Core Programs

Core Programs are flexible, arts-integrated learning experiences that bring the GLS approach into classrooms through focused, high-impact projects. Designed for shorter timeframes, these programs still center on creativity, collaboration, and global connection while being easy for schools to implement.

Global Grooves: A Silent Disco Project

Move. Reflect. Connect.
Global Grooves is a joyful, one-week classroom experience designed to unite students through the power of music, creativity, and cultural expression. Adapted for elementary, middle, and high school levels, this project culminates in an unforgettable Silent Disco Dance Party—an inclusive celebration of identity, movement, and global connection.

🎧 Available for Grades K–12
📅 1-Week Curriculum with Daily Activities
🎶 Includes Printable Guides, Custom Playlists, and Digital Extras

Fly Me to the Moon

Global Lighthouse Studios proudly presents Fly Me to the Moon, an imaginative STEAM-based program that introduces elementary students to space innovation through the integration of cutting-edge technology, visual arts, music, storytelling, and hands-on design. This interdisciplinary initiative invites students to dream big and explore space as both scientists and artists, cultivating their curiosity, creativity, and collaboration skills.

Global Storytellers

Global Lighthouse Studios believes deeply in the power of storytelling to build cross-cultural understanding and inspire positive change. Our workshops empower students to develop their voice and share international perspectives on important issues. Global Storytellers will take place online over 8-12 weeks per semester. Participants will dive into researching a global challenge, then work individually and collaboratively to craft narratives, songs, videos or other media sharing what they've learned from diverse lenses. Experts will provide insights into best practices for using various storytelling formats to raise awareness, share diverse perspectives, and celebrate cultural diversity with broader audiences online and beyond. Students will also learn practical skills like interviewing, scriptwriting, and using media tools and platforms.

Just Like Ancient Times

Global Lighthouse Studios believes deeply in the power of storytelling to build cross-cultural understanding and inspire positive change. Our workshops empower students to develop their voice and share international perspectives on important issues. Global Storytellers will take place online over 8-12 weeks per semester. Participants will dive into researching a global challenge, then work individually and collaboratively to craft narratives, songs, videos or other media sharing what they've learned from diverse lenses. Experts will provide insights into best practices for using various storytelling formats to raise awareness, share diverse perspectives, and celebrate cultural diversity with broader audiences online and beyond. Students will also learn practical skills like interviewing, scriptwriting, and using media tools and platforms.

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Course Content:

In this innovative and hands-on unit, students will immerse themselves in space-inspired activities that merge science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Highlights include:

Cosmic Creators: Art, Music, and Storytelling Through Space Exploration

The Lady Rocket Foundation’s space, arts, and music curriculum is designed to inspire young minds by merging creativity with space exploration and technology. This innovative program encourages students to explore space through artistic and musical expression, fostering a deeper understanding of the universe.

Students will embark on a multidisciplinary journey, translating cosmic wonders into artistic creations, including visual art, photography, videography, and music composition. They will collaborate with professional musicians, scientists, and artists, exploring how technology—such as digital music production and visual arts—connects creative fields with the infinite vastness of space.

This curriculum embodies the Lady Rocket Foundation’s vision of empowering young people through “edutainment” (education and entertainment), making learning about space engaging and accessible.

Introduction to Space and Creative Expression
Cosmic Soundscapes: Music Inspired by Space
Visual Arts and Cosmic Imagery
Nature and Sound Mapping
Photography and Videography of Space-Inspired Projects
Designing Spacecraft: Engineering Meets Art
Launch Simulations: Rockets and Sound Design
Landing on Mars: Collaborative Art and Technology
Global Showcase of Space, Arts, and Music
Reflection and Feedback

Reflect on the integration of space science with arts and music.
Participate in peer feedback and collaborative discussions to enhance learning.

Exclusive Student Experiences

Live Rocket Launch at Cape Canaveral
Students will witness a real rocket launch, experiencing the excitement of space travel firsthand while learning from aerospace professionals about the future of interplanetary exploration.
Formula One Miami Events
Students will attend Formula One Miami events, gaining insights into high-performance engineering, aerodynamics, and the connection between space and motorsports technology. They will engage with engineers and innovators who apply aerospace principles to race car design.

