Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
This lesson consists of two readings on the issue of President Biden’s proposal to reform the Supreme Court. The first reading reviews the binding code of conduct that the White House has proposed, as well as some of the scandals among justices that inspired this proposal. The second reading...
August 26th is Women’s Equality Day, a national day of celebration commemorating the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. This two-part lesson consists of two readings which explore the ongoing history of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) in the United States. Questions for...
This two-part lesson consists of two readings which review gun violence through the lens of a public health crisis, and what it means to approach gun violence as a public health issue. Questions for discussion follow each reading, as well as an art-based activity to complete once finished reading...
This lesson examines the increasing wealth disparity between government representatives and the people they serve. Students read and share their ideas about lack of working-class representation in government and how this impacts lawmaking policy at all levels.
After an activity on adultism and ageism, students read about and discuss why the U.S. Congress has become older than ever, what impact that might have, and how young people could get more involved.
Students explore how state “parental rights” laws have created new paperwork for schools - and consider calls by parents, students, and educators for greater school autonomy.
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.