Alan Shapiro

Readings and activities to help students explore the conflicting views, history, and possibilities for peace among Palestinians and Israelis.

Two readings and accompanying activities explore whether the torture of prisoners is the result of a few individuals acting alone or of broader government decisions.

Have U.S. forces violated international law in their treatment of prisoners in Iraq, Afghanistan, & Guantanamo? Has that treatment amounted to torture or war crimes? If so, who should be held responsible? Here, we assemble a wide collection of excerpts from original materials to use as a basis for student exploration.

In the wake of the Supreme Court's recent historic ruling on the University of Michigan's affirmative action program, we offer four lessons and a rich assortment of original source materials.

Three student readings examine the growing instability of Afghanistan.

Readings and activities to help high school students better understand the growing gap between rich and poor and consider the issue in light of this year's presidential election.

"This two-part lesson, with readings and, in Part II, suggested classroom activities, is aimed at helping students consider and develop opinions on the war in Iraq. Part I: What Is Going Right and What Is Going Wrong? Part II: How to Get Out?"

Readings and activities on wartime threats to civil liberties, the history of such threats, and the Constitutional basis for civil liberties.

A short reading and questions to discuss and debate.

A document-based question exercise has students examine differing views on what motivates terrorism by Islamic fundamentalists.

Alan Shapiro appreciates the book about Greg Mortenson, the man who builds schools and bridges of understanding with people in the mountains of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Several brief case studies that raise questions about civil liberties in the wake of 9/11, followed by suggestions for classroom discussion.

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?

A look at the basic elements of democracy and freedom and how they have developed and at the effort to introduce democracy and freedom in Iraq.

Alan Shapiro reviews Stephen Kinzer's compelling account of "America's Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq."

The international scandal has raised profound questions for the citizens of our country. Our introductory lesson on the prisoner torture issue includes a student reading and opening and concluding exercises.

Alan Shapiro reviews two books by Adam Hochschild about injustices and those who fought to end them.

Most Americans have major misconceptions about the war. A questionnaire, readings & activities help students explore the facts.

"This two-part lesson, with readings and, in Part II, suggested classroom activities, is aimed at helping students consider and develop opinions on the war in Iraq. Part I: What Is Going Right and What Is Going Wrong? Part II: How to Get Out?"

A resource unit for high school students on deficits, taxes, and the "military-industrial-Congressional complex"

Students develop skills and understandings to make them more critical readers, listeners and viewers.

In this time of war, a rich set of readings and activities on the history and power of peaceful resistance.

Includes a number of quotes from scientists about global warming, information on what is being done about it, and a suggested approach to launching a student project.

Readings and activities to help high school students better understand the growing gap between rich and poor and consider the issue in light of this year's presidential election. 

People from both sides of the political spectrum agree that the spread of nuclear weapons is the greatest threat we face. What do we do about it? These readings and activities help students explore the options.

A meaty overview and suggestions for study to help students broaden their knowledge of Islam's past and present, and the U.S.'s role.

Nuclear weapons have been in the news recently. Three student readings provide context and explore the U.S.-India deal and the controversy over Iran's nuclear program.

A substantive reader and activity guide on chemical, biological & nuclear weapons

Readings and activities encourage students to explore the chain's amazing success and the controversy surrounding its policies in the U.S. and abroad.

An opening activity, four student readings, and a set of teaching strategies on the complex and interrelated energy and environmental problems facing the U.S.

What gives rise to terrorism? A set of student readings explore this difficult question with profiles of two terrorists and information about their motivations and beliefs.

Excerpts from the Senate Intelligence Committee report on faulty intelligence on Iraq begin this set of readings and assignments. Help your high school students hone their own critical thinking skills as they explore what went wrong in the lead-up to the Iraq War.

Our ever-inquiring curriculum writer Alan Shapiro suggests books, articles, and a blog that are sure to sharpen your thinking.

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.

An overview of income tax laws and the accompanying chart provide the basis for student inquiry into who benefited most from the Bush tax cuts. The questions and assignment that follow test students' ability to read a statistical chart and draw conclusions from it.

