Latest Activities
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
for Grades 3-6 (2/6/08)
In this activity, 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
(1/3/08) 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.
THE
U.S. & IRAN (updated
12/11/07)
Student readings explore the complex relationship between the
U.S. & Iran, including controversy stemming from the recent
finding that Iran halted its nuclear weapons program.
Presidential
Election 2008: OUR BROKEN IMMIGRATION SYSTEM
(12/5/07) Students
are invited to examine the candidates' recent 'debate' over giving
undocumented immigrants driver's licenses; learn some facts about
immigration; and consider an historical commentary. Discussion
questions and a suggested inquiry into a new immigration policy
follow.
THE
MISSING CLASS (11/28/07)
America's
low-income "missing class" is the subject of one student
reading; another reading explores proposals to help these Americans
enter the middle class. Ideas for further inquiry follow.
Presidential
Election 2008: HORSE RACE (11/21/07)
A student questionnaire, two readings, and discussion questions
explore media coverage of the 2008 election, including The Project
for Excellence in Journalism's finding that almost two-thirds
of coverage is devoted to the campaign's horse race aspects.
Presidential
Election 2008: COMBATING TERRORISTS (11/14/07)
Three readings help students consider the president's "war
on terror" strategy, statements by Bush's critics, and what
constitutes torture. Discussion questions and other student activities
follow.
THE
CONGRESSIONAL EARMARK (11/7/07)
Two
student readings examine the practice of earmarking in bills and
the connection between earmark spending and political campaign
cash.
BLACKWATER
USA: Is the U.S. Privatizing War?
(10/31/07)
The private security firm Blackwater USA made headlines when its
contractors killed 17 civilians in Baghdad. That event, its background,
and consequences are the subjects of two student readings, discussion
questions, and suggestions for student inquiries and citizenship.
Presidential
Power: EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE
(10/24/07)
The Bush administration and Congress have been on a "collision
course" over executive privilege. A student reading explores
the issue; a fish bowl activity gives students a chance to discuss
it. See our collection of lessons on presidential power below.
Presidential
Election 2008: PROCESS & PROBLEMS
(10/17/07)
A student reading reviews major steps in the campaign process
and such issues as the money race, fairness, and problems with
the new voting machines. Suggested discussion questions and other
activities follow.
SHOULD
THE U.S. OCCUPATION OF IRAQ CONTINUE? (10/17/07)
A document-based lesson by educator Alan Singer asks students
to consider Bush's arguments and opposing views.
A
TEACHABLE MOMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
The
awarding of the Nobel Prize to Al Gore and the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change makes this a great moment to study
global warming and climate change with students. Below,
a new student reading and discussion questions on the
Nobel Prize--and all our offerings on the topic of climate
change.
GORE
& UN PANEL WIN NOBEL for Work on Climate Change
(10/16/07)
A
student reading deals with the Nobel Prize award, including
a few of the basic facts and a view of what can and should
be done.
ENERGY
& THE ENVIRONMENT: What Can We Do?
includes an array of action opportunities for students.
PAYING
FOR CLIMATE CHANGE offers an overview of
a British government study and an IPCC February 2007 report
on climate change.
YOUTH
ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE 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
PROBLEMS
AT THE PUMP provides basic information
about oil, gas and the U.S.
THE
UNPLEASANT NEWS ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING includes
a number of quotes from scientists about global warming,
information on is being done about it and a suggested
approach to launching a student project.
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RACE,
THE 14TH AMENDMENT & OUR SCHOOLS: The Supreme Court Rules
(10/10/07)
What constitutes racial discrimination in our schools? The Supreme
Court considered competing answers to this question in its June
2007 ruling. Two student readings examine the issue and its historical
background, including Brown v. Board of Education and the 14th
Amendment.
The
Presidential Campaign: THE RACE FOR MONEY
(10/10/07) This
inquiry activity invites students to explore the central role
of money in the 2008 election.
