opening session of the seventh Space Education Summit, a conference-style online event. Hear from a panel of three astronauts representing a variety of space companies and launch vehicles. Panelists share the career trajectories that brought them to space, as well as their advice for educators and students, with opportunities for Q&A. Several breakout sessions follow as part of a larger full day agenda. 
Join us for an in depth 12 week Space Education online course: https://areslearning.com/course/ 
 

For Educators

Community of Learning

Look & Discover

by Cleveland Museum of Art

Explore the museum's collection through this general introductory experience designed to examine artworks from many time periods and cultures.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Cave Creatures

by Great Basin National Park Foundation

Go on a short virtual tour of Great Basin National Park, then become a cave detective to explore what organisms can survive in the cold, dark environment of Lehman Caves. Gain a deeper understanding of how animal adaptations are linked to specific environments.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Letters from a '49er: John Robertson Maben and the Search for California Gold!

by Virginia Museum of History and Culture

In 1849, John Robertson Maben traveled to California in search of gold. In a series of thirteen letters, Maben describes his travels to his wife, Sarah. These letters are especially vivid as Maben was witness to events both momentous and mundane. He wrote of the cholera epidemic of 1849, the great St. Louis fire that same year, and the excitement and brutality of the California gold fields. In this program, students will join Maben on his journey, interpreting his letters, tracing his travels on a nineteenth-century map, and examining the landscape.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

The colors of Yoga: Chakras

by Bestemming Yoga

Discover the chakra system- the energy centers within the body. Learn about the colors and symbolism of each one.

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Intro to Yin Yoga

by Bestemming Yoga

Immerse yourself in the calming and meditative practice of Yin Yoga, focusing on long-held poses that target deep connective tissues. This class invites stillness and introspection, promoting balance and flexibility in both body and mind.

For Lifelong Learners

Global Online Doctoral Support & Networking Sessions

by DelMarVa Digital Learning Association

Facilitated by the DelMarVa Digital Learning Association, these monthly sessions are dedicated to building a supportive community for U.S.-based and international students pursuing or considering a terminal degree. Whether you're just starting, in the middle, or nearing the end of your doctoral journey, this is your space to: Connect with doctoral scholar-practitioners and candidates. Share insights and suggestions. Gain guidance and support

For Doctoral Students

Community of Learning

Wolf Pup 101

by International Wolf Center

Ever wondered what it’s like to grow up as a wolf? Step into the shoes of our wolf care staff and follow our Ambassador wolves through their first year of life. You will learn all about the stages of pup development and what it takes to raise wolves here at the International Wolf Center!

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

George Washington Carver: Struggle for Education - FREE

by George Washington Carver National Monument

Join a park ranger and learn about George Washington Carver’s educational journey and the obstacles he faced to earn a Master’s degree and become one of the most well-known African American scientists.

For Lifelong Learners

Homeschool History Seminar - Crime Scene at Jamestown

by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Can you solve a “cold case” from over 400 years ago? Determine if John Smith’s gunpowder injury was an accident or sabotage using primary and secondary sources. Learn more about life at James Fort while examining the motive, means, and opportunity of different witnesses. The seminar is $10.

For Homeschool K - 6

Community of Learning

Magnificent Migrators

by Aquarium of the Pacific

Join us as we explore some of the wild adventures and travels that many marie animals make in their lifetime. Explore the reasons that animals might travel great distances, the adaptations that help them, and draw along with us to mark the momentous occasion of these magnificent migrators.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Animal Adaptations

by Toledo Zoo

Adaptations are amazing! Explore and learn the many traits that animals need to help them survive in the wild as we visit exhibits and meet live animals. All Toledo Zoo Programs include a live tour of an animal exhibit with a knowledgeable guide and time for interaction with participants.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Water Those? Aquatic Invasive Species!

by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

This program will introduce students to the concept of a food web in an aquatic ecosystem. Students will also discover how invasive species like zebra and quagga mussels can disrupt those food webs in the Great Lakes. Rangers will use props and activities to keep students engaged throughout the program.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

George Washington Carver - The Scientist (lab)

by George Washington Carver NM

This lesson focuses on the scientific and humanitarian work of George Washington Carver during his years at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. After a review of his work promoting soil conservation, the park ranger will demonstrate how to make peanut milk, incorporating the scientific method.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Mob vs Spy: Crime Scene Investigation

by Mob and Spy Museum

Discover crime-solving with The Mob Museum and the International Spy Museum!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Spiders! Participate in A Folktale Using Sign Language! Do Action Science - Webs, Food, Body Parts

by Author Valerie Marsh

Use sign language and participate in a folktale story about spiders and their webs! Then become an arachnologist (spider scientist) and learn some fun spiders facts with Miss Liz the Science Wiz. Simulate actual spider behavior while exploring a spider web that you created!

