Mark Engler

This lesson consists of two readings on free school meals programs in the United States, reviewing the recent expansion of programs that provide free meals to students and how a state-level initiative to provide free school meals has played out in Minnesota.  Questions for discussion follow each reading as well as a post-reading small group activity in which students consider other universal programs that could benefit young people.

This two-part lesson consists of two readings on the efforts to confront mental health stigma in the United States. Each reading is followed by a post-reading microlab activity where students discuss mental health issues in their own lives with their peers. 

This lesson consists of two readings on the issue of President Biden’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews the binding code of conduct that the White House has proposed, as well as some of the scandals among justices that inspired this proposal. The second reading overviews the structure of the 18-year term limits that the White House has suggested, along with commentary on how such a system might impact the larger democratic process in the country. Questions for discussion follow each reading. 

August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, a national day of celebration commemorating the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. This two-part lesson consists of two readings which explore the ongoing history of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States. Questions for discussion follow each reading as well as a post-reading activity.

This two-part lesson consists of two readings which review gun violence through the lens of a public health crisis, and what it means to approach gun violence as a public health issue. Questions for discussion follow each reading, as well as an art-based activity to complete once finished reading both articles.

This lesson examines the increasing wealth disparity between government representatives and the people they serve. Students read and share their ideas about lack of working-class representation in government and how this impacts lawmaking policy at all levels.

After an activity on adultism and ageism, students read about and discuss why the U.S. Congress has become older than ever, what impact that might have, and how young people could get more involved.

Students explore how state “parental rights” laws have created new paperwork for schools - and consider calls by parents, students, and educators for greater school autonomy. 

In this lesson, students read about and discuss the banning of books from schools and libraries, and what some young people and adults are doing to challenge it.

Students explore the issue of creating safe city spaces for bicyclists and collaboratively problem-solve around this issue with respect to their own communities, or one with a similar climate change focus.

Students examine the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on whether to keep Donald Trump on the presidential ballot.

Students explore two  recently developed youth-centered environmental programs and teach each other about them by sharing their takeaways and personal connections.

The lesson supports students in discussing possible responses to the experience of feeling “sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, or guilty” about the climate crisis. 

Should 16-year-olds be allowed to vote? Students learn about the debate to lower - or raise - the age, and consider the pros and cons.  

Young people sued the state of Montana seeking climate justice - and won! Students learn about the new ruling and what it means going forward.

This lesson includes two readings on the issue of sweatshops and child labor abroad, each with questions for class discussion.

Student unions have successfully taken on issues ranging from student bus passes to assault weapons bans. What are they?

Students learn about and discuss why child labor violations are growing in the U.S. today, how people successfully fought child labor in the past, and what can be done about it today.

Students explore how massive new climate legislation might affect their lives and how climate activists are using it to propel greater change.

Students explore why more and more young adults are living with older family members, and consider some pros and cons.

School boards around the country are embroiled in controversies on issues ranging from the rights of transgender students to teaching on race. Should students have a say on school boards? 

Studies show that isolation and sadness among young people have increased since the pandemic. Students explore ways to address this problem as a society. 

The gap between rich and poor is still growing. Students examine the evidence, and consider what young people, and others, are doing to raise wages and close the gap.

Students discuss evidence that meat production contributes to climate change, explore efforts to make food systems more sustainable, and share their own consumption choices.

Air travel is becoming one of the worst contributors to climate change. In this activity, students read about and discuss the impact of air travel on the climate crisis and what we should do about it - personally and as a society.

After a spate of school shootings in the U.S., students examine the evidence and consider: What works to reduce gun violence in schools?

Students discuss the rising cost of goods and services and consider why this is happening and what people propose to do about it.

Young people led the way in historic union victories at Amazon and Starbucks. Is labor making a comeback? 

Students learn about the history and impact of Title IX and discuss the continuing struggle for gender equity in sports.

Students discuss the historic Sandy Hook Families vs. Remington Arms lawsuit and its argument that the company marketed violence to vulnerable young men.