JENA
AND ITS 'TREE OF IGNORANCE'
(10/3/07) The
controversy at Louisiana's Jena High School offers a teachable
moment for students to examine America's racial issues. A student
reading presents an overview of the Jena events and comments by
whites and blacks who live there. Suggested student activities
include a microlab and subjects for further inquiry.
IRAQ
& THE U.S.: Autumn 2007
(9/19/07) Students
consider official testimony and reports measuring the progress--or
lack of it--in Iraq.
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ON PRESIDENTIAL POWER
As
the 2008 election approaches, we explore the use and abuse
of presidential power in a series of classroom lessons.
Presidential
Power: EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE
(10/24/07)
The Bush administration and Congress have been on a "collision
course" over executive privilege. A student reading
explores the issue; a fish bowl activity gives students
a chance to discuss it.
Presidential
Power: ITS USE & ABUSE (updated
9/24/07)
What
did the framers say about presidential power and why? How
would the presidential candidates use this power?
Presidential
Power: THE CONTROVERSIAL PROTECT AMERICA ACT
(9/26/07) The
Bush administration's
secret surveillance program, launched soon after 9/11, is
the source of a lasting controversy, including a fight over
the Protect America Act. Two student readings explore the
issue.
Presidential
Power: GUANTANAMO'S 'ENEMY COMBATANTS' (9/4/07)
Three
student readings explore background on Guantanamo, the use
of presidential power, the legal and physical treatment
of detainees, and the facility's future. Discussion
questions and other suggested activities follow.
Presidential
Power: THE SIGNING STATEMENT (6/27/07)
Two student readings examine the "signing
statements" Bush has attached to various pieces of
legislation, including the Detainee Treatment Act. Are they
constitutional?
Presidential
Power: EAVESDROPPING, TERRORISM & AMERICAN FREEDOMS
(6/27/07)
Are
our telephone calls and e-mails part of the secret surveillance
program inaugurated by President Bush after 9/11? Two student
readings and several suggested activities explore the controversy
over presidential authority to eavesdrop.
Presidential
Power: EXTRAORDINARY RENDITIONS & SECRET PRISONS
(7/11/07)
Two student readings consider the controversy over charges
that the U.S. is sending terrorism suspects to other countries
where they are held in secret prisons and sometimes tortured.
Discussion questions follow.
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BONG
HITS 4 JESUS: Student Rights & the Supreme Court
(updated 7/11/07) A preliminary exercise
aims to provoke student interest in the Morse v. Frederick student
freedom of speech case. Two student readings, discussion questions,
and activities follow.
NORTHERN
IRELAND: 'Peace Never Just Happens'
(6/12/07)
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.
THE
IMMIGRATION DEBATE & A DBQ (5/30/07)
After an overview
of the immigration bill now before Congress, a Document-Based
Question activity offers multiple points of view on the bill.
Discussion questions and an essay assignment follow.
WHAT
HAPPENS INSIDE PRISON
(5/23/07) Three student readings
offer a case study of what happened to one mentally ill prisoner;
a summary of a critical report on America's prisons; and some
additional facts and figures. Discussion questions, a writing
assignment, subjects for further inquiry and suggestions for citizenship
activities follow.
MEDIA
BIGOTRY: South
Park, Chris Rock, Rush Limbaugh, The Notorious B.I.G., Da Ali
G. Show, Larry David & Others
(5/16/07) The controversy
over Don Imus opened a discussion that deserves students' consideration.
A student reading offers samples from TV, radio, the record industry
and other media outlets that raise questions about racism, sexism,
anti-Semitism, homophobia and Islamophobia in the media. A Document-Based
Question-type writing assignment follows.
WANTED:
EDUCATED GLOBAL CITIZENS
(5/2/07) Brief
student readings on a child in southern Ethiopia, teenage girls
in Guatemala and Pakistan, and refugees in Darfur examine global
poverty, what is being done about it, and why we should care.
TEACHING
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
(4/25/07) 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.
