PAKISTAN'S
'STAGGERING DISASTER': How Students Can Help
(9/1/10)
A
brief student reading suggesting the dimensions of the crisis
is followed by suggestions for student discussion and inquiry,
and ways to translate compassion into action.
NYC
MUSLIM COMMUNITY CENTER: Why There? Why Not?
(8/30/10)
Three
student readings describe plans for the controversial center,
multiple perspectives about it, and an overview of mosque
protests in New York City and elsewhere. Suggestions for a
fish bowl discussion follow.
AL
QAEDA AND THE TALIBAN: What Threat to the U.S.?
(8/4/10)
President
Obama continues to maintain that Al Qaeda and the Taliban"threaten
America and its allies." Is he right? Three student readings
present some of the basic background information on Al Qaeda
and the Taliban and on differing views of counterinsurgency.
CHECKING
FACTS WITH SNOPES, FACTCHECK & POLITIFACT
(7/14/10)
The
internet is loaded with information--but much of it is inaccurate.
Three student readings examine three reliable factchecking
sources--Snopes, FactCheck, and PolitiFact. Discussion questions,
writing assignments and opportunities for group work follow.
SHOULD
US OFFICIALS & HEALTH PROFESSIONALS BE INVESTIGATED FOR
WAR CRIMES? (6/23/10)
Three
student readings consider a new study by Physicians for Human
Rights of the Bush administration's use of health professionals
to monitor "enhanced" interrogations, reactions
to the issue, and historical examples of medical
experimentation. Discussion questions and suggestions for
other activities follow.
THE
TEXAS SOCIAL STUDIES CONTROVERSY (6/16/10)
Students
learn about the Texas Board of Education's controversial new
standards and consider whether they approve of ten items included
in the new standards.
REFORMING
WALL STREET & Its Booms, Bubbles & Busts (6/9/10)
Three student
readings outline the near collapse of the U.S. financial system, the deceptiveactions
of brokers and banks, and the financial reform bills Congress is nowo considering.
SHOULD
A PRESIDENT HAVE THE RIGHT TO EAVESDROP ON YOU?
(6/2/10)
Three student readings explore the legal conflict over whether the government
can claim "state secrets privilege" to
tap people's phones, review email, and examine internet usage.
Discussion questions and suggested activities follow.
THE
GULF CATASTROPHE (5/21/10)
An introduction and three student readings explore the vast BP spill, who is responsible,
and problems with the Minerals Management Service.
ARIZONA'S
CONTROVERSIAL NEW IMMIGRATION LAW (5/12/10)
Three
student readings consider the law, a new poll on immigration policies, and the
story of one undocumented immigrant. Discussion questions, a pair-share dialogue,
and suggested additional activities follow.
JERUSALEM:
Divided City in a Divided Land.
(5/5/10) Three
student readings explore the Israeli/Palestinian conflict over Jerusalem, tensions
between the US and Israel over the issue, and how it affects US relations with
Arab nations and people.
PHOEBE
PRINCE'S SUICIDE HIGHLIGHTS THE PRESSING ISSUE OF BULLYING
(4/28/10)
Two student readings describe the events leading to the young girl's suicide,
the depth of the bullying problem and an approach to countering it. Following
the readings is an outline for small group discussion in which students share
their experiences with bullying and discuss what their school is doing or should
do to counter bullying.
President
Obama: 'TOWARD A WORLD WITHOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS'
(4/21/10)
An introduction and two student readings explore Obama's pledge to move toward
nuclear abolition, obstacles to it, and current analysis from author Jonathan
Schell. Discussion questions and suggestions for further inquiry and citizenship
activities follow.
SAME-SEX
PROM DATE: A Civil Liberties Issue
(4/14/10) Constance
McMillen, who is lesbian, wanted to attend her senior prom with her girlfriend.
A student reading describes the controversy and court ruling that ensued. Discussion
questions and a writing assignment follow.
A
VERY CONTROVERSIAL HEALTH INSURANCE LAW
(4/7/10)
Student readings provide an overview of the new health insurance legislation and
conflicting views about it. Discussion questions and a writing assignment follow.