After a brief reading and a sampling of news reports, students consider the role of bias and opinion in the news.

A student reading explores why gas prices are rising. A Document-Based Question has students consider competing views on what to do about it.

Includes additional action opportunities and also lists useful websites. A relatively new one is the Alliance for Climate Protection, an organization founded last year by Al Gore: www.climateprotect.org

A student reading explores the debate over the agency's "enhanced interrogation techniques." Instructions for how to formulate questions for a student inquiry follow.

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.

Now is a teachable moment for study and discussion of the First Amendment and the religiously tinged politics of our time. Here, a quiz, a short history of the First Amendment, four case studies and suggested classroom activities.

An opening exercise and two readings offer students an opportunity to learn about the Patriot Act and to grapple with some of its controversial provisions.

As controversy grows over military recruitment in high schools, we offer a set of rigorous, inquiry-oriented and student-friendly readings and activities that explore many aspects of the military, the draft, and the war:

Iraq, with its newly elected government, faces new opportunities and problems. We provide two readings for high school students. The first provides a capsule overview of Iraq; the second summarizes major problems that face the country now. Discussion questions and suggestions for student activities follow.

One student reading explores the new document, which Iraqis will vote up or down on October 15; another presents information on everyday life in Iraq. A Document-Based Question (DBQ) has students consider different perspectives on the state of Iraq today.

The UN's 60th birthday on October 24 offers an opportunity for students to learn about the organization's history and to consider some problems it faces.

The Torture Issue (with a DBQ) A student reading includes examples of U.S. treatment of prisoners as revealed in investigations and excerpts from the Geneva Convention and UN Convention Against Torture. A DBQ (document-based question) includes diverse points of view on the efficacy and morality of torture.

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.

A reading followed by an inquiry exercise invites student scrutiny of four different estimates of Iraqi civilian deaths.

Most Americans are "energy illiterate." These lessons for high school students promote energy literacy, especially about oil. We begin with a student energy quiz, followed by three readings and suggested classroom activities.

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.

Readings (including an abridged dictionary of the war) and activities to encourage critical thinking.

Readings and activities on WorldCom, the profitable world of stock options, and other financial shenanigans and what Congress & the President are doing about it.

Questions and information to help students consider the conflict.

What right, if any, "to keep and bear" arms does the Constitution guarantee individuals? What right, if any, does Congress have to regulate them?

An overview that gives special attention to Iraq's oil industry, and suggestions for discussion and study of Iraq's future and the US's leadership and credibility.

"The Postwar Iraq Debate: Readings & Activities for HS Students Two readings on recent developments in Iraq,esti Bush administration policies, and domestic and international reactions to them, plus suggons for classroom activities."

Background reading and activities to help students make sense of the latest news.

Readings and discussion questions explore such topics as what it means to be "embedded" and how the media covered the pulling down of Saddam Hussein's statue and the attack on Fallujah.

A document-based question exercise and reading on the difficulty of assessing Iraqi civilian casualties.

This document-based question exercise uses quotes from journalists about the challenges of reporting from Iraq as the basis for a student essay and discussion.

A brief compilation of websites offering opinion, analysis, news and other material helpful in promoting inquiry in your classroom.

Help your students prepare for the NY Regents Exam with these document-based question exercises modeled closely on the format used in the exam.

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.

One student reading describes the growing sectarian violence in Iraq; a second offers background on the historic split between Sunnis and Shiites.

Nine all-purpose guidelines to keep in mind.

These classroom activities encourage students to inquire into the values conflict over nuclear weapons.

Activities and readings to help students develop a minimal literacy on nuclear weapons issues and to give them a chance to discuss and consider their opinions on nuclear issues.

Readings and activities to help students consider and debate the pros and cons.

Readings and activities on the history of the U.S.-North Korea relationship & the current tension over nuclear weapons.

"This lesson, including a student survey, a reading using original documents, and suggestions for discussion, invites students to consider what it means to be a patriot in the United States. - DBQ. Original documents, questions, and a Document-Based Question, plus suggestions for follow up."

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.

An inquiry approach to reading a poem focuses not on text questions but on student questions.

