Current Issues

A student reading and questions on the work of this former president of Finland and accomplished mediator.

This 20-page PDF booklet includes lively classroom activities to get students thinking, learning and talking. Grades K-1, grades 2-5, grades 4-8, and grades 6-12.

Language used at some McCain/Palin rallies has raised questions about racial bias in the 2008 presidential election. A student reading is followed by discussion questions and a student activity.

A student reading provides brief samples of the opposing views of Senators McCain and Obama on five major issues--the economy, Iraq, healthcare, schools and energy--and is followed by suggestions for student inquiry and a class exercise.

Excerpts from the debate are followed by questions and an exercise in which students try to answer complex questions in two minutes.

Student readings explain some of the events leading up to the crisis as well as reactions to it from citizens and politicians. A DBQ asks students to consider and compare opinions on the issue.

In their first debate, Senators McCain and Obama discussed their views on policy toward Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Three student readings offer excerpts from the candidates and commentary on them. Discussion questions follow

Two student readings aim to clarify some aspects of the developing crisis, what federal officials are doing about it, and how the presidential candidates view it. Discussion questions and other activities follow.

As Election Day approaches, the economy is a top voter concern. Four student readings focus on economic troubles and the growing wealth gap; the accuracy of presidential candidate TV ads; and the candidates' economic proposals.

The summer Olympics provide an opening for exploring China's rapid expansion and its implications for Americans. Discussion questions follow four student readings.