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Course Content:

Enter the captivating world of digital storytelling with our "Global Storytellers" course, where students will delve into the art of visual and auditory expression. From using cameras to learning new editing software, students will harness the power of technology to bring their stories to life through photography, videography, podcasting, and animation. Throughout this course, you'll not only refine your technical skills but also explore the limitless possibilities of digital media alongside fellow storytellers. With guidance from industry experts, you'll have the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and push the boundaries of storytelling in the digital age. Don't miss this chance to embark on a creative adventure compelling narratives that resonate with audiences far and wide.

Stop Motion with Everyday Objects
Paper Animation Flipbooks
Digital Animation Apps
Claymation
Storyboarding
Podcasting
Green Screen Animation
Digital Puppetry
Story-based Animation Projects
Collaborative Animations

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Course Content:

Enter the captivating world of digital storytelling with our "Global Storytellers" course, where students will delve into the art of visual and auditory expression. From using cameras to learning new editing software, students will harness the power of technology to bring their stories to life through photography, videography, podcasting, and animation. Throughout this course, you'll not only refine your technical skills but also explore the limitless possibilities of digital media alongside fellow storytellers. With guidance from industry experts, you'll have the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and push the boundaries of storytelling in the digital age. Don't miss this chance to embark on a creative adventure compelling narratives that resonate with audiences far and wide.

Stop Motion with Everyday Objects
Paper Animation Flipbooks
Digital Animation Apps
Claymation
Storyboarding
Podcasting
Green Screen Animation
Digital Puppetry
Story-based Animation Projects
Collaborative Animations

Little City Planners

Little City Planners is a joyful, hands-on, and interdisciplinary experience that introduces our youngest elementary students to the fascinating world of creating maps. Through stories, songs, maps, and model-making, students explore how people in their own neighborhoods work together to imagine a thriving community!

By blending social studies, science, storytelling, and the arts, young learners begin to see themselves as real-life “city planners” with the creativity and empathy to design cities that care for people and the planet.

The experience culminates in a “Future Cities Museum Day,” where students present their own imagined cities. Each model includes buildings, jobs, places to play, showing how even the youngest citizens can help shape the future.

International Medley Music

The Music Module, in collaboration with the David Z Foundation, aims to cultivate lifelong creative skills through music. The module begins with music theory and progresses to music structure and rhythm, culminating in a practical

component where students write, compose, score, record, edit, and mix a music track to create a music video. By integrating the skills acquired in the preceding modules, learners collaborate with renowned recording artists to produce

a music video, which serves as a tangible accomplishment and can have a transformative impact on their lives, leaving a lasting impression and cherished memory.

Water is Life

Global Lighthouse Studios proudly presents "Water is Life," a program that addresses the critical global issues of clean water and sanitation alongside hunger and malnutrition. This program is in partnership with Formidable Joy who provide clean water solutions for the people of Malawi, Africa. This initiative highlights the essential role clean water plays in food production, proper nutrition, and the improvement of hygiene practices.

Students will explore what "clean water" and "food security" mean in their own communities, comparing these findings with global perspectives. They will also have the unique opportunity to interact with field experts and work on creative, action-oriented projects that integrate arts, music, and technology. These projects aim to raise awareness and inspire tangible solutions to these pressing issues.

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Course Content:

Step into the world of musical expression with our "International Medley Music" course, where students dive deep into the realm of music and song creation. From learning about instruments to gaining an understanding of music theory, students will embark on a journey encompassing all the essential steps of crafting their own original songs and accompanying videos. In this course, you'll not only refine your musical skills but also explore the intricacies of the creative process alongside their classmates. With guidance from industry professionals, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and unlock their full creative abilities.

Songwriting Workshops
Music Composition Classes:
Instrument Exploration: Bandlab
Collaborating with Musicians and Singers:
Video Production Basics:
Filming and Directing Music Videos:
Video Editing and Post-production:
Music Video Screening and Feedback: Global Premiere
Music Education Outreach
Guest Musicians and Singers:

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Course Content:

In this impactful unit, students will explore the global challenges of clean water and sanitation by researching regions that face significant struggles with water access. Through their investigations, they will gain a deeper understanding of how clean water affects food security, public health, and community resilience.

To amplify their findings, students will create public service announcements (PSAs) that educate others on these critical issues. These PSAs will provide valuable insights into the social, environmental, and economic consequences of water scarcity, while also highlighting actionable solutions and inspiring community engagement.

By combining research with creative communication, students will not only enhance their understanding of this pressing global challenge but also become advocates for change, spreading awareness about the importance of clean water for all.