INTERPRETING
THE IMUS FIRESTORM
(4/17/07) The controversy over the ex-radio
host's comments is an opportunity to consider racism and sexism
in our society. Two student readings with suggestions for discussion,
writing & further inquiry.
FREIRE,
AYERS & AN ECONOMICS LESSON FOR FIFTH-GRADERS
(4/17/07) The theories of Freire and
Ayers--and the Massachusetts curriculum framework--guide Emma
Rose Roderick in creating a unit plan for fifth-graders on work
(below).
WORK,
WORKERS, & THE US LABOR MOVEMENT: Unit Plan for 5th Grade
Social Studies
(4/11/07) An 8-lesson activity helps
students explore issues of work and workplace conflicts through
reading, discussion, interviews, and investigation.
IS
THE LAW STACKED AGAINST UNIONS? Student Reading & a DBQ. (4/4/07)
The proposed Employee Free Choice Act
makes this a teachable moment for students: why is union membership
declining in this country? Is organizing too difficult? A document-based
question exercise follows.
CREATING
A COOPERATIVE WORLD (3/21/07)
Three readings, all based on Jonathan Schell's book The Unconquerable
World: Power, Nonviolence, and the Will of the People, invite
students to learn about, discuss, and act upon ideas for a cooperative
and more peaceful world.
VIETNAM,
IRAQ & 'A CITY UPON A HILL' (3/7/07)
Two student readings examine, compare, and provide commentary
on the U.S. wars in Vietnam and Iraq. Suggested discussion questions,
writing assignments, and subjects for inquiry encourage students
to explore opposing viewpoints.
THE
LIBBY CASE (updated
3/7/07) Two
student readings examine issues surrounding the indictment, trial
and conviction of Lewis Libby, Vice President Cheney's chief of
staff. Following the readings are suggestions for student discussion
and continuing attention to future developments.
DIVIDED
WAR POWERS: The President & the Congress (2/27/07)
The
debate on Iraq has created an important teachable moment about
who has the power to make war under the U.S.'s system of government.
Three students readings explore the issues.
The
DEATH PENALTY (2/13/07)
Three student readings open up new avenues for discussion and
inquiry. A
concluding activity proposes student inquiry into arguments for
and against capital punishment through internet investigation
and a "constructive controversy."
ELECTRONIC
VOTING MACHINES: Is Your Vote Counted? (2/7/07)
Student readings explore problems with these machines in the 2006
election and proposals for reform. Suggestions for inquiry and
citizenship follow.
THE
PRESIDENT'S 'NEW STRATEGY' FOR IRAQ (1/17/07)
A student reading summarizes Bush's escalation plan; a second
summarizes reactions from leading Democrats and Republicans; the
third provides a brief overview of three different plans for Iraq,
all by congressional Democrats. Questions and suggestions for
further inquiry follow.
AFGHANISTAN:
THE RETURN OF THE TALIBAN & HEROIN (1/10/07)
Three
student readings examine the growing instability of Afghanistan.
THE
SUNNI-SHIITE CONFLICT (1/10/07)
One
student reading describes the growing sectarian violence in Iraq;
a second offers background on the historic split between Sunnis
and Shiites.
A
SINGLE PAYER HEALTH INSURANCE SYSTEM FOR THE U.S.?
(12/13/06)
Many
are fervently for, others are fervently against national health
insurance. Student readings provide a critical overview of the
U.S. health care system and discuss the pros and cons of national
health insurance. A DBQ exercise and activities follow.
IRAQ:
'A Grave & Deteriorating Situation'
(12/13/06)
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.
DBQ:
WHAT FUELS TERRORISM? (12/6/06)
A
document-based question exercise has students examine differing
views on what motivates terrorism by Islamic fundamentalists.
PAYING
FOR CLIMATE CHANGE (12/6/06)
updated 2/20/07
A
new report on the economic impact of global warming is the basis
for student readings, discussion, and activities.
