Current Issues

The election of Raphael Warnock to be Georgia's first Black senator was the result of decades of organizing by voting rights activists. Students discuss that history and the news.

Students reflect on the state of democracy in the U.S. in light of the insurrection at the Capitol, and discuss news stories about events during the first week of 2021. 

Why are some people skeptical about getting a Covid vaccine, even though evidence shows that the approved vaccines are safe and effective? And who should be vaccinated first? Students read about and discuss the vaccination news. 

Students practice their critical thinking skills by analyzing an image and then articles about conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine myths.

Students read about and discuss three key policy debates as a new administration prepares to take office.

November is Indigenous Peoples Month (also known as Native American Heritage Month), an opportunity to learn about indigenous peoples' history, culture, and perspectives. 

Students (grades 6-12) reflect on and write about Kamala Harris and the continuing "fight to be heard," and hear the voices of young people about the barriers she has broken and what it means to them. Also see our elementary lesson.

Students review and reflect on the news that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been declared winners of the 2020 presidential election.

Students consider four key issues discussed by Donald Trump and Joe Biden in the October 22, 2020 presidential debate: the Covid pandemic, healthcare, racism, and the climate crisis.

Students discuss recent cases of forced sterilization, explore the history of this horrific practice, then do some research of their own.