Media Campaigns

Video PSA
Social Media Campaign
Digital Campaign
Audio PSA
Animation

SDG Capstone Innovating for a Better World

SDG Capstone: Innovating for a Better World is a culminating, student-centered inquiry unit that empowers seniors to explore their passions and address a global or local issue aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students will select one SDG that resonates with their interests and design a project that blends research, innovation, and creative expression through a STEAM lens.

Using project-based learning and IB-style inquiry, students will investigate real-world problems, engage with experts, prototype solutions, and present their findings through a multimedia exhibition. The capstone encourages student agency, global awareness, and prepares learners for college, careers, and civic engagement.

Blueprints of Change: Designing the Future Through Story, Structure and Sound

Blueprints of Change is a dynamic, interdisciplinary project-based learning module that invites 11th grade students to explore how human stories, architecture, and innovation shape and are shaped by the societies we build. Fusing design, engineering, literature, and the arts, students will investigate how built environments reflect identity, equity, and change across time and cultures.

In this immersive program, students will study architectural movements, analyze literary texts and personal narratives, and research emerging sustainability technologies. They’ll create digital blueprints, written narratives, and sound compositions that tell the story of a future city rooted in the past but ready for tomorrow.

Water is Life

Global Lighthouse Studios proudly presents "Water is Life," a program that addresses the critical global issues of clean water and sanitation alongside hunger and malnutrition. This program is in partnership with Formidable Joy who provide clean water solutions for the people of Malawi, Africa. This initiative highlights the essential role clean water plays in food production, proper nutrition, and the improvement of hygiene practices.

Students will explore what "clean water" and "food security" mean in their own communities, comparing these findings with global perspectives. They will also have the unique opportunity to interact with field experts and work on creative, action-oriented projects that integrate arts, music, and technology. These projects aim to raise awareness and inspire tangible solutions to these pressing issues.

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Key Components:

SDG Exploration and Selection
Research and Inquiry (Guided by Essential Questions)
Design Thinking & Prototyping
STEAM Integration (Engineering, Technology, Data, Art & Music)
Fieldwork and Interviews
Reflection and Journaling
Final Public Showcase and Presentation

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The unit culminates in a live or virtual “Design for Tomorrow” exhibition, featuring student-built models, accompanying written reflections, soundscapes, and original poetry or short stories that reflect diverse voices, systems thinking, and interdisciplinary understanding.

By integrating storytelling with STEAM disciplines, “Blueprints of Change” builds critical thinking, empathy, and innovation—preparing students to lead in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Students will:

Analyze literary works (novels, poetry, and nonfiction) that explore cities, migration, and identity
Explore key architectural periods (Gothic, Bauhaus, Brutalism, Green architecture)
Study sustainability in design: water systems, energy grids, urban farming, circular economies
Examine the impact of social and political systems on the built environment
Use digital tools (CAD, Tinkercad, Canva, Soundtrap, etc.) to create interactive prototypes and sound design

Reflect and express findings through writing, digital storytelling, and visual/musical art

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Course Content:

In this impactful unit, students will explore the global challenges of clean water and sanitation by researching regions that face significant struggles with water access. Through their investigations, they will gain a deeper understanding of how clean water affects food security, public health, and community resilience.

To amplify their findings, students will create public service announcements (PSAs) that educate others on these critical issues. These PSAs will provide valuable insights into the social, environmental, and economic consequences of water scarcity, while also highlighting actionable solutions and inspiring community engagement.

By combining research with creative communication, students will not only enhance their understanding of this pressing global challenge but also become advocates for change, spreading awareness about the importance of clean water for all.

Media Campaigns

Video PSA
Social Media Campaign
Digital Campaign
Audio PSA
Animation

Echoes of the Earth: A Sonic and Visual Journey

Students will examine geoscience data, primary historical sources, and global challenges like climate change to inspire visual pieces and soundscapes. Working alongside expert artists and educators, students will compose soundtracks, design visual art, and craft stories that highlight the power of creativity to foster empathy and drive positive action toward sustainability and innovation.

One of the highlights of this program is the opportunity for students to present their work in an immersive “gallery showcase,” where visual art, soundscapes, artist statements, and historical research come together. Students will reflect on their learning through short, powerful artist statements that tie their creative work to the scientific and social studies content they explore.

By fusing art, music, and STEAM learning, “Echoes of the Earth” supports the development of new skills digital literacy, global awareness, and self-expression while also promoting community engagement and future-ready thinking.