Students consider the ongoing problem of student loan debt and how grassroots activism has elevated this issue in American politics. 

Legislators in 19 states have passed laws that weaken a pillar of democracy: the right to vote. Students examine this legislation and efforts by grassroots groups to protect and extend voting rights. 

U.S. workers are rethinking their relationship to work in the Covid era. Students explore why many Americans are quitting their jobs, or striking for better pay and more respect.

Students learn about the life and legacy of Toni Morrison and discuss how her 1987 book Beloved is both frequently taught and frequently subject to calls for censorship. 

What is "throwaway culture" — and how do we participate in it? Students explore 'planned obsolescence' and a countering movement for the 'right-to-repair.'

At this pivotal global summit on climate, young people are making their voices heard. In this activity, students discuss COP26 and urgent youth-led demands for action.

Students discuss the historical role of unions in the U.S. - and how a younger generation of workers is seeking to build unions that address their needs.

Students explore the debate over the U.S.'s rising military budget and where young people stand on the issue.

Students explore arguments for and against DC statehood and consider growing efforts by advocates, including young people, to fight for representation.

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 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 explore the accelerating move toward electric vehicles and consider how we might address some of the remaining obstacles to this transition.

Distribution of the Covid vaccine has been inequitable, both in the U.S. and globally. Students explore this problem and talk about what should be done. 

Students explore the Biden-Harris administration's ambitious agenda and challenges, including impeachment hearings and a narrow Congressional majority. 

Why are some people skeptical about getting a Covid vaccine, even though evidence shows that the approved vaccines are safe and effective? And who should be vaccinated first? Students read about and discuss the vaccination news. 

Students consider how the coronavirus pandemic has revealed gaps in our public health system, amplifying calls for universal health insurance and a national paid sick leave policy.

Ella Baker, who helped build many of the most important organizations of the civil rights movement, defied traditional gender roles. She deprioritized charismatic leadership from above and instead empowered people to take charge of their own struggles for freedom. 

The fires raging across Australia in recent months have led to shocking devastation. Students discuss the scope of the disaster and its relationship to climate change; share their feelings about it; and consider responses, from supporting relief efforts to climate activism.

Should two small, disproportionately white and rural states be the first two primary states? Students explore the debate, and the pros and cons of the Iowa caucus process.

Do big donors have too much influence in elections? Does the surge of small donors in the 2020 presidential election change the equation? Students explore the changing role of money in politics.

The 2020 election campaign has opened up a debate about whether public programs should be offered to everyone or only to low-income families. In this lesson, students consider arguments about universal versus means-tested public college and Pre-K.

Public attitudes about crime and punishment have shifted over the past decade, including among politicians from both parties. In this lesson, students examine the move away from "tough on crime" approaches and consider new proposals for criminal justice reform that are in the spotlight during the 2020 election season.

How many candidates is too many? Does our current primary system make for a stronger or weaker democracy? Students explore the question, and consider the pros and cons of an alternative system, ranked choice voting. 

After a series of deadly shootings this summer, lawmakers and 2020 presidential contenders are shining an intense spotlight on the issue of gun control. In this activity, students read about and discuss where President Trump and Democratic presidential candidates stand on the issue, and the role of youth activism in bringing it to the fore. 

Where do the 2020 presidential candidates stand on climate change?  And why is the issue getting more attention in 2020 than in past elections? Students explore the issue, the candidates, and the social movements that are helping to drive the debate through readings, discussion, and activities.

There's a hidden cost to our free accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media platforms: our privacy. In this lesson, students learn about and discuss how corporations make a profit from our data, potential policy solutions, and how young people are making their own decisions about online privacy.

Does social media promote positive democratic debate, sow hatred, or both? Students explore whether social media has contributed to echo chambers, and hate speech — and consider options for improving public discussion on social media.

Is social media strengthening our communities, or is it actually harming our ability to connect in person? Students  discuss two readings about the pros and cons of social media engagement, including some research on this question. 