NEW
BILL EASES STUDENT DEBT - But Maybe College Should be Free
(3/31/10)
A student reading describes the problem of college debt and provisions of the
new reform law. A second reading presents arguments comparing college debt to
indentured servitude and calling for free college education. Discussion questions
and writing and citizenship actions follow.
CLIMATE
CHANGE CONTROVERSY
(3/24/10)
Alan Shapiro offers
a process (including two student readings) to help students conduct a rigorous
inquiry into the controversy over climate change.
THE
TEA PARTY MOVEMENT: 'Take our country back'
(3/17/10)
In three readings,
students explore the origins of the movement, its anti-government anger, its alliances,
and consider its relationship to what historian Richard Hofstadter called 'The
Paranoid Style in American Politics.' Discussion questions and subjects for inquiry
and writing follow.
ANY
MEANS AT OUR DISPOSAL: The case of Binyam Mohamed (3/17/10)
Three student readings
examine the story of this British resident,who was recently released after being
held by the U.S. for seven years as a suspected terrorist. Discussion questions,
a proposed fish bowl discussion, and suggested subjects for further inquiry and
for writing and citizenship follow.
FIGHTING
TERRORISM vs. THE RULE OF LAW (3/3/10)
Two student readings
consider the controversy over the Bush administration attorneys who counseled
that 'enhanced interrogation techniques' were legal.
U.S.
ECONOMIC HARDSHIP & What to Do About It (2/17/10)
Through three readings, students examine U.S. joblessness and hunger as well as
the country's huge deficit, then consider conflicting views on how to address
these problems. Discussion
questions and suggestions for further inquiry and citizenship projects follow.
WHY
DO TERRORISTS WANT TO KILL AMERICANS? (2/9/10)
Exploring the "why" of terrorist attacks is controversial in the U.S.
Three student readings explore this controversy--and terrorists' possible motives.
HOWARD
ZINN: People's Historian (2/3/10)
The important and often controversial historian and social movement activist Howard
Zinn died on January 27. A student reading about the man and his ideas is followed
by discussion questions and suggestions for further inquiry and citizenship.
Supreme
Court Rejects Limits on CORPORATE ELECTION SPENDING
(1/27/10)
A
student quiz, reading and discussion explore the court's role in interpreting
the Constitution and its recent decision to lift limits on corporate & union
election ad spending.
THE
DRONE STRIKE CONTROVERSY (1/13/10)
Two student readings
explore the controversy over the use of remotely-piloted aircraft to drop bombs
in the Afghanistan/Pakistan war. Discussion questions, a fish bowl activity and
a writing assignment follow.
The
SENATE FILIBUSTER & DEMOCRACY
(1/6/10)
A classroom activity has students simulate a US Senate filibuster. Two student
readings then explore the Senate's less-than-democratic 60-vote rule and possible
methods for reforming it. Discussion questions, writing and citizenship activities
follow.
BRINGING
THE IRAQ WAR TO A 'RESPONSIBLE END'
(12/29/09)
Three student readings and discussion questions probe current conditions in Iraq
and the U.S.'s moral responsibilities there.
Controversial
trials for GUANTANAMO PRISONERS (with a DBQ)
(12/29/09)
Two student readings and a document-based question exercise focus on the Obama
administration's recent decision to try Guantanamo suspects in civilian and military
courts.
COPENHAGEN
CLIMATE CONFERENCE: Will we continue to be 'slowly boiling brainless frogs'?
(10/19/09, updated
12/21/09) The
December 2009 conference presents an opportunity for students to consider some
key issues facing our planet.
CONSIDERING
UNEMPLOYMENT (12/16/09)
Students consider
our 10% unemployment rate from a numerical, social and emotional perspective,
including through photos from the Great Depression.
PRESIDENT
OBAMA AND 'THE CHOICE BETWEEN OUR SAFETY & OUR IDEALS' (12/16/09)
Student readings consider
President Obama's adoption of three Bush administration policies that Obama had
previously opposed: extraordinary rendition, the state secrets privilege, and
habeas corpus. Discussion questions, inquiry subjects, and a student essay assignment
follow.
THE
HEALTHCARE DEBATE (12/9/09)
Marieke van Woerkom
uses an engaging game with M&Ms to help students see how insurance works and
to touch off discussion on the current reform debate.
Thinking
Critically about Obama's Speech on AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN STRATEGY
(12/9/09)
A
student reading excerpts the president's speech; the second raises a battery of
questions to stimulate further inquiry and critical thinking on a vital presidential
decision.
THE
RISE OF HUNGER, UNEMPLOYMENT & POVERTY IN AMERICA (12/2/09)
Student readings focus
on the 49 million Americans who suffer from a lack of food; unemployment and how
the New Deal attacked that problem; and current proposals in the lead-up to a
December job summit.
Discussion questions and suggestions for further inquiry and citizenship follow.
FROM
BAGHDAD TO TUCSON, WITH LOVE: The Story of a Young Iraqi Refugee.
(11/18/09) Students
consider their views about Iraq and reflect on one young Iraqi refugee's view
of the U.S.
The
American Heritage of Race, Interracial Sex & interracial Marriage
(11/10/09) Four
student readings explore the sensitive and controversial issues of race, interracial
sex and interracial marriage--including the Jefferson-Hemings relationship and
Michelle Barack's ancestry.
Juan
Cole on ENGAGING THE MUSLIM WORLD: An Overview for Teachers
(10/28/09) Alan
Shapiro provides background for teachers on the 'standoff' between the Muslim
world and the West through an overview of the new book by Middle East scholar
Juan Cole.
NOBEL
PEACE PRIZE WINNER: President Obama (10/20/09)
A student reading
includes the president's statement on receiving the prize, an excerpt from the
Nobel Committee's announcement, and a sampling of reactions to the award. Discussion
questions follow.
AFGHANISTAN:
A War of Necessity? (10/8/09)
Two student
readings consider the president's position, recent military assessments and other
views on the 8-year-old war. Discussion questions and suggestions for inquiry
follow.
The
CIA: An Inquiry (9/30/09)
A student reading
explores the debate over the agency's "enhanced interrogation techniques."
Instructions for how to formulate questions for a student inquiry follow.
OBAMA'S
HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN & ITS CRITICS (9/16/09)
Student readings
examine the president's plan and the responses of critics and commentators. Discussion
questions follow, as well as suggestions for engaging students' family members
in a dialogue about the issue.
HENRY
HUDSON IN MANNAHATTA (9/9/09)
The 400th anniversary
of Henry Hudson's arrival in Manhattan make September 2009 a teachable month.
A student reading describes Hudson's 1609 voyage, relations with native people,
and aftermath. Discussion questions and inquiry suggestions follow, along with
information on web and museum resources.
'THE
ROOF IS CAVING IN': Americans Still Losing Jobs & Homes (9/2/09)
Alan Shapiro offers two
readings to help high school students consider the impact of rising unemployment
and continuing foreclosures. Discussion
questions and suggestions for inquiry, writing, and citizenship follow.
DR.
GATES, SERGEANT CROWLEY & PRESIDENT OBAMA
(7/29/09)
President
Obama hopes that the incident between police officer James Crowley and scholar
Henry Louis Gates "ends up being what's called a teachable moment."
We oblige with a lesson including student readings and discussion questions.
THE
BUREAUCRATIC MACHINE (7/21/09)
In three student readings
and activities, Alan Shapiro invites students to consider the behavior of people
in bureaucracies, including the health insurance industry, finance, and the military.
I.F.
STONE: 'All Governments Lie!' (7/15/09)
At a time when newspapers
are struggling to fund investigative reporting, three student readings examine
the work and impact of journalistic inquirer I.F. Stone. Discussion questions
and suggested inquiry and citizenship activities follow.
Supreme
Court ruling: CAN SCHOOLS STRIP SEARCH STUDENTS? (7/8/09)
The court's recent
ruling on the right of schools to conduct drug searches leaves some questions
unanswered. Two readings, discussion questions and suggestions for inquiry help
students consider the issue.
IRAN'S
TURMOIL & Relations with the U.S. (7/1/09)
Three student readings
provide an overview of recent events in Iran and outline that country's post-World
War II relationship with the U.S. Discussion questions and suggestions for further
inquiries follow.
CIGARETTES:
Cracking down on the 'deadliest legal product known to man'
(7/1/09)
A reading outlines
the new Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and provides information
about teenage smoking and its effects. A writing assignment, discussion questions
and subjects for further inquiry follow.
