Current Issues
Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
Three student readings consider Iraq War documents released by WikiLeaks; the U.S. policies those documents call into question; and information on WikiLeaks and its leader, Julian Assange. Discussion questions and a "constructive controversy" exercise follow.
Two student readings and two supplementary readings explore the big banks' faulty paperwork, robo-signers, and freewheeling fraud, which have devastated the lives of millions of Americans.
Student readings and discussion questions explore 1) the growth of U.S. poverty; 2) multiple perspectives on the causes, effects, and proposed solutions of poverty; 3) the historic levels of inequality; 4) multiple perspectives on the causes and effects of inequality and some proposed solutions; and...
Two student readings describe the history of the imprisoned activist and the human rights situation in China today. Discussion questions follow.
Student readings examine Senate dysfunction (including anachronistic rules, endless fundraising, and delaying tactics) and the issue of cloture and filibuster. Discussion questions and a writing and citizenship activity follow.
As midterm elections approach, three student readings, discussion questions, and suggestions for inquiry engage students in exploring the role of money in politics.
Student readings explore the scientific evidence on global warming, the views of climate change deniers, and ideas for student action on climate change, including a day of action on October 10, 2010, sponsored by 350.org, Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network.
This lesson asks children to watch and discuss three public service announcements by the Council on American Islamic Relations featuring Muslims who were part of the 9/11 rescue effort; consider the news about the controversy over the Cordoba Project ("Ground Zero Mosque"), and discuss a Niemoller...
Students talk about their cultural heritage, watch an online video about American Muslims, discuss their understanding of Islam and Muslims, and share their own experiences of being treated unfairly.
A student reading provides an excerpt from Judge Walker's ruling that California's Prop 8 is unconstitutional and describes competing opinions on gay marriage. A critical thinking activity follows.