Elections

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.

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.

Three student readings address our oil addiction and its serious consequences for individuals, the American economy and our planet--and how one small community in Denmark ended its oil addiction. Discussion questions, activities and suggested student inquiries follow.

An overview of young people's growing political involvement is followed by a student questionnaire that gauges how informed students are, suggestions for student inquiry, and a listing of online resources.

Despite a nonstop presidential campaign, the candidates have failed to seriously address some critical issues. A student reading is followed by question-asking, question-analyzing, and discussion.

Student readings about critical problems at the Federal Election Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency are followed by discussion questions, suggestions for further inquiry, writing assignments & citizenship activities.