The struggle with feeling different from everyone else is universal. This lesson is presented to illustrate the positive aspects of being unique. Using humorous aliens and silly stories, students are also presented with the subject of peer pressure and how it can be overcome.

"Setting the Stage" - Before starting the program, ask the students: What do you think it would be like if everyone looked exactly alike? Would it be fun? Would it seem strange? What is special about you?

"Intro to Feelings"
This program introduces an alien character named Dax, who is reluctant to go to school because he thinks he is different. He's afraid everyone will laugh at him because of his different physical features. Although the creatures are wildly out of the ordinary, children can identify with the feelings of being 'different'. This is a good opportunity to encourage students to talk about these feelings in general terms.

"Traveling to Planet Boring"
Touch-screen - The story of Dax continues with a touch screen maze. Dax and his mother are going on a trip into outer space. His mother wants to show Dax the planet Boring, where everyone is the same. Students move Dax and his mother through space from planet to planet until they reach the correct one. As each planet is chosen, dialog will tell the students whether it is planet Boring or not. When each planet looks the same, it is difficult to make a choice. Then, when the planets all look different and colorful, the choices are easier to make.

"On Planet Boring"
As Mom and Dax arrive on planet Boring, they are met by creatures that all look the same. This is an exaggerated story to illustrate how absurd it would be if everyone were the same.
Hands-on activity - Students are given two pictures of alien faces to make masks. One alien will be from the planet Boring. Following directions as given on the Learning Station, students role-play the characters from Boring.
Videotaping activity - Videotape the students as they role-play, encouraging them to act the same, talk the same, and look the same……be boring. Then, using the second mask, students can use their creativity to be as different and imaginative as possible. Talk about how much more fun it is to be creative and unique.

"Dax At School"
Dax has decided he might be ready to go to school and meet the other students. When he meets the others, he finds out that not only does everyone look different, but that everyone likes to participate in different activities, too.

"Everyone Likes Different Activities"
Physical activity - As directed by the dialog, students perform a variety of exercises, such as jumping jacks, wiggling, and marching. They then are encouraged to talk about which activity they liked best. As the dialog asks how many like which activity, the teacher can count the votes. Talk about how everyone had his or her own opinion and no one was right and no one was wrong. Talk about how people can have fun together, even while participating in an activity that may not be a favorite.

"We Are All Different"
Videotaping activity - After discussing the 'votes', students are asked to think of something that makes each one of them different or unique. Encourage the students to create full sentences about something unique or special about themselves. Videotape their presentations. This is a good opportunity to encourage the quiet or shy child to build confidence by expressing his or her unique abilities or traits.

"Dax at the Park"
This is a story about peer pressure. Dax and his new friends are playing at the park. A new character pressures Dax into riding the Zipper ride, even though everyone knows it is against the rules. Children can identify with peer pressure. This is a good opportunity to talk about how Dax should handle the situation. Listen carefully to the questions presented and encourage the students to use their problem-solving skills to help Dax make a decision. As Dax breaks the rules and rides the forbidden ride, he becomes ill. Talk about the lesson Dax learned and how lucky he was not to be hurt.

"Rules to Keep You Safe"
This segment encourages discussion regarding the purpose of rules. Talk about how rules are not just arbitrary, but are often made to keep children safe. Simple universal signs on the Learning Station illustrate some safety rules. Talk about what students think each sign is telling them. Ask the students to describe other examples of signs and/or rules they encounter at school or at home.

"Two Monsters"
Two silly monsters, each looking quite unique, are envious of each other's appearance. While they are busy being envious, they are missing the opportunity to be friends. Encourage the students to talk about how complicated feelings can be. This can also be an opportunity to talk about how something we may see as a negative trait is actually seen by others as a wonderful feature.

"Before You Go Home"
Hands-on activity - A handout (provided on disk) of the story of Dax and his friends at the park can be colored, cut out and put in the correct sequence or order to create a book to take home. Encourage the students to talk about what they learned about peer pressure.

Before Students Go Home - Review
Talk about something that is special about YOU.
How would you handle it if someone tries to get you to do something you know you shouldn't? (peer pressure review)
What is something very special that you like to do?

Supply List for Activities
"Today I Learned" - parents handout
handouts of alien masks - 2 per student to color - one 'boring' and one creatively
crayons, markers, scissors, ribbon (to tie masks) and other supplies to decorate alien masks
coloring cutouts (on disk) to assemble into a booklet - Dax at the park
Videotape