Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
This election has raised many questions about the role of money in our political system. One student reading focuses on "bundling" and how it encourages corruption. Another considers the need for reform, detailing one proposal now before Congress. Discussion questions, subjects for inquiry, and...
An introductory quiz is followed by a student reading on what the candidates have said about nuclear weapons proliferation. A second student reading explores author Jonathan Schell's latest thinking on the issue.
Three student readings and a quiz explore why the complex developed, how it operates, and some of its consequences. Discussion questions and opportunities for further inquiry and citizenship activities follow.
Four 45-minute lessons engage students in considering what qualities they might look for in a political candidate; how to get information about candidates; and how they and the adults in their lives decide whom to vote for.
Student readings describe how the mortgage crisis affects real people and why; the domino effect of sub-prime mortgage loans; and economic stimulus proposals. Discussion questions and inquiry activities follow.
Student readings examine the current Gaza situation and other major issues; the U.S.-Israel alliance; and how President Obama might address the conflict. Discussion questions, inquiry suggestions, and a writing assignment follow.
Three student readings (with guidelines for classroom discussion) provide a succinct overview of basic Israeli-Palestinian issues and new developments in this old conflict.
How do you pick a candidate? Statements from four candidates on major issues are followed by discussion questions, an exercise on recognizing factual statements and opinions, and suggestions for student inquiry.
Because this federal law has personal meanings for students, it is an excellent subject for independent and small-group inquiries. Two student readings outline the law's major provisions, the Bush administration's defense of it, and criticisms.
Three student readings include conflicting accounts of air attacks by the U.S. military and by survivors; media coverage of the attacks; and a brief overview of the growing lethality of air assaults since World War I and the devastating effect on civilians.