Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Why are some people skeptical about getting a Covid vaccine, even though evidence shows that the approved vaccines are safe and effective? And who should be vaccinated first? Students read about and discuss the vaccination news.
Students practice their critical thinking skills by analyzing an image and then articles about conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine myths.
Students read about and discuss three key policy debates as a new administration prepares to take office.
Students (grades 6-12) reflect on and write about Kamala Harris and the continuing "fight to be heard," and hear the voices of young people about the barriers she has broken and what it means to them. Also see our elementary lesson.
Students review and reflect on the news that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared winners of the 2020 presidential election.
Students consider four key issues discussed by Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the October 22, 2020 presidential debate: the Covid pandemic, healthcare, racism, and the climate crisis.
Students discuss recent cases of forced sterilization, explore the history of this horrific practice, then do some research of their own.
This lesson engages students in giving thanks for Breonna Taylor’s life, while offering space to share their impressions, feelings, experiences, and thoughts around the tragic circumstances of her death.
Students learn about the growing effort to acknowledge the Indigenous people whose lands we inhabit - and create their own land acknowledgment statement.
What are the obstacles to a smooth and fair election in November 2020, and how might they be overcome? Students read about, discuss, and research the question.