Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
High school students read and discuss an article describing the role of the youth movement and consider quotes from Gandhi on the power of nonviolence.
"Students consider four different views of what should motivate US policy toward Egypt, then have a dialogue about it. (For more on Egypt, see War, Peace, Terrorism & Other Global Issues below.)"
Students read two news stories about the protests in Egypt and consider the players and their roles.
Students create a "peace web,"consider the situation in Sudan through discussion and a video clip, then reconsider what it takes to achieve peace.
Three student readings and discussion questions focus on the need to critically interpret and verify what we see, hear, and read to avoid being swamped by information overload.
Activity and reading on soft money and hardball politics.
Students examine samples of some widely publicized documents released by WikiLeaks; competing views of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks; and what WikiLeaks and the New York Times say about their handling of the materials. Discussion questions and subjects for class debate follow.
Student readings examine the lack of security for civilians; the lives of girls and women and the U.S. outreach to them; and corruption in Afghanistan's government. Discussion questions and suggestions for further student inquiry and citizenship activity follow.
Two student readings describe the origin of the gerrymander, its likely effects following the 2010 elections, and efforts to reform redistricting systems. Discussion questions and suggestions for further student inquiry and citizenship follow.
Three student readings examine Bush's recent statements about torture, the legal advice he received, and excerpts from the ACLU's recent request that Bush be investigated by the Justice Department. Discussion questions and a writing and citizenship activity follow.