Current Issues

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.

Students explore how state “parental rights” laws have created new paperwork for schools - and consider calls by parents, students, and educators for greater school autonomy. 

In this lesson, students read about and discuss the banning of books from schools and libraries, and what some young people and adults are doing to challenge it.

Students share stories of the women “architects” in their lives (or in the world) who have most shaped their worldview or their values.

Students explore the issue of creating safe city spaces for bicyclists and collaboratively problem-solve around this issue with respect to their own communities, or one with a similar climate change focus.

Students examine the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether to keep Donald Trump on the presidential ballot.

Students explore two  recently developed youth-centered environmental programs and teach each other about them by sharing their takeaways and personal connections.

In this 7-day unit by high school English teacher Sarah Outterson-Murphy, students analyze AI’s capabilities, reflect on its flaws, and develop their own arguments about the pros and cons of AI at school.

Through small-group activities, students learn about and discuss acts of solidarity and mutual support that can sustain us in difficult times.