Words That Move: The Science and Storytelling of Change

Words that Move is an interdisciplinary unit designed to deepen literacy through the STEAM lens. Students explore how storytelling, metaphor, and narrative intersect with scientific innovation, engineering solutions, and digital technology. Using global challenges such as climate change, technological equity, or social justice as a foundation, students analyze nonfiction and literary texts, conduct real-world research, and create multimedia stories, spoken word poetry, or documentary-style videos that blend language arts with science and art.

This unit supports IB Language & Literature and MYP Global Contexts, especially "Scientific and Technical Innovation" and "Personal and Cultural Expression."

Animals on Land: A Global Zoo Connection

Animals on Land: A Global Zoo Connection is a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning experience that invites students from kindergarten through high school to explore the diversity of terrestrial animals and the role zoos play in global conservation. This module integrates science, geography, the arts, and technology to deepen students’ understanding of ecosystems, endangered species, and sustainable practices around the world.

From building digital zoo exhibits and creating animal-inspired art, to researching conservation programs in global zoos—from the Bronx Zoo to Singapore Zoo—students become young stewards of the planet. They will connect with international peers, participate in virtual zoo visits, and reflect on the importance of protecting biodiversity through the lens of UN Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land.

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Course Content:

Students will:

Analyze literary works (novels, poetry, and nonfiction) that explore cities, migration, and identity
Explore key architectural periods (Gothic, Bauhaus, Brutalism, Green architecture)
Study sustainability in design: water systems, energy grids, urban farming, circular economies
Examine the impact of social and political systems on the built environment
Use digital tools (CAD, Tinkercad, Canva, Soundtrap, etc.) to create interactive prototypes and sound design

Reflect and express findings through writing, digital storytelling, and visual/musical art

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Essential Question:

How can stories rooted in science and innovation move people to action and create change?

Unit Objectives:

Students will:

Analyze and interpret nonfiction, informational texts, and literature related to innovation and sustainability.
Research and evaluate current scientific/technological challenges.
Synthesize textual evidence with data to inform persuasive and narrative writing.
Create original artistic works (e.g., digital storytelling, poetry slams, podcasts, zines, graphic essays) that communicate scientific ideas.
Present work using multimedia tools and techniques.

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Grades: K–12 (divided into K–5, 6–8, and 9–12 cohorts)
Core Themes: Animal Science, Biodiversity, Geography, Global Citizenship, Conservation, STEAM, Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land)

Students will explore:

Animal adaptations and habitats across continents
The ethical and ecological role of modern zoos
Careers in zoology, veterinary medicine, and wildlife education
How technology, storytelling, and the arts can raise awareness for conservation

Through hands-on, project-based learning and creative showcases, this program empowers students to think critically, act globally, and express themselves while championing the protection of Earth’s terrestrial life.

Flavors & Fabric: Designing Culture through Cooking, Clothing and Creativity Middle School Edition

In this hands-on, sensory-rich unit, middle school students will explore the intersection of culinary traditions, storytelling, and artistic expression. “Taste & Threads: The Art of Cooking” invites students to examine how food connects us to culture, identity, and creativity. From studying family recipes and community cookbooks to experimenting with plating, kitchen chemistry, and textile patterns inspired by meals, students will discover how cooking is both a science and an art form.

The unit culminates in a collaborative “Iron Chef Jr.” challenge where student teams present original dishes inspired by personal or cultural stories, paired with visual representations (illustrations, textile patterns, or wearable art) that reflect the essence of their culinary journey.

Cultural Crossroads: Storytelling through Art, Film and Global Connection

Cultural Crossroads is an innovative international arts integration program that connects sister towns and cities around the world through the power of documentary filmmaking, original music composition, and storytelling. Designed to foster cultural exchange and deepen students' understanding of their own communities and those of others, this program empowers young creators to document the rich history, traditions, and stories of their hometowns—while also composing original scores that bring these narratives to life.

By collaborating with the Cultural Crossroads: Storytelling Through Film, Music, and Global Connection initiative, students will explore themes of heritage, community, and cultural interconnectedness in their creative process. They will work alongside educators, musicians, and filmmakers to craft visually stunning and musically immersive documentaries that celebrate the unique identities of their communities while highlighting the shared human experience of storytelling and artistic expression.

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Course Content

Students will:

Explore food as a cultural narrative and form of identity
Learn basic cooking techniques and kitchen safety
Analyze how geography and climate influence cuisine
Experiment with food styling, plating, and color theory
Integrate art and fashion design to tell food-based stories
Reflect on their own experiences through journaling, video logs, or recipe scrapbooks

Learning Objectives & Standards

Science (NGSS)

MS-PS1-2: Analyze and interpret data on properties of substances before and after interactions (cooking processes)
MS-ESS3-1: Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how natural resources influence food availability

Social Studies (C3 Framework)

D2.Geo.5.6-8: Analyze how culture and environment influence food practices
D2.Civ.2.6-8: Evaluate civic responsibility in relation to food waste and sustainability

ELA/Literacy (CCSS)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7.3: Write narratives that develop real or imagined experiences
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.5: Include multimedia components in presentations

Arts (National Core Arts Standards)

VA:Cr1.1.6a: Combine concepts collaboratively to generate artistic ideas
TH:Pr6.1.7: Present dramas that communicate culinary stories or traditions

Outcomes

By the end of the unit, students will:

Create a “recipe + story” artifact that blends food, writing, and design
Collaborate on a team to compete in an “Iron Chef Jr.” challenge
Understand food’s role in culture, identity, and sustainability
Gain confidence in kitchen safety and basic culinary skills
Create visual or wearable art inspired by their food creations

Final Showcase: Iron Chef Jr. Exhibition

Live or recorded competition with mystery ingredients
Student teams cook and present a dish inspired by a story or theme
Paired with wearable aprons or textile art inspired by their dish
Community members or local chefs serve as judges or mentors

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Program Goals:

Strengthen global connections between sister towns and cities through collaborative storytelling.
Equip students with the skills to create professional-quality short documentaries that highlight their community’s history, culture, and vision for the future.
Engage students in original film scoring, blending traditional and modern musical influences to create powerful, emotive soundtracks.
Encourage interdisciplinary learning by merging filmmaking, music, history, and the arts.
Provide a platform for students to share their work on an international stage, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and dialogue.

Course Outline:

Introduction to Cultural Storytelling
- Explore how film and music can be used as storytelling tools.
- Learn about the importance of preserving local history and culture through media.
Filmmaking Foundations: Capturing Community Narratives
- Train in videography, interviewing techniques, and documentary storytelling.
- Research and develop a narrative arc for each town or city’s unique story.
- Capture footage of historic sites, cultural traditions, and everyday life.

Composing the Soundtrack: Music as a Narrative Tool
- Collaborate with Global Lighthouse Studios educators to compose original film scores.
- Explore how music evokes emotion and enhances visual storytelling.
- Incorporate cultural and space-inspired elements into compositions.

Editing & Post-Production: Merging Visuals and Sound
- Learn basic video editing techniques, sound design, and post-production workflows.
- Synchronize original scores with film footage for a polished, cohesive final product.

Cultural Exchange and Global Collaboration
- Share works-in-progress with sister cities, exchanging feedback and insights.
- Engage in virtual meetups and collaborative workshops to build global relationships.

Film Premieres & Community Showcases
- Host local and international screenings of student-produced documentaries.
- Participate in global discussions about the power of storytelling to unite communities.
- Submit final films to international film festivals and educational platforms.

Additional Features:

Guest Speakers & Mentors: Students will learn from award-winning filmmakers, composers, and cultural historians who will guide them through the creative process.
Arts & Technology Integration: Utilize cutting-edge digital tools and music production software to enhance storytelling.
International Collaboration Opportunities: Work alongside peers in sister cities to create a global archive of cultural documentaries.

By participating in Cultural Crossroads, students will not only develop technical skills in filmmaking, music composition, and storytelling, but they will also gain a deeper appreciation for their own heritage and the cultures of others. This program fosters global citizenship, artistic innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue, preparing students to be both creators and ambassadors of their communities on an international stage.

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Grades: K–12 (divided into K–5, 6–8, and 9–12 cohorts)
Core Themes: Animal Science, Biodiversity, Geography, Global Citizenship, Conservation, STEAM, Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land)

Students will explore:

Animal adaptations and habitats across continents
The ethical and ecological role of modern zoos
Careers in zoology, veterinary medicine, and wildlife education
How technology, storytelling, and the arts can raise awareness for conservation

Through hands-on, project-based learning and creative showcases, this program empowers students to think critically, act globally, and express themselves while championing the protection of Earth’s terrestrial life.