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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) 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. CHINA, RISING (9/10/08) The summer Olympics provide an opening for exploring China's rapid expansion and its implications for Americans. Discussion questions follow four student readings. GETTING TO KNOW YOU: Classroom Activities for Starting Off the School Year (9/3/08) This 28-page PDF booklet includes great activities to get your class (grades preK-12) off to a good start in the new school year. 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. ACTIVE LISTENING (for grades 3-6) (7/1/08) In this lesson, students practice active listening by paraphrasing what they hear. 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. POINT OF VIEW for Grades 3-6 (5/21/08) Through an exercise and roleplays, students consider the importance of understanding another person's point of view in solving a conflict. 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. Essay: HISTORY: THE DISENCHANTING INSTRUMENT OF RECALL ( 4/30/08) Alan Shapiro asks: Are we, as teachers and citizens, willing to examine the disturbing actions of our government since 9/11? And what are the consequences of not examining them? EARTH DAY 2008: An Essay on HISTORY & THE ENVIRONMENT ( 4/30/08) An Earth Day presentation to students prompts educator Alan Singer to reflect on some vital questions that Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth left out. Presidential Election 2008: WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS? (updated 4/28/08) 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; and a third presents poll results on what Americans and Russians think about nuclear weapons policy. 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 student readings are followed by discussion questions and other student activities. WHAT IS COMMUNICATION? (for Grades 3-6) (4/16/08) In these two fun classroom activities, students practice sending and receiving messages and consider what communication is. 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. PEACEMAKERS (for Grades 3-6) (3/19/08) A series of classroom activities culminate in students interviewing a peacemaker in their school or community. The Politics of Numia: A POST-COLONIAL ROLEPLAY (3/12/08) This engaging activity has students play the role of political parties (each with its own constituency, resources and objectives) trying to form a coalition government in the fictional African nation of Numia. 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. PAKISTAN: Unstable U.S. Ally (3/5/08) Pakistan, a nuclear power that has been a haven for al Qaeda, is now in flux. Three student readings offer a brief primer on Pakistan's often violent history and its relationship with the U.S. Discussion questions and subjects for further inquiry 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. CONFLICT AND WIN-WIN SOLUTIONS: Two Lessons for Grades 3-6 (2/27/08) The first lesson introduces students to the concept of conflict; the second has students practice coming up with "win-win solutions." 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. RESPECTING DIFFERENCES (for grades K-2) (2/20/08) Students observe that even friends may disagree in their opinions. The lesson includes an "opinion continuum" exercise that encourages students to respectfully express and listen to different opinions. 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. LISTENING WELL (for Grades 3-6) (2/6/08) In this activity, students practice the skills of good listening. 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. 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.
The Presidential Campaign: THE RACE FOR MONEY (10/10/07) This inquiry activity invites students to explore the central role of money in the 2008 election. JENA AND ITS 'TREE OF IGNORANCE' (10/3/07) The controversy at Louisiana's Jena High School offers a teachable moment for students to examine America's racial issues. A student reading presents an overview of the Jena events and comments by whites and blacks who live there. Suggested student activities include a microlab and subjects for further inquiry. IRAQ & THE U.S.: Autumn 2007 (9/19/07) Students consider official testimony and reports measuring the progress--or lack of it--in Iraq.
BONG HITS 4 JESUS: Student Rights & the Supreme Court (updated 7/11/07) A preliminary exercise aims to provoke student interest in the Morse v. Frederick student freedom of speech case. Two student readings, discussion questions, and activities follow. NORTHERN IRELAND: 'Peace Never Just Happens' (6/12/07) Northern Ireland has finally moved to shared leadership and peace. But why did it take so long? Student readings summarize the struggle and how peace was finally achieved. Suggestions for discussion, writing, and further inquiry follow. THE IMMIGRATION DEBATE & A DBQ (5/30/07) After an overview of the immigration bill now before Congress, a Document-Based Question activity offers multiple points of view on the bill. Discussion questions and an essay assignment follow. WHAT HAPPENS INSIDE PRISON (5/23/07) Three student readings offer a case study of what happened to one mentally ill prisoner; a summary of a critical report on America's prisons; and some additional facts and figures. Discussion questions, a writing assignment, subjects for further inquiry and suggestions for citizenship activities follow.