Two high-profile proposals to tax the rich are gaining attention and popular support. This activity has students explore these proposals, the historical precedent for them, and their possible benefits and pitfalls. 

The Brexit controversy has roiled the U.K. for years. What is Brexit? And why has it torn British voters apart?

Students learn about and discuss the original Brexit vote, explore arguments for and against a second referendum, and examine why some people voted to back the “Remain” or “Leave” positions.

Less than half of eligible voters typically vote in national elections in the U.S.. The House of Representatives has passed a bill to encourage voter participation by making Election Day a national holiday. This activity explores the arguments for and against this and other proposals for making it easier for people to vote. 

Several billionaires are thinking of running for president - and one is already in office. Is this good for democracy? In this activity, students learn about and discuss the debate over billionaire presidential candidates - and the impact of the growing wealth gap between elected leaders and the rest of us. 

In February 2019, community organizations declared victory when Amazon withdrew its plans to open a second headquarters in Queens, New York. Students explore what happened and the arguments for and against the Amazon deal that went down. 

The economy is growing. Why aren’t people feeling it?  This lesson has students examine whether the way economists measure the health of the economy actually reflects the reality Americans experience. Students explore alternative measures that some countries and states have begun to adopt aimed at better capturing the real conditions of everyday people. 

Are Amazon, Google, and other companies monopolies? Should we use antitrust legislation rein them in? Students read about and discuss the roots of anti-trust laws and whether they should be applied today. 

50 years after the movement against the war in Vietnam reached its peak, students explore that movement - and consider why we don't have a more powerful anti-war movement today.

Does the U.S. political system live up to the principle of one person, one vote? In this lesson, students explore arguments about whether the Electoral College and the U.S. Senate might hinder the quest for fair, democratic representation. 

Young people are suing the U.S. government over climate change, and their case comes before federal court on October 29, 2018. In this lesson, students examine the suit, read the personal testimony of two of the plaintiffs, and consider other strategies that young people are using to affect climate policy. 

2018 is the 50th anniversary of a landmark protest at the Miss America beauty pageant. The protest was part of a new period of feminist activism—one with renewed significance in the #MeToo era. In this lesson, students learn the details of the protest using an original document and explore how the protest affected the women's liberation movement and our lives since the decades since. 

Students learn about and discuss what impeachment is, how it works, and the possibility of impeachment for President Donald Trump stemming from the ongoing Department of Justice investigation. 

Is labor on the ropes? In this lesson students learn about and discuss how unions reduce inequality, labor’s losses in recent decades, and the current signs of a resurgence. 

The United States is suffering from a crisis of affordable housing. This lesson consists of two student readings on this issue. The first examines the arguments for and against Yimby-style development. The second looks at solutions that go beyond market-focused fixes, considering alternative ways to ensure that all people have access to affordable housing.

This lesson introduces students to the controversy over Justice Kennedy’s retirement and Trump’s role in reshaping the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews Kennedy’s career and highlights the significance of his role as a swing vote on the court. The second reading examines possible consequences of a Kavanaugh appointment and examines how a variety of groups are resisting Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Protests across the country reflect widespread outrage over the Trump administration’s “zero tolerance” immigration policies. In this lesson, students learn about the controversy over the administration's policies to separate and/or detain families who are seeking to immigrate to the U.S. 

This lesson uses the example of a bidding war by cities to become Amazon's second headquarters to explore the question of providing public subsidies to private companies. Students also learn about and discuss ways cities can ensure that companies like Amazon hold up their end of the bargain through strategies such as "clawback" rules and "tracking" for public subsidies.

In this lesson, students step back from the debate over a "border wall," and consider the moral arguments for and against “no borders." 

Students explore the controversy over the Trump administration's proposal to add a question about citizenship to the census —  and learn about the history and purpose of the U.S. census.

In the wake of the Parkland school shooting, many have called for increased "school security" measures. In this lesson, students consider whether such measures make schools safer and discuss their impact on young people and the school climate. 

Students learn what gerrymandering is and why it poses a problem for U.S. democracy, and consider recent attempts to combat the practice.

Students learn about Martin Luther King's Poor People's Campaign, and about the newer Poor People's Campaign, which is also aimed at addressing racism and economic inequality. 

Students consider how some politicians have used the cold weather to deny climate change and explore the science and statistics behind this common argument. 

President Trump has announced that his administration will dramatically reduce the size of two national monuments in Utah. Through readings and discussion, students consider this move and wider questions about how public lands in the United States should be used.

The U.S. has more people detained while awaiting trial than any other country in the world. In this lesson, students explore the issue of cash bail, why some criminal justice reform advocates argue for ending it, and what has happened in cities and states that have ended cash bail.  

America is in the grips of a nationwide opioid epidemic. In this lesson, students think critically about the opioid crisis, its origins, and potential solutions.   

The Republicans have introduced one of the largest tax overhaul plans in many years. In this lesson, students consider what taxes do and why Americans pay them; and examine the Republicans' proposed tax reform and how analysts are projecting it will affect the country.   

Threats by Donald Trump and by North Korea have stoked worries about nuclear war. In this lesson, students learn about the work of International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, and about past social movement campaigns that have worked to avert war and promote nuclear disarmament.  

Critics charge that the real goal of a new federal commission to investigate voter fraud is to justify efforts to make it more difficult for people of color to vote.  Students learn about and discuss the controversy.  

In two readings and discussion, students explore the meaning and history of DACA, including the social movement activism that won DACA during the Obama years and prospects for future action.  

When President Trump announced that the U.S. would be pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, governors and mayors across the country announced that they were still on board and would continue their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this activity, students read about and discuss how cities and states are leading by example when it comes to climate change.   

Students learn about the landmark 1967 Supreme Court decision that overturned laws banning interracial marriage, and consider the legacy of that decision today, 50 years on.   

Michelle Alexander’s book The New Jim Crow changed the conversation about race, racism, and incarceration in this country. In this activity, students explore Alexander’s argument that our criminal justice system has relegated millions of people of color to a permanent second–class status, and examine how people are challenging the policies mass incarceration and the New Jim Crow.  

It's the 30th annniversary of  ACT UP. In this lesson, students learn about and discuss the activist organization whose bold, creative organizing forced government action to combat HIV/AIDS. .    

Should we abolish prisons? Students learn about and discuss the history of calls for prison abolition and consider alternative approaches, including restorative justice.  

President Trump has proposed eliminating federal funding for public media and the arts. What do students think? In this activity, students learn about the debate, discuss it, and research one program they think either should or should not be funded.  

Students learn about and discuss the alt-right, its relationship to the Trump administration, and online cultures of hate.   

Democracy doesn't begin and end in the voting booth. In readings and discussion, students explore tactics people are using to pressure their elected officials, including the Tea Party on the right and Indivisible groups on the left.   

With Republicans gaining control of all three branches of the federal government, unions are under increasing attack. For students, this raises some pertinent questions: What are unions? Why are they important? And how will the attack on unions affect working people in our country?  

Questions loom over whether President Donald Trump can avoid conflicts between his business interests and the interest of the people he represents. In two readings and discussion, students consider how past presidents have tried to prevent conflicts of interest, how Trump has addressed this concern, and challenges Trump is already facing over potential conflicts.  

Donald Trump has said that climate change is a "hoax." His appointee for Secretary of State is a former Exxon Mobil executive who now says he believes climate change is a serious threat. In two readings and in discussion, students explore what the Trump administration might mean for climate change and for those who are concerned about it.   

Students learn about and discuss the president's power to name leaders within the executive branch of government and consider two of president-elect Trump's most controversial appointments: Jeff Sessions for Attorney General and Steve Bannon for chief strategist and senior counselor.   

What are sanctuary cities, and why are they girding for conflict in the wake of Trump’s election? Students explore the concept of "sanctuary" and learn about efforts by advocates to defend undocumented immigrants.   

Students consider the history of "dog-whistle" politics and whether the current campaign season marks a break from the past practice by making racial references overt.   

Students consider how the Republican and Democratic Parties have evolved over time — and whether a new 'realignment' is happening today.  

Polls show that a high percentage of voters are dissatisfied with the 2016 presidential nominees of both major parties. And yet, as in past years, third parties have struggled to gain a foothold. In this lesson, students learn about U.S. election laws that make it difficult for third parties to emerge, and discuss reforms activists have proposed to give voters more choices.   

Is it ethical to keep wild animals in captivity?  Animal rights advocates have convinced many people to reconsider their attitudes. Students explore the issue through two readings and discussion questions.   

Hillary Clinton stands on the brink of becoming the country's first female president. In the lesson, students learn about women who have run for president in the past and consider the significance of having a woman as president of the United States.  

Can you imagine your public school being renamed "Coca-Cola High"? This lesson has students think critically about the trend toward corporate branding of public spaces and consider the significance of "public space" in a democratic society.  

The demand for reparations surfaced during the 2016 presidential election, creating a teachable moment on this long-debated issue. In this activity, students learn some background on the demand for reparations and join in the ongoing discussion about it.   

What is fracking and what is its impact? Students explore the issue and the political landscape around it, including efforts by activists to ban the practice.  

What are the demands of the Black Lives Matter movement, and what progress has it made in bringing social change? Students explore these questions with readings and discussion.  

What is environmental racism?  And is the poisoning of people in Flint, Michigan, an example of it? Students explore these questions in two readings, with discussion questions and an extension activity.  

Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign has reopened discussion about what would it take to get truly universal healthcare in the U.S. This lesson, which includes two student readings and discussion questions, examines the debate over Sanders' proposal for a "single-payer" national healthcare system, and efforts by states to adopt a single-payer program.  

Three short student readings provide background on the sharing economy and its critics and examine the pros and cons of Airbnb and Uber. Questions for discussion follow.  

Students learn about and discuss what is at stake at the Paris Climate Summit and consider the growing international movement for action on climate change.   

What is 'democratic socialism'? Bernie Sanders' presidential bid is raising a question many Americans have never considered. In two readings, students explore Sanders' version of socialism and learn some background about democratic socialism in Europe and the U.S.  

Students learn about the growing movement by climate change activists to get universities and other institutions to divest from fossil fuels and explore the connection between this movement and the successful divestment campaign against apartheid South Africa.   

Two readings and discussion questions help students weigh arguments for and against marijuana legalization and consider whether marijuana laws are enforced in a racially discriminatory way.  

In two readings and discussion, students think critically about the connection between cars and climate change, and compare U.S. transportation systems with those of Europe, where people rely less on cars.  

In three readings and discussion, students examine President Obama's proposal for free community college, weigh arguments for and against it, learn about the historical significance of community colleges, and consider the question, "Should all higher education be free?"   

Two student readings provide a brief history of the embargo of Cuba and its role in Cold War foreign policy and consider different opinions about President Obama's move to normalize relations. 

Massive student-led protests have erupted in Mexico against government corruption and the state’s failure to protect its citizens from widespread gang violence. In this lesson, students learn what sparked the protests and discuss the wider issues behind them. 

In this lesson, students learn about a performance art piece by Columbia University student Emma Sulkowicz that dramatizes her reactions to the handling of her campus sexual assault case. Then students consider the wider issue of sexual assault, particularly on college campuses. 

Twenty-five years after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, students learn about the wall's rise and fall, and consider the legacy of the Cold War. (See also our companion lesson on the 25th anniversary of Solidarity's victory in Poland.)

Students read and discuss a brief history of the Polish Solidarity movement, and consider how an unarmed group was able to overcome a powerful and heavily militarized government. (See also our companion lesson marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and the legacy of the Cold War.) 

Students learn about why so many languages around the world are facing extinction, and how indigenous movements are fighting to preserve their languages. They consider several distinctive words for which there is no English translation, and, in small groups, make up a word of their own to describe something in their world. 

The People's Climate March in New York City on September 21, 2014 was the largest climate march in history. In this lesson students learn about the march and the current scientific consensus on climate change, and consider what we and political leaders should do about it. 

Labor Day isn't just a holiday, it's a teachable moment. In this lesson, students learn about the history of Labor Day and some of the labor movement’s past accomplishments, then consider unions' current challenges and the growing "alt-labor" movement.

Would free higher education be possible in America? How did people in other parts of the world win and defend their right to affordable higher education? In this lesson, students examine the issue of rising student debt and proposals to deal with it, including free higher education. 

While homelessness has declined over the past three years, it's still a serious problem, especially for young adults. In two readings and discussion, students consider this problem - and one promising approach for remedying it. 

In two readings and a media analysis exercise, students examine the campaign to change the Washington Redskins’ name and to end the use of stereotypical depictions of Native Americans in U.S. sports. 

A new book by economist Thomas Piketty has touched off a national discussion about economic inequality. This lesson uses the book as a jumping off point for two student readings on economic inequality in the United States and whether progressive taxation is part of the solution. The readings are followed by an exercise in which students analyze and compare charts, graphs and videos about income and wealth distribution. 

Two student readings give an overview of conditions facing U.S. farmworkers, past efforts at farmworker organizing, and the current successes of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers. Questions for discussion follow each reading.

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. In this lesson, students explore the interplay of this legislation with the Civil Rights Movement, and consider what role everyday people play in making change.

This lesson consists of two student readings followed by discussion questions. The first reading reviews the history of the Freedom Summer project, which took place 50 years ago. The second reading discusses some of the challenges to voting rights that we face today. 

In two readings and discussion, students explore the benefits of eating in season and supporting local farmers and consider some of the criticisms of local food arguments, including the concept of "food miles."

Should any one company be able to control the internet? Should all websites be treated equally, or should companies be able to pay to have their sites load faster?  Two student readings and discussion questions explore the debates over net neutrality and the Comcast-Time Warner merger. 

Students explore the goals of the growing Free Trade movement and consider some criticisms of it.  

Is organic food healthier than non-organic food? Who grows organic food - and how? Students explore these questions in two readings, with discussions questions and a research assignment. 

Students choose one of nine past Olympics controversies to research in small groups and share what they've learned with the class.

Benefits have just been cut for the one in seven Americans who receive food stamps, and more cuts may be on the way. In two readings, students learn about the debate over food stamps and the effect of cuts, and compare the US approach to hunger to that of other countries. 

Two student readings examine the history of stop and frisk and the debate surrounding this policing practice.

Students learn about  and discuss the history of apartheid in South Africa, the long struggle against it, and Nelson Mandela’s legacy as a leader in that struggle. 

Students explore the growing trend of prison privatization and concerns about youth imprisonment.

Students learn about the demographics and experiences of fast food workers and their efforts to raise wages through strikes over the past year, and consider what consequences major wage increases might have on consumers and economy. 

In the wake of the much publicized birth of a new royal prince in Britain, this lesson explores the history of British monarchy and the debate about whether to end it.  

In three readings, students learn about protests surrounding upcoming World Cup and Olympic events; consider whether such events benefit the people of host countries; and learn about Russia's recent anti-gay legislation and the debate surrounding a possible boycott of the 2014 Winter Games.  

Edward Snowden's leak of classified information about the NSA's surveillance of American citizens has touched off a debate about the need for government secrecy versus the public’s right to know. Two student readings and discussion questions probe the controversy.

Students explore how the growing power of Latino voters improves chances for comprehensive immigration reform and consider some of the economic benefits of immigration.

Environmentalists passionately opposed to a giant pipeline that would transport crude oil from the tar sands of Canada to the Gulf coast are going head-to-head with proponents of the project. Students explore the controversy surrounding the Keystone XL pipeline and the strategic questions it raises for environmentalists.

This lesson is designed to get students to think critically about hot-button issues such as the "fiscal cliff," "sequestration," and the ongoing debate about the US budget. Two student readings examine the general debate about the budget and the human impact of budget cuts and sequestration. Questions for discussion follow each reading.

A wave of protests by Walmart workers highlights the low wages and anti-union climate facing workers at Walmart - and many other companies. In two readings, students explore the debate over Walmart’s business model and labor practices and find out about recent protests at Walmart stores across the country. 

Students learn about the Seattle teachers’ boycott of high-stakes tests and the larger testing issue, and consider a range of opinions about the effect of current high-stakes testing on teachers, students, and our education system. 

In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Newtown, CT, students learn about and discuss renewed calls for gun control and the National Rifle Association's history of successfully resisting such reforms.

Student readings examine the Boy Scouts of America’s policy of excluding gays, as well as efforts by scouts themselves to challenge discrimination from both inside and outside the organization. 

President Obama's recent decision to stop deporting some young undocumented immigrants came in the context of a powerful movement by young people to enact the immigration reform proposal known as the DREAM Act.  Student readings examine the new Obama policy and the tireless efforts of young activists to change U.S. immigration policy.

Student readings explore the morality and legality of President Obama's controversial "kill list" and consider arguments for and against drone warfare. Questions for student discussion follow each reading.

Two student readings (with discussion questions) examine the historical development of the boycott as a tactic used by both progressives and conservatives, and recent boycotts targeting Glenn Beck and Florida's Stand Your Ground law.

TeachableMoment marks the 50th anniversary of Michael Harrington's influential book with a series of readings and discussion questions for high school students. In Part II, readings focus on the debate about who should count as poor in this country and proposals for combating poverty.

In the wake of the tragic killing of the Florida teen, two student readings examine the controversy surrounding Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law and the wider gun control debate.

Two student readings, with discussion questions, provide an overview of Harrington's book and consider the state of poverty in the U.S. now.

What is the human cost of an iPad? The labor conditions at factories making Apple products have been in the public spotlight lately. While Apple is not unique in using low-wage Chinese labor to produce its electronic products, the popularity of the iPad and iPhone, along with publicity surrounding the death of Apple CEO Steve Jobs, have renewed debate about what labor conditions constitute modern-day sweatshops.

Students view a clip from Colbert's Comedy Central show about his Super PAC, then read and discuss several views on the role of Colbert's spoof of the election process.

Two student readings provide a brief history of the Guantanamo Bay detention center, explore arguments for and against the facility, and examine the evolving debate about it during the Obama administration. Discussion questions follow

The nation's total student debt load now exceeds $830 billion, and the problem has touched off protests. Two student readings explore the scope of the student debt crisis and some proposals for dealing with it. Discussion questions follow each reading.

  Through two readings and class discussion, students think critically about the effect of corporate campaign donations on our political system and consider efforts to reform campaign finance.

Students learn about the protest and its message, and consider how the Occupy Wall Street protest is related to public protests in other countries in the past year.

Student readings explore unemployment statistics and the human impact of joblessness, and examine the effect of government proposals on the crisis. Discussion questions and an opinion continuum activity follow the readings.

Two student readings and discussion questions probe the history of the War Powers Act of 1973 and the current controversy over whether President Obama's deployment of U.S. forces to Libya violates that law.

One student reading considers opposing views on this question; a second examines the debate over how a U.S. withdrawal would affect women's rights in Afghanistan. Discussion questions follow.

Two student readings focus on the reasons for rising gas prices as well as the true social and environmental costs of oil, with discussion questions and an internet inquiry.

After an introductory reading about the debate now raging in Washington, students try their hand at balancing a projected 2015 budget themselves.

Two student readings and discussion questions examine the safety of nuclear energy as well as the wider debate about the pros and cons of nuclear energy.