SUPREME
COURT NOMINEE SOTOMAYOR: What Role for Experience & Heritage?
(6/24/09)
Student
readings explore the debate over Sotomayor, her background, and controversial
cases. Discussion questions, a case study and writing assignments follow.
TREATMENT
OF TERRORIST SUSPECTS: Obama & His Critics
(6/17/09)
In a recent speech,
the president discussed his views of controversial anti-terrorist policies. Three
student readings include excerpts from the speech followed by critiques from multiple
perspectives, discussion questions and inquiry ideas.
BOOM,
BUST & BANK BAILOUT
(6/3/09)
What fueled the housing
boom and the bust that followed? Who was hurt? Who benefited? Two student readings
explore the issues.
CHECKING
LANGUAGE & FACTS IN THE HEALTHCARE DEBATE
(5/20/09)
Student readings include
excerpts from a memo and an ad attacking Obama's reform plan as well as a description
of that plan. Discussion questions call for critical thinking about language,
factual, and substantive issues.
SHOULD
ASSAULT WEAPONS BE BANNED?
(5/13/09) Student
readings review the origins of the AK-47, the 10-year federal ban on assault weapons,
President Obama's views on guns, and the NRA's political clout. Discussion questions
and an inquiry-oriented plan for "constructive controversy" follow.
HOW
ORGANIC IS ORGANIC FOOD?
(5/6/09) What
is organic food exactly? Student activities include two readings, a quiz,
a writing assignment and suggestions for further inquiry.
SCHOOL
REFORM CONTROVERSY
(4/29/09) Student
readings address the chief issues in today's reform efforts, obstacles to reform,
and critical views of mainstream school reform. Discussion questions and suggestions
for student inquiries and writing follow.
TORTURE
MEMOS & THE RULE OF LAW
(4/27/09) A
student reading includes excerpts from recently released memos on 'interrogation
techniques' approved by the Bush administration; a second reading quotes President
Obama's statement on the issue. Discussion questions and writing and citizenship
activities follow.
GREEN
INITIATIVES to Combat Climate Change
(4/15/09) Student
readings describe the scientific controversy over "tipping points,"
the Obama-Biden energy program, and plans to green the Empire State Building.
Following the readings are suggestions for student-led green initiatives for Earth
Day - or any other day.
Obama's
strategy in AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN,
with a DBQ (4/8/09)
An introduction and
two student readings discuss the president's view of the Afghanistan/Pakistan
connection and what he thinks must be done in both countries. A companion Document-Based
Question (DBQ) exercise asks students to consider and write about competing views
of the president's strategy.
VOTING
RIGHTS ACT OF 1965, THEN & NOW (4/1/09)
One
student reading traces the orgins of the Voting Rights Act; a second discusses
the recent Supreme Court decision limiting the Act's scope when it comes to drawing
voter district lines.
FOOD
BANKS FACE SURGING DEMAND
(3/31/09)
As millions of people
lose their jobs, food
banks are scrambling to meet the need.
A student reading is followed by some suggestions for how students might help.
SUSPECTED
TERRORISTS: The Bush Legacy & Obama's Response (3/18/09)
Two student
readings examine the Bush administration's detention of 'enemy combatants' and
how the new administration is handling the issue.
AIG:
Should Taxpayers Bail Out an 'Irresponsible' Company? (3/11/09)
A student reading
focuses on the housing boom and bust, why AIG foundered and why taxpayers are
propping it up. Discussion questions and a suggested fish bowl discussion follow.
THE
PENTAGON: A Budgetary 'Train Wreck'? (3/4/09)
Student readings offer an overview of the defense budget and the Pentagon; explore
the issues surrounding production of the F22; and discuss the military-industrial-congressional
complex. Discussion questions follow. The accompanying DBQ
exercise is described below.
DBQ:
PENTAGON SPENDING. (3/4/09)
In this
Document-Based Question exercise, students consider and write an essay about competing
views on defense spending.
Jonathan
Schell: A TANGLE OF CRISES
(2/25/09)
A summary of Schell's essay describing
the interconnected crises we face and their commonalities is followed by suggestions
for discussion, inquiry, critical thinking and writing.
ECONOMIC
CRISIS & THE PLAN FOR RECOVERY
(2/18/09)
Student readings and discussion questions address the the origins and impact of
the economic crisis and President Obama's recovery plan.