MEDIA BIGOTRY: South Park, Chris Rock, Rush Limbaugh, The Notorious B.I.G., Da Ali G. Show, Larry David & Others (5/16/07) The controversy over Don Imus opened a discussion that deserves students' consideration. A student reading offers samples from TV, radio, the record industry and other media outlets that raise questions about racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and Islamophobia in the media. A Document-Based Question-type writing assignment follows. WANTED: EDUCATED GLOBAL CITIZENS (5/2/07) Brief student readings on a child in southern Ethiopia, teenage girls in Guatemala and Pakistan, and refugees in Darfur examine global poverty, what is being done about it, and why we should care. TEACHING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (4/25/07) Suggestions for guiding students through a class project on an issue they care about--including a student activity that shines a light on group process. INTERPRETING THE IMUS FIRESTORM (4/17/07) The controversy over the ex-radio host's comments is an opportunity to consider racism and sexism in our society. Two student readings with suggestions for discussion, writing & further inquiry. FREIRE, AYERS & AN ECONOMICS LESSON FOR FIFTH-GRADERS (4/17/07) The theories of Freire and Ayers--and the Massachusetts curriculum framework--guide Emma Rose Roderick in creating a unit plan for fifth-graders on work (below). WORK, WORKERS, & THE US LABOR MOVEMENT: Unit Plan for 5th Grade Social Studies (4/11/07) An 8-lesson activity helps students explore issues of work and workplace conflicts through reading, discussion, interviews, and investigation. IS THE LAW STACKED AGAINST UNIONS? Student Reading & a DBQ. (4/4/07) The proposed Employee Free Choice Act makes this a teachable moment for students: why is union membership declining in this country? Is organizing too difficult? A document-based question exercise follows. CREATING A COOPERATIVE WORLD (3/21/07) Three readings, all based on Jonathan Schell's book The Unconquerable World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People, invite students to learn about, discuss, and act upon ideas for a cooperative and more peaceful world. VIETNAM, IRAQ & 'A CITY UPON A HILL' (3/7/07) Two student readings examine, compare, and provide commentary on the U.S. wars in Vietnam and Iraq. Suggested discussion questions, writing assignments, and subjects for inquiry encourage students to explore opposing viewpoints. THE LIBBY CASE (updated 3/7/07) Two student readings examine issues surrounding the indictment, trial and conviction of Lewis Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of staff. Following the readings are suggestions for student discussion and continuing attention to future developments. DIVIDED WAR POWERS: The President & the Congress (2/27/07) The debate on Iraq has created an important teachable moment about who has the power to make war under the U.S.'s system of government. Three students readings explore the issues. The DEATH PENALTY (2/13/07) Three student readings open up new avenues for discussion and inquiry. A concluding activity proposes student inquiry into arguments for and against capital punishment through internet investigation and a "constructive controversy." ELECTRONIC VOTING MACHINES: Is Your Vote Counted? (2/7/07) Student readings explore problems with these machines in the 2006 election and proposals for reform. Suggestions for inquiry and citizenship follow. THE PRESIDENT'S 'NEW STRATEGY' FOR IRAQ (1/17/07) A student reading summarizes Bush's escalation plan; a second summarizes reactions from leading Democrats and Republicans; the third provides a brief overview of three different plans for Iraq, all by congressional Democrats. Questions and suggestions for further inquiry follow. AFGHANISTAN: THE RETURN OF THE TALIBAN & HEROIN (1/10/07) Three student readings examine the growing instability of Afghanistan. THE SUNNI-SHIITE CONFLICT (1/10/07) One student reading describes the growing sectarian violence in Iraq; a second offers background on the historic split between Sunnis and Shiites. A SINGLE PAYER HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM FOR THE U.S.? (12/13/06) Many are fervently for, others are fervently against national health insurance. Student readings provide a critical overview of the U.S. health care system and discuss the pros and cons of national health insurance. A DBQ exercise and activities follow. IRAQ: 'A Grave & Deteriorating Situation' (12/13/06) What should the U.S. do in Iraq? A student reading offers an overview of the five most discussed strategies, issues associated with each, and suggestions for class activities and student inquiry. DBQ: WHAT FUELS TERRORISM? (12/6/06) A document-based