Current Issues

This lesson consists of two readings on free school meals programs in the United States, reviewing the recent expansion of programs that provide free meals to students and how a state-level initiative to provide free school meals has played out in Minnesota.  Questions for discussion follow each...

This two-part lesson consists of two readings on the efforts to confront mental health stigma in the United States. Each reading is followed by a post-reading microlab activity where students discuss mental health issues in their own lives with their peers. 

Nine suggestions for supporting students and strengthening your classroom community in these challenging times. Some are quick and easy, to calm the mind and body, keep in your pocket and have at the ready. Others are more complex for a full- or half-period lesson, and can build on one another.

In the wake of the 2024 presidential election, educators are looking for ways to address students' anxieties, build the classroom and school community, counter bias and harassment, and address political issues raised by the election.

This week and the post-election period will likely be an emotionally charged time for you and your students. It is crucial to collectively name and acknowledge this. We offer the following activities to support you and your school community in intentionally reflecting on how you will take care of...

This lesson consists of two readings on the issue of President Biden’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews the binding code of conduct that the White House has proposed, as well as some of the scandals among justices that inspired this proposal. The second reading...

August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, a national day of celebration commemorating the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. This two-part lesson consists of two readings which explore the ongoing history of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States. Questions for...

This two-part lesson consists of two readings which review gun violence through the lens of a public health crisis, and what it means to approach gun violence as a public health issue. Questions for discussion follow each reading, as well as an art-based activity to complete once finished reading...

This lesson examines the increasing wealth disparity between government representatives and the people they serve. Students read and share their ideas about lack of working-class representation in government and how this impacts lawmaking policy at all levels.

After an activity on adultism and ageism, students read about and discuss why the U.S. Congress has become older than ever, what impact that might have, and how young people could get more involved.