IRAQI
CIVILIAN DEATHS: A Statistical & Political Controversy
(11/29/06)
A
reading followed by an inquiry exercise invites
student scrutiny of
four different estimates of Iraqi civilian deaths.
NEW
ORLEANS & PRESIDENT BUSH'S PROMISES
(11/22/06)
After
Hurricane Katrina, President Bush spoke of America's "duty to
confront this poverty with bold action." A student reading offers
a report card on this effort and suggests student responses.
YOUNG
VOTERS: A Force in Politics (11/15/06)
This
November, young voters went to the polls in the largest numbers
in 20 years. A student reading is followed by discussion questions.
NURTURING
THE PEACEMAKERS IN OUR STUDENTS: A Guide to Writing & Speaking
Out About Issues of Peace and War (11/8/06)
Alan
Shapiro reviews the new book by teacher
Chris Weber.
2006
Nobel Peace Prize Winner: POTENTIAL OF THE POOR
(10/31/06)
Nobel
Prize winner Muhammad Yunus shows how much one person can do to
address a huge problem like poverty. A student reading summarizes
Yunus' work and leads to suggestions for student action on an
issue that concerns them.
2006
Election Issue: TERRORISM (10/25/06)
Terrorism
and its relationship to the Iraq war is the most potent issue
in the 2006 elections. A student reading presents Republican and
Democratic opinions on the subject, as well as those of U.S. intelligence
agencies.
A
CONTROVERSIAL NEW LAW FOR TERROR SUSPECTS (10/18/06)
The
new Military Commissions Act raises basic constitutional issues
as well as questions about U.S. compliance with the Geneva Conventions.
Two
student activities and two readings provide information about
the act and critics' responses to it.
GENOCIDE
IN DARFUR, INACTION IN THE SECURITY COUNCIL
(updated
10/18/06) 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.
2006
Election Issue: THE ECONOMY (10/4/06)
Three student
readings offer information and perspectives on young people and
the economy, how people feel about their economic situation, and
controversy over interpreting economic statistics. Discussion
questions and suggestions for further inquiry follow.
2006
Election Issue: IRAQ (9/20/06)
Student readings
provide an overview of the Iraq situation from multiple perspectives,
reports of public opinion polls about the war, and political arguments
on what the U.S. should do. Discussion questions and classroom
activities follow. ABRIDGED
& EASIER READING VERSION
HUMANITARIANS
in Action & in Danger (9/13/06)
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.
JUNK
POLITICS (9/6/06)
Students read and discuss a critical article about U.S. politics
in light of the upcoming elections.
JUST
THE FACTS (8/30/06)
Florida's new education law declares, "American history shall
be viewed as factual, not as constructed." Student readings, a
quiz and suggested activities help students consider this law
and a case study: two differing historical accounts of the U.S.-Mexico
War.
WHAT
DO YOU THINK ABOUT POLITICS? (8/28//06)
A
student questionnaire, poll results, and an excerpt from a high
school student's prize-winning essay called "We Don't Believe
in Politics" aim to open up discussion about what your students
really think about politics.
THINKING
CRITICALLY ABOUT INTERNET SOURCES (8/28//06).
An
introduction to some the skills students need to use the internet
critically.
MIDDLE
EAST CONFLICT: A CIVILIAN CATASTROPHE (7/26//06)
The
outbreak of war between Israel and Hezbollah means disaster for
civilians. Four student readings consider civilian losses now
and historically.
ELECTION
TROUBLES: Gerrymandering, DREs & the Money Chase
(7/26//06)
The
2006 mid-term elections present an excellent opportunity to examine
some major issues related to voting in the U.S. Three students
readings are followed by suggestions
for further student inquiry, reform proposals, and possible citizenship
activities.
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Special
series of classroom activities:
ALL ABOUT THE NEWS
BUSH,
SECRECY & THE PRESS (3/8/06)
Three
student readings describe the government's system of classifying
documents and Bush's attitudes and policