What's New on TeachableMoment.Org

Newly Posted Classroom Resources on our website of teacher resources, TeachableMoment.Org:

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 & 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.

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 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 (2/6/08) In this activity for grades 3-6, 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 (1/3/07) 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.

...and much more, all available on www.teachablemoment.org!

Photos on this website are by Carolina Kroon (www.carolinakroonphotography.com)