Students examine differing interpretations of the same events; write and interpret history; ask and analyze questions; and consider further inquiry.

There's no escaping it: Teaching is a political act.

The power of special interest money funneled through K Street lobbying firms--and the revolving door between these firms and federal officials--affect the lives of every American. Three student readings (followed by questions & suggested activities) show the process at work.

Presidential Election 2004 Series

These small-group discussions can help students grapple with tough and emotional issues.

Two student readings review the history of FISA and new legislation that allows continued warrantless surveillance of Americans.

This DBQ exercise can help students practice for standardized tests such as the New York State Regents Exam. To prepare students for the exercise, consider conducting the "Nuclear Nightmares and Nuclear Security" lesson on this website.

Original quotes and discussion questions to open a class exploration of media issues.

Most Americans get their news from sources owned by profit-driven media conglomerates. Three student readings (with discussion questions) examine the impact of the bottom line on the news business.

Three brief student readings (with suggestions for discussion) focus on the use of unnamed and potentially unreliable sources and journalists' need to protect sources.

3 lessons to help students learn about and debate the history of nuclear weapons policy, up to the Bush administration.

Four brief readings and suggestions for engaging students on why we have nuclear weapons and what to do about them.

The new president-elect faces many challenges. Two student readings outline the economic crisis and Obama's prescriptions for addressing it. Discussion questions follow.

Most Americans are "energy illiterate." These lessons for high school students promote energy literacy, especially about oil. We begin with a student energy quiz, followed by three readings and suggested classroom activities.

Three lessons on recent events in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This lesson, including a student survey, a reading using original documents, and suggestions for discussion, invites students to consider what it means to be a patriot in the United States.

Presidential Election 2004 Series

Provides basic information about oil, gas and the U.S.

Students consider a range of opinions about what "terrorism" is and what is behind terrorist acts such as the September 11 attacks.

A student reading includes statements from President Bush addressing this question, followed by original documents that support or contradict his claims.

A leaked report from a British cabinet meeting raises grave questions about how and why the Iraq War was launched. A student reading includes quotes from the leaked document, from the Bush administration, and from Congress.

Why do presidents go to war? Students read about how five U.S. presidents justified wars with Mexico, Spain, Vietnam, Grenada and Iraq, then consider the merits of their arguments

The outbreak of war between Israel and Hezbollah means disaster for civilians. Four student readings consider civilian losses now and historically.

Students can practice the art using today's news.

These two processes offer us an opportunity to think rigorously without polarization and to embrace contradictions that normally divide us.

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.

Rumors are circulating that the military draft may be reinstituted, creating anxiety for young people. This classroom activity stimulates classroom debate and helps students practice for social studies Regents exams. The activity includes a brief history of the draft followed by a "document-based question" or DBQ, with arguments for and against a draft.

A reading and activities on the Iranian human rights activist and her beliefs about Islam, democracy, human rights, and U.S. foreign policy.

Three student readings and discussion questions focus on the need to critically interpret and verify what we see, hear, and read to avoid being swamped by information overload.

Activity and reading on soft money and hardball politics.

Students examine samples of some widely publicized documents released by WikiLeaks; competing views of Julian Assange and WikiLeaks; and what WikiLeaks and the New York Times say about their handling of the materials. Discussion questions and subjects for class debate follow.

Student readings examine the lack of security for civilians; the lives of girls and women and the U.S. outreach to them; and corruption in Afghanistan's government. Discussion questions and suggestions for further student inquiry and citizenship activity follow.

Two student readings describe the origin of the gerrymander, its likely effects following the 2010 elections, and efforts to reform redistricting systems. Discussion questions and suggestions for further student inquiry and citizenship follow.

Three student readings examine Bush's recent statements about torture, the legal advice he received, and excerpts from the ACLU's recent request that Bush be investigated by the Justice Department. Discussion questions and a writing and citizenship activity follow.

Three student readings consider Iraq War documents released by WikiLeaks; the U.S. policies those documents call into question; and information on WikiLeaks and its leader, Julian Assange. Discussion questions and a "constructive controversy" exercise follow.