STUDENT
ACTION ON THE ECONOMIC CRISIS (2/10/09)
How can teachers help their students understand and take action
on problems stemming from the economic crisis? We propose a process for encouraging
active student citizenship.
MONEY
IN POLITICS: Earmarks & Revolving Doors (2/4/09)
Student readings explore such practices as gift-giving, earmarks,
and a revolving door that swings among people in government, the military and
private industry. Discussion questions and possibilities for inquiry and active
citizenship follow.
PRESIDENT
OBAMA & AMERICA'S 3 CRISES
(1/28/09) President
Obama's inauguration address offered a continuing teachable moment for examining
key issues facing the nation. A student reading including speech excerpts is followed
by questions for discussion and inquiry.
PRESIDENT
OBAMA'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS: An Effective Speech? (1/20/09)
In this classroom lesson, students consider President Obama's inaugural address
as a speech and in the context of past inaugural addresses.
| LESSONS
ON THE INAUGURATION for grades K-12
(posted 1/13/09) Our
15-page PDF booklet includes student readings and interactive lessons about the
inauguration, Obama's inaugural speech, the challenges facing the new administration,
and the inaugurals of presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt. |
GOODBYE
NEWSPAPERS? (1/14/09)
A student dialogue and two readings examine the declining readership
of newspapers, especially among young people.
LESSONS
ON THE INAUGURATION for grades K-12
(posted 1/13/09) Our 15-page PDF booklet
includes student readings and interactive lessons about the inauguration, Obama's
inaugural speech, the challenges facing the new administration, and the inaugurals
of presidents Lincoln and Roosevelt.
ISRAELIS
& PALESTINIANS: 'A Clash between Right and Right'
(updated
1/26/08)
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.
GAY
COUPLES & CIVIL RIGHTS (1/7/09)
A student reading offers conflicting views on gay marriage, which
became an inauguration issue when Barack Obama selected Rev. Rick Warren to deliver
the invocation. A second reading discusses some major practical differences between
civil union and marriage.
FDR
and Barack Obama: Leading the Nation through Hard Times
(12/30/08) Two
student readings summarize the condition of the country as Roosevelt was inaugurated
and highlight the New Deal. A third reading summarizes the situation in the U.S.
today and Obama's economic recovery plan. Discussion questions and suggestions
for further exploration follow.
MUMBAI
ATTACK: Why South Asia Matters to America
(12/17/08)
Student readings
and discussion questions address
some basic questions about the attackand
describe the interconnected problems in South Asia that will confront President
Obama, including the
conflict over Kashmir and the war against the Taliban.
'RESTORING
THE RULE OF LAW'
(11/25/08) Has the Bush
administration flouted the rule of law through such actions as torture and unlawful
detention of suspects? If so, what will the new president and Congress do about
it? Three student readings and activities explore the issue.
What
will President Obama do about THE GLOBAL WARMING TIME BOMB?
(11/19/08)
Student readings examining this crisis and President-elect Obama's plans to combat
it are followed by discussion questions, subjects for inquiry, citizenship activities,
and ideas for student follow-up after Obama is inaugurated.
What
will President Obama do about AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN? (11/12/08)
An opening exercise is followed by student readings on Afghanistan's "downward
spiral" and Pakistan's involvement; limitations of an American military solution;
and elements of a regional approach.
What
will President Obama do about AMERICA'S ECONOMIC NIGHTMARE? (11/5/08)
The new president-elect faces many challenges. Two student readings
outline the economic crisis and Obama's prescriptions for addressing it. Discussion
questions follow.
VOTE
2008: CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES ABOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION for grades K-12
(10/27/08) This 20-page PDF booklet includes
lively classroom activities to get students thinking, learning and talking. Grades
K-1, grades 2-5, grades 4-8, and grades 6-12.
Nobel
Prize-Winner Ahtisaari: 'EVERY CONFLICT CAN BE SOLVED' (10/29/08)
A student reading and questions on the work of this former president
of Finland and accomplished mediator.
Election
2008: THE ISSUE OF RACE
(10/22/08) 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.
ENGAGING
YOUR CLASS THROUGH GROUPWORK
(10/22/08) Educator Alan Shapiro summarizes
nine different techniques teachers can use to encourage constructive interaction
among students using small groups.
