Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
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.
Students learn about and discuss the current state of the youth climate movement and how young people are helping to shape our nation's response to the climate crisis.
Students hear the story of one Asian American family, consider some key dates in the history of racism against Asian Americans, and learn about and discuss their own family history.
Students learn about and discuss why people around the world are calling for a “people’s vaccine” to protect everyone against Covid.
Students explore the accelerating move toward electric vehicles and consider how we might address some of the remaining obstacles to this transition.