Two student readings and two supplementary readings explore the big banks' faulty paperwork, robo-signers, and freewheeling fraud, which have devastated the lives of millions of Americans.

Student readings and discussion questions explore 1) the growth of U.S. poverty; 2) multiple perspectives on the causes, effects, and proposed solutions of poverty; 3) the historic levels of inequality; 4) multiple perspectives on the causes and effects of inequality and some proposed solutions; and 5) how to interpret the Constitution's injunction "to provide for the general welfare." Suggestions for developing a class project follow.

Two student readings describe the history of the imprisoned activist and the human rights situation in China today. Discussion questions follow.

Student readings examine Senate dysfunction (including anachronistic rules, endless fundraising, and delaying tactics) and the issue of cloture and filibuster. Discussion questions and a writing and citizenship activity follow.

As midterm elections approach, three student readings, discussion questions, and suggestions for inquiry engage students in exploring the role of money in politics.

Student readings explore the scientific evidence on global warming, the views of climate change deniers, and ideas for student action on climate change, including a day of action on October 10, 2010, sponsored by 350.org, Greenpeace and the Rainforest Action Network.

A student reading provides an excerpt from Judge Walker's ruling that California's Prop 8 is unconstitutional and describes competing opinions on gay marriage. A critical thinking activity follows.

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.

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.

Alan Shapiro's essay challenges us to consider current education policies and what real reform might look like.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An introduction and three student readings explore the vast BP spill, who is responsible, and problems with the Minerals Management Service.

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.

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.

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.

Student readings provide an overview of the new health insurance legislation and conflicting views about it. Discussion questions and a writing assignment follow.

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.

Alan Shapiro offers a process (including two student readings) to help students conduct a rigorous inquiry into the controversy over climate change.

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.

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.

Two student readings consider the controversy over the Bush administration attorneys who counseled that 'enhanced interrogation techniques' were legal.

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.

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.

Students learn about the earthquake and Haiti's history, and brainstorm about how they can help Haitians now and in the long run.

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.

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.

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.

Three student readings and discussion questions probe current conditions in Iraq and the U.S.'s moral responsibilities there.

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.

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.

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.

Three student readings examine the controversial UN report charging both Israel and Palestinians with war crimes in the 2008 Gaza War.

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.

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.

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.

The December 2009 conference presents an opportunity for students to consider some key issues facing our planet.

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.

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.

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.

A document-based question exercise has students examine differing views on what motivates terrorism by Islamic fundamentalists.

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.

Teaching students these strategies to deal with problems that come up with friends can help create a more peaceable classroom.

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.

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

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.

Student readings explore the debate over Sotomayor, her background, and controversial cases. Discussion questions, a case study and writing assignments follow.

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.

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.

What fueled the housing boom and the bust that followed? Who was hurt? Who benefited? Two student readings explore the issues.

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.

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.

What is organic food exactly? Student activities include two readings, a quiz, a writing assignment and suggestions for further inquiry.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Two student readings examine the Bush administration's detention of 'enemy combatants' and how the new administration is handling the issue

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.

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.

In this Document-Based Question exercise, students consider and write an essay about competing views on defense spending.

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.

Student readings and discussion questions address the the origins and impact of the economic crisis and President Obama's recovery plan.

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.

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.

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.

In this classroom lesson, students consider President Obama's inaugural address as a speech and in the context of past inaugural addresses.

A student dialogue and two readings examine the declining readership of newspapers, especially among young people.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A student reading and questions on the work of this former president of Finland and accomplished mediator.

Nine techniques teachers can use to encourage constructive interaction among students using small groups.

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.

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.

Excerpts from the debate are followed by questions and an exercise in which students try to answer complex questions in two minutes.

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.

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

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.

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 summer Olympics provide an opening for exploring China's rapid expansion and its implications for Americans. Discussion questions follow four student readings.

Two student readings explore the Supreme Court's recent ruling and its interpretation of the "right to bear arms."

Two student readings review the history of FISA and new legislation that allows continued warrantless surveillance of Americans.

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.

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.

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 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.