Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Northern Ireland has finally moved to shared leadership and peace. But why did it take so long? Student readings summarize the struggle and how peace was finally achieved. Suggestions for discussion, writing, and further inquiry follow.
A student reading includes statements from President Bush addressing this question, followed by original documents that support or contradict his claims.
Students consider a range of opinions about what "terrorism" is and what is behind terrorist acts such as the September 11 attacks.
A reading and activities on the Iranian human rights activist and her beliefs about Islam, democracy, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy.
Rumors are circulating that the military draft may be reinstituted, creating anxiety for young people. This classroom activity stimulates classroom debate and helps students practice for social studies Regents exams. The activity includes a brief history of the draft followed by a "document-based...
Help your students prepare for the NY Regents Exam with these document-based question exercises modeled closely on the format used in the exam.
A decade ago the world largely turned its back as an estimated 800,000 people were murdered in Rwanda. Today, genocide is occurring in Sudan's western region of Darfur. Here, student readings, questions for discussion and suggestions for student action.
Students can practice the art using today's news.