Current Issues
Classroom activities to engage students in learning about and discussing issues in the news
TeachableMoment
November 13, 2018
I’ve received many texts and calls from family, friends, and colleagues since the Trump administration announced its plan to redefine “sex discrimination” under Title IX, the federal civil rights law…
TeachableMoment
November 8, 2018
A shooting on November 7 at a bar in California during an event for college students left at least 12 people dead, and added to widespread feelings of anxiety and sadness across the country.
At…
TeachableMoment
October 29, 2018
To the Teacher
Circles are a powerful way for people to come together, share their thoughts and feelings, be heard, bear witness, mourn, and heal together. Below are suggestions for a…
TeachableMoment
October 28, 2018
To the Teacher:
During October 2018, thousands of Central American men, women and children have been making their way north from Honduras, through Guatemala and Mexico, towards the U.S. border. …
TeachableMoment
October 25, 2018
Opening
Ask students: “Do you know what will happen on November 6, 2018?”
Elicit or explain that even though there is no presidential election this year, the midterm elections will allow…
TeachableMoment
October 21, 2018
To the Teacher:
Consider combining this lesson with our concurrent lesson about the lawsuit young people have brought against the government: Young People's Suit Over Climate Disruption Comes to…
TeachableMoment
October 20, 2018
To the Teacher
Is there anything that young people can do to take on the urgent challenge of climate change? Twenty-one youth activists from around the country believe there is, and they have…
TeachableMoment
October 18, 2018
Note to teacher:
This lesson places arguments from President Trump alongside arguments from immigration advocates, and asks students to analyze the reasoning of both sides. The lesson can…
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October 14, 2018
To the Teacher:
2018 is the 50th anniversary of a landmark protest at the Miss America beauty pageant. The protest was part of a new period of feminist activism—one with renewed significance in…
TeachableMoment
October 11, 2018
Objective:
Students will be able to communicate their views about a political issue in a letter to the editor.
Note to the teacher:
Before teaching this lesson, identify a local paper…