Election
2008: 5 KEY ISSUES
(10/15/08) 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.
Election
2008: THE SECOND DEBATE -- FINANCIAL CRISIS
(10/8/08) Excerpts from the debate are followed by questions and
an exercise in which students try to answer complex questions in two minutes.
Financial
Crisis: BAILOUT OR RESCUE?
(10/8/08) Student readings explain some of the events leading up
to the crisis as well as reactions to it from citizens and politicians. A DBQ
asks students to consider and compare opinions on the issue.
Election
2008: THE FIRST DEBATE -- IRAN, IRAQ & AFGHANISTAN
(10/1/08) 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.
Election
2008: FINANCIAL CRISIS (9/24/08)
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.
Election
2008: INEQUALITY IN AMERICA (9/17/08)
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.
THE
SECOND AMENDMENT & GUNS (8/19/08)
Two student readings explore the Supreme Court's recent ruling and its interpretation
of the "right to bear arms."
The
New FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT: A Threat to American Freedom? (8/19/08)
Two student readings review the history of FISA and new legislation that allows
continued warrantless surveillance of Americans.
Presidential
Election 2008: OIL ADDICTION, THE ECONOMY & THE PLANET
(7/29/08)
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.
Presidential
Election 2008: YOUNG VOTERS ARE 'STOKED,' BUT ARE THEY INFORMED?
(7/16/08) 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.
Presidential
Election 2008: 5 ISSUES THE CANDIDATES WON'T TOUCH (7/1/08)
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.
THE
SUPREME COURT, HABEAS CORPUS & GUANTANAMO
(6/25/08)
The Supreme Court decision granting habeas corpus rights to Guantanamo prisoners
is an opportunity to help students understand the importance of those rights and
why granting them to non-citizens is controversial.
BIG
PROBLEMS AT 3 FEDERAL AGENCIES
(6/11/08) 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.
Presidential
Election 2008: THE SUPREME COURT
(6/4/08)
Selecting
Supreme Court nominees is one of a president's most consequential actions. Three
student readings consider Court interpretations of constitutional principles;
the impact of social conditions on Court rulings; and what the current presidential
candidates have said about Supreme Court appointments.
Presidential
Election 2008: FIXING THE U.S. HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (5/21/08)
Three student
readings explore problems with our healthcare system; candidate proposals for
reform; and healthcare systems in other industrialized nations.
WHAT
CAN STUDENTS DO ABOUT THE CATASTROPHE IN CHINA? (5/21/08)
The huge earthquake
that ravaged China on May 12 buried thousands of schoolchildren. American students
may have a special interest in acting to help young survivors in China.
WHAT
CAN STUDENTS DO ABOUT THE CATASTROPHE IN MYANMAR? (5/14/08)
A brief student reading
about the recent devastating cyclone is followed by suggestions for translating
students' compassion into action.
THE
SEAN BELL CASE (5/7/08)
NYC police were found
not guity in the shooting of an unarmed young man, setting off protests. Three
student readings explore conflicting accounts of the shooting, reactions to the
verdict, and opinions from differing perspectives. Suggestions for discussion,
inquiry and a "constructive controversy" exercise follow.
OPENING
A DIALOGUE: How people in Muslim countries view the U.S. & how people in the
U.S. view Muslims (4/23/08)
Students are invited to think critically about these complex issues through
poll questions, brief case studies, and a critical thinking exercise.
THE
CONSTITUTION, WAR CRIMES & GUANTANAMO JUSTICE (4/16/08)
Release of a Justice Department memo raises anew the issue of how the U.S. treats
terrorist suspects.Two students readings are followed by discussion questions
and other student activities.
CUBA
& THE U.S. (4/9/08)
Castro's resignation has provoked new consideration of the Cuba-U.S. relationship.
Two student readings examine the history, the role of Cuban-Americans, the human
rights issue, and the stands of the 2008 presidential candidates.
A
MORE PERFECT UNION: Examining Senator Obama's Speech (3/26/08)
Extended excerpts from Senator Obama's speech on race are followed by questions
for classroom discussion, as well as additional suggestions for class dialogue,
writing, and inquiry.
