Current Issues

Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news

This lesson invites students to listen to and reflect on portraits of 12 Black Lives Matter protesters from across the U.S.

This activity invites students to listen to and share music that can inspire and sustain them as they explore ways to battle oppression and push to survive and thrive during these challenging times.

The NFL has taken a new stance toward Black Lives Matter. Students consider videos by NFL players and by the NFL Commissioner - and the history of activism by Colin Kaepernick and other athletes. 

This activity has students listen to and reflect on the voices of those who are out in the street in the wake of George Floyd's murder by police. What brings them there? And what do students think and feel about it?

The police killing of George Floyd has ignited outrage, grief, and protest across the country. Here are some suggestions to give your students space to share their thoughts and feelings about these events.

Students hear the voices of the food workers who harvest, deliver, serve, and sell our food, and consider how these workers are on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic.

The coronavirus crisis has thrown our nation’s economic disparities into stark relief. In this activity, students use a set of interactive charts to investigate the current state of economic inequality in the U.S.—and make their own charts showing how they would like to see that data change.

The effects of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package will be felt by everyone. Students read about and discuss this historic and controversial legislation. 

Students consider how the coronavirus pandemic has revealed gaps in our public health system, amplifying calls for universal health insurance and a national paid sick leave policy.

This online activity provides a supportive virtual space where school staff can connect and gather strength to support our students during the coronavirus pandemic.