For Grades K-6

“The Long Road to Freedom” : The U.S. Army and Juneteenth – FREE

by National Museum of the U.S. Army

In June 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas with roughly 2,000 Union Soldiers. Though his main goal was to bring an end to the Civil War and welcome Texas back into the Union, he had another objective. On June 19, Granger issued General Orders No. 3 declaring that “the people of Texas are informed in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States all slaves are free.” While the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln legally freed slaves throughout the Confederate States, Texas resisted for two years. Granger’s order had the effect of liberating 250,000 people who had been in enslaved in Texas.

Juneteenth, alternatively known as Jubilee Day and Emancipation Day, became one of multiple local holidays commemorating the official end of slavery at different points throughout the South. For the Army, it also honors Black Soldiers who fought and sacrificed to ensure the Constitution fulfilled its promise to all Americans.

Discover the role of the U.S. Army in the liberation of enslaved persons throughout the Confederacy. Explore the courageous, selfless, and dedicated service by Black Soldiers that cemented the gains provided by the Civil War and opened the door to widespread military service for Black men in the U.S. Army.

For Grades 9 -12

Community of Learning

Movement and Motion

by Pro Football Hall of Fame

This program examines the relationship of science and the game of professional football. Straight line movement, zig-zags, circular motion, back & forth, pushing & pulling - all movements that influence the sport.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

!LIVE: Sharks

by Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Join us for a jawsome virtual animal encounter where you’ll dive deep into the world of sharks. Meet the shark species we care for at Mote Aquarium, including bonnetheads, sandbars, nurses, blacknoses, and more, along with their cousins—the skates and rays. Then uncover the secrets of the shark lifecycle and how we care for these incredible creatures. Finally, see where our science meets conservation to ensure the future of these vital ocean dwellers.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Sharks with Wonders of Wildlife

by Wonders of Wildlife

Join Wonders of Wildlife as we explore and learn all about sharks!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Alex Says - Yoga Game

by Bestemming Yoga

Incorporating music with a freeze dance, students will freeze in a yoga pose testing their pose memory!

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Designing your yoga playlist

by Bestemming Yoga

Practice the art of crafting a yoga playlist that complements your flow, enhances focus, and sets the tone for your practice. Explore tips for selecting music that aligns with different yoga styles and moods.

For Lifelong Learners

Community of Learning

To See Is to Think

by Smithsonian American Art Museum

In a world filled with images, it is important to be visually literate. While exploring artworks that represent various time periods, styles, and mediums, students will: (1) build a visual vocabulary and learn how to form interpretations based on visual evidence and (2) build visual literacy by examining the deliberate choices artists make in their work and why.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Art of Sea Monsters

by Explore Natural History: University of Nebraska State Museum

Become a scientific illustrator and bring ancient fossils to life, through art! Look as the ancient sea life that once roamed the great plains and try your hand at representing the fossil record through art!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Photography as Art: The History of Daguerreotype Photography

by Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

In 1839, the French artist Louis Daguerre announced the development of a new process to create photographs on silver plates. Named after its creator, daguerreotype photography took the world by storm. In this program, Historian and Curator Nick Sacco will discuss the history and science behind the first commercial form of photography ever invented. He will highlight numerous daguerreotype photographers and their work, including three daguerreotype photographs of Ulysses S. Grant from the 1840s.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

The Three Sisters: American Indian Stories

by Booth Western Art Museum

Learn about The Three Sisters through American Indian oral tradition and artmaking! Participants will learn about the Haudenosaunee/Iroquois and Cherokee people's dependency on three important crops while examining the science behind these resources. Participants will discuss the message of the story of The Three Sisters and act out the story with simple, guided movements-- using artwork as an inspiration. Participants complete the program with their own artwork! Original illustrations and hands-on interaction bring this program to life for younger students!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Illustrating Poe

by The Poe Museum

Students will listen to and read a selection of Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry including "Alone," "Annabel Lee," and "Eldorado.” Throughout the reading, students will pay attention to the imagery in the poems. Then, students will create their own artwork inspired by the poems and showcase their creations to their fellow classmates

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Solar System Investigation

by Bell Museum of Natural History

Tour the solar system and make observations about the celestial bodies we visit. Use those observations to guess the name of each destination: from Mars to the moons of Saturn! Students will gain a new understanding of how the solar system was formed and the forces that keep it in motion.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Solar System Science

by Science Central

What are the components of our solar system? How are planets similar and different? Journey through the solar system without leaving your seat.

For Grades K-6

History in the Books

by Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Connect with fellow teachers in the pursuit of integrating social studies and literacy instruction in a purposeful, engaging and dynamic way. We’ll dive into books about the American Revolution that you may already be using in the classroom and discover new books that will encourage a passion for history and literacy in your students. This session we will discuss "The Redcoats are Coming" by Merianne Hering (Adventure in the Odyssey Series) and "I Survived the American Revolution" by Lauren Tarshis.

