Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
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 share stories of the women “architects” in their lives (or in the world) who have most shaped their worldview or their values.
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.
In this 7-day unit by high school English teacher Sarah Outterson-Murphy, students analyze AI’s capabilities, reflect on its flaws, and develop their own arguments about the pros and cons of AI at school.
Through small-group activities, students learn about and discuss acts of solidarity and mutual support that can sustain us in difficult times.
The lesson supports students in discussing possible responses to the experience of feeling “sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, or guilty” about the climate crisis.
In honor of the brave ones who have left behind everything they know, for an uncertain search of a chance to survive and, ultimately, thrive, I invite you to think of this: In times of crisis and desperation, how can one find joy?
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.