Beyond the Chalkboard

Afterschool and homeschool leaders often crave ready-made, hands-on lessons that feel museum-quality without needing museum budgets. Beyond the Chalkboard is an online lesson bank created by staff at the Boston Children’s Museum, offering hundreds of free activities across science, literacy, culture, art, and more.  Each lesson is designed for group settings, but most can be adapted for families or co-ops with clear instructions and supply lists. Parents like that activities emphasize critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world connections. It’s ideal for roughly ages 5–12 and works well for club leaders or caregivers who need low-cost, high-quality projects. The site’s layout is a bit utilitarian, and you’ll need to spend time browsing and printing, but the value per lesson is outstanding. Pro tip: pick one theme—like bridges or global games—and run a short series of sessions rather than hopping randomly between activities.