question exercise has students examine differing views on what motivates terrorism by Islamic fundamentalists. PAYING FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (12/6/06) updated 2/20/07 A new report on the economic impact of global warming is the basis for student readings, discussion, and activities. IRAQI CIVILIAN DEATHS: A Statistical & Political Controversy (11/29/06) A reading followed by an inquiry exercise invites student scrutiny of four different estimates of Iraqi civilian deaths. NEW ORLEANS & PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROMISES (11/22/06) After Hurricane Katrina, President Bush spoke of America's "duty to confront this poverty with bold action." A student reading offers a report card on this effort and suggests student responses. YOUNG VOTERS: A Force in Politics (11/15/06) This November, young voters went to the polls in the largest numbers in 20 years. A student reading is followed by discussion questions. NURTURING THE PEACEMAKERS IN OUR STUDENTS: A Guide to Writing & Speaking Out About Issues of Peace and War (11/8/06) Alan Shapiro reviews the new book by teacher Chris Weber. 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner: POTENTIAL OF THE POOR (10/31/06) Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus shows how much one person can do to address a huge problem like poverty. A student reading summarizes Yunus' work and leads to suggestions for student action on an issue that concerns them. 2006 Election Issue: TERRORISM (10/25/06) Terrorism and its relationship to the Iraq war is the most potent issue in the 2006 elections. A student reading presents Republican and Democratic opinions on the subject, as well as those of U.S. intelligence agencies. A CONTROVERSIAL NEW LAW FOR TERROR SUSPECTS (10/18/06) The new Military Commissions Act raises basic constitutional issues as well as questions about U.S. compliance with the Geneva Conventions. Two student activities and two readings provide information about the act and critics' responses to it. GENOCIDE IN DARFUR, INACTION IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL (updated 10/18/06) A decade ago the world largely turned its back as an estimated 800,000 people were murdered in Rwanda. Today, genocide is occurring in Sudan's western region of Darfur. Here, student readings, questions for discussion, and suggestions for student action. 2006 Election Issue: THE ECONOMY (10/4/06) Three student readings offer information and perspectives on young people and the economy, how people feel about their economic situation, and controversy over interpreting economic statistics. Discussion questions and suggestions for further inquiry follow. 2006 Election Issue: IRAQ (9/20/06) Student readings provide an overview of the Iraq situation from multiple perspectives, reports of public opinion polls about the war, and political arguments on what the U.S. should do. Discussion questions and classroom activities follow. ABRIDGED & EASIER READING VERSION HUMANITARIANS in Action & in Danger (9/13/06) A student reading discusses the dangers faced by organizations providing humanitarian aid in Lebanon, Congo, Darfur, Sri Lanka, and Gaza. Discussion questions, suggestions for further inquiry and citizenship activities follow. JUNK POLITICS (9/6/06) Students read and discuss a critical article about U.S. politics in light of the upcoming elections. JUST THE FACTS (8/30/06) Florida's new education law declares, "American history shall be viewed as factual, not as constructed." Student readings, a quiz and suggested activities help students consider this law and a case study: two differing historical accounts of the U.S.-Mexico War. WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT POLITICS? (8/28//06) A student questionnaire, poll results, and an excerpt from a high school student's prize-winning essay called "We Don't Believe in Politics" aim to open up discussion about what your students really think about politics. THINKING CRITICALLY ABOUT INTERNET SOURCES (8/28//06). An introduction to some the skills students need to use the internet critically. MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT: A CIVILIAN CATASTROPHE (7/26//06) The outbreak of war between Israel and Hezbollah means disaster for civilians. Four student readings consider civilian losses now and historically. ELECTION TROUBLES: Gerrymandering, DREs & the Money Chase (7/26//06) The 2006 mid-term elections present an excellent opportunity to examine some major issues related to voting in the U.S. Three students readings are followed by suggestions for further student inquiry, reform proposals, and possible citizenship activities.
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