For Teacher Professional Development

Community of Learning

Mindful Movement and Breathing

by Bestemming Yoga

Introducing simple breathing exercises paired with gentle movements.

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Restorative lengthening

by Bestemming Yoga

Restore and lengthen your body with a series of gentle, supportive poses designed to release tension and improve posture. This session focuses on relaxation and alignment to help ease your mind and body.

For Lifelong Learners

Community of Learning

The History of Sports in the Midwest

by The Durham Museum

Students will hear little known stories about the history of different sports in the mid-west region of the United States. Sports included in this program are, the history of college world series baseball, horse racing, women's softball, and the story of many black athletes that rose to fame during the civil rights era.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Popculture Through Baseball Cards & Language

by National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum

Explore the advent of baseball cards, their connection to tobacco and gum products, and their evolution into the modern day baseball card. Students will also learn about baseball terminology that has become part of everyday conversation in the classroom and workplace.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Healthy Hearts

by Byrnes Health Education

Students will learn how exercise strengthens the heart, lungs, bones, muscles and other body systems. Through active participation, students will learn about the components of physical fitness.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Monster Mania

by Author Marty Chan

Storyteller and author Marty Chan shares monster myth tales and guides kids through the steps to creating their own mythical monsters.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Moat Monsters and Oozlefinches

by Fort Monroe Authority

A 200 year old fort can hold a lot of mysteries! Could there be a monster lurking in the moat? Is there such thing as an oozlefinch bird? Learn about the history of Fort Monroe's mysterious creature sightings and how they live on today.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Why are Australian animals so weird?

by Australian Environmental Education

Discover some amazing animals that only live in Australia and why they are so different to other parts of the world.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

George Washington Carver: Struggle for Education - FREE

by George Washington Carver NM

This lesson focuses on numerous obstacles George Washington Carver faced and overcame in order to earn his education and how he became a role model of perseverance and success.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Skeletal Secrets

by South Carolina Aquairum

Did you know that skulls are handy for much more than just fun Halloween decorations? In fact, skulls can tell us a lot about the diet and habits of different species. Let’s decode some of the tales beneath the scales!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Tusker Power!

by Explore Natural History: University of Nebraska State Museum

Dive into the natural history of the heartland of the USA! Think like a paleontologist, examine ancient elephant fossils, and explore the ancient life found right here in yoru backyard!

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Rock On! The Secret Life of Rocks & Minerals

by CMU Museum of Cultural & Natural History

How are rocks created? Are minerals and rocks the same thing? What are fossils? Use our geology specimens to help answer some of these questions! This interactive program will explore the intricate processes that occur on earth that lead to the formation of rocks, landforms and fossils.

For Grades K-6

Community of Learning

Standing and Balancing

by Bestemming Yoga

Alone or with an option partner, students will practice a variety of standing and balancing poses! Helps to build trust and patience.

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Using Blocks

by Bestemming Yoga

Discover the versatility of yoga blocks in enhancing your practice by providing support, stability, and deepening your stretches. This workshop demos ways to use blocks for all levels of yoga.

For Lifelong Learners

Community of Learning

Arm strength challenge

by Bestemming Yoga

From plank to downward facing dog to dolphin and a few poses in between, shoulders and arms will be strengthened. We will focus an form and perseverance!

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Using Bolsters

by Bestemming Yoga

Learn how to incorporate bolsters into your practice to facilitate relaxation, alignment, and comfort. Perfect for restorative and yin yoga, bolsters provide gentle support to help you ease into poses.

For Lifelong Learners

Community of Learning

Leg strength quest

by Bestemming Yoga

Using our imagination, accompanied by an inspirational playlist, together we will build leg strength pretending to climb or explore rugged terrain.

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Using Straps

by Bestemming Yoga

Enhance your yoga practice with straps to improve flexibility, assist in poses, and support alignment. This session is ideal for exploring new possibilities in your stretches and deepening your practice.

For Lifelong Learners

Community of Learning

Gratitude and Relaxation Yoga Circle

by Bestemming Yoga

In a circle, we practice gratitude-themed and relaxation poses. Cultivating a sense of gratitude and belonging, students can share one thing they are thankful for as we conclude in child's pose.

For Grades K-6

Roam from Home

Writing Yoga Mantras

by Bestemming Yoga

Tap into your creativity and inner wisdom by learning how to write meaningful yoga mantras. This workshop guides you through crafting personalized affirmations to inspire your practice and daily life.

For Lifelong Learners

Roam from Home

Chat with a Ranger

by Zion National Park

Zion National Park is a place with massive sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, unique wildlife and plants, and a rich history. Learn about Zion National Park, the National Park Service, and the unique ecosystems and history of the southwest as they interact in live time with a uniformed ranger.

For Lifelong Learners