Exploring
Race & Racism through OBAMA'S SPEECH ON RACE (3/19/08)
Senator Barack Obama's March 18, 2008, speech is a teachable moment for issues
of race, racism, and race relations in the United States. Here, suggestions for
classroom discussion and inquiry based on a reading or viewing of Obama's speech.
IRAQ:
The Surge & Power Struggles (3/12/08)
Four student readings and an introductory questionnaire expore the effects
of the surge and the state of Iraq today. Student activities follow.
Presidential
Election 2008 ROLEPLAY: THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL (2/27/08)
A
lively game demonstrates how disparate interest groups, with their money and clout,
can influence a candidate's platform and viability.
Presidential
Election 2008: THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT A CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT
(2/27/08)
The
believing game and the doubting game can help students go beyond debate to dialogue
and analysis when considering the 2008 presidential candidates.
Presidential
Election 2008: HILLRAISERS, McCAIN 100s & PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FUNDING
(2/20/08)
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 suggested citizenship activities follow.
Presidential
Election 2008: WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS? (2/13/08)
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.
MILITARY
SPENDING & THE MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL-CONGRESSIONAL COMPLEX (2/6/08)
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.
Presidential
Election 2008: MAKING DECISIONS ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES (for
grades 4-6) (1/30/08)
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.
ECONOMIC
ANXIETY: Lost homes, lost jobs, debt & dropping markets
(1/23/08)
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.
Presidential
Election 2008: MISLEADING FACTS & VAGUE OPINIONS (1/23/08)
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.
NO
CHILD LEFT BEHIND
(1/16/08)
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.
DEATH
FROM A DISTANCE
(1/9/08)
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.
Presidential
Election 2008: POLITICS & RELIGION
(1/3/08) The
role of religion in politics has become a controversial 2008 election issue. Following
an introductory quiz, three student readings address the Constitution and the
founders on religion, presidential candidates' speeches on faith and politics,
and the appropriateness of religious questions directed to candidates.
THE
U.S. & IRAN (updated
12/11/07)
Student readings explore the complex relationship between the U.S. & Iran,
including controversy stemming from the recent finding that Iran halted its nuclear
weapons program.
Presidential
Election 2008: OUR BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
(12/5/07) Students
are invited to examine the candidates' recent 'debate' over giving undocumented
immigrants driver's licenses; learn some facts about immigration; and consider
an historical commentary. Discussion questions and a suggested inquiry into a
new immigration policy follow.
THE
MISSING CLASS (11/28/07)
America's low-income
"missing class" is the subject of one student reading; another reading
explores proposals to help these Americans enter the middle class. Ideas for further
inquiry follow.
Presidential
Election 2008: HORSE RACE (11/21/07)
A student questionnaire, two readings, and discussion questions explore media
coverage of the 2008 election, including The Project for Excellence in Journalism's
finding that almost two-thirds of coverage is devoted to the campaign's horse
race aspects.
Presidential
Election 2008: COMBATING TERRORISTS (11/14/07)
Three readings help students consider the president's "war on terror"
strategy, statements by Bush's critics, and what constitutes torture. Discussion
questions and other student activities follow.
THE
CONGRESSIONAL EARMARK (11/7/07)
Two student readings
examine the practice of earmarking in bills and the connection between earmark
spending and political campaign cash.
BLACKWATER
USA: Is the U.S. Privatizing War?
(10/31/07) The private security
firm Blackwater USA made headlines when its contractors killed 17 civilians in
Baghdad. That event, its background, and consequences are the subjects of two
student readings, discussion questions, and suggestions for student inquiries
and citizenship.
Presidential
Power: EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE
(10/24/07)
The Bush administration and Congress have been on a "collision course"
over executive privilege. A student reading explores the issue; a fish bowl activity
gives students a chance to discuss it. See our collection of lessons on presidential
power below.
Presidential
Election 2008: PROCESS & PROBLEMS.
(10/17/07)
A student reading reviews major steps in the campaign process and such issues
as the money race, fairness, and problems with the new voting machines. Suggested
discussion questions and other activities follow.
SHOULD
THE U.S. OCCUPATION OF IRAQ CONTINUE? (10/17/07)
A document-based lesson by educator Alan Singer asks students to consider Bush's
arguments and opposing views.
