Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Students learn about the life and legacy of Toni Morrison and discuss how her 1987 book Beloved is both frequently taught and frequently subject to calls for censorship.
What is "throwaway culture" — and how do we participate in it? Students explore 'planned obsolescence' and a countering movement for the 'right-to-repair.'
November is Native American Heritage Month. In this activity, students examine a small portion of the history of the Wahzhazhe people, known as the Osage, by delving into two recent news stories.
At this pivotal global summit on climate, young people are making their voices heard. In this activity, students discuss COP26 and urgent youth-led demands for action.
Students experience how a range of Latinx illustrators touch on language, identity, and self-expression through their comics – including an exploration of the meaning and significance of terms such as Latinx, Hispanic, Latino, and Latina.
Indigenous People's Day and Native American Heritage Month (in November) are an opportunity to learn about Indigenous peoples' history, culture, and perspectives.
Students process some of the current research on cell phone use, interview a family member to share their learning, and perhaps co-create a class plan to reduce phone distractions.
Students consider what it might feel like to be a refugee and how we can welcome newcomers. Older students discuss the Afghan refugees arriving in the U.S. and how we could support them.
Students discuss the historical role of unions in the U.S. - and how a younger generation of workers is seeking to build unions that address their needs.
Students discuss the concept of Ubuntu, or interconnectedness, then consider the news this summer and its impact on us and on others around the world.