Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
English teacher Sarah Outterson-Murphy provides brief descriptions of a range of short stories and novels exploring a changing climate, with questions for discussion. (Updated August 2021) See the updated and expanded guide.
Students explore the debate over the U.S.'s rising military budget and where young people stand on the issue.
Students dive into a new report documenting how little the very rich are taxed - and what that might mean for the rest of us.
Congress has passed and President Biden has signed a new law making Juneteenth a federal holiday. Students learn about and discuss Juneteenth.
Amid a controversy over a plan to provide debt relief to Black farmers, students dig deeply into history to grapple with the question, “Do all farmers matter?”
Students explore arguments for and against DC statehood and consider growing efforts by advocates, including young people, to fight for representation.
The question “who owns the land?” underlies many conflicts. Students explore issues surrounding land, place, and belonging – especially as they affect Native Americans and African Americans.
Students discuss two different visions of policing and racial justice - and consider how the thinking of one organizer and lawyer evolved over time.
Students learn about efforts by European nations to ban Muslim face coverings, discuss the impact of these laws, then reflect on the voices of Muslim women on this issue.
Students share their thoughts and feelings in response to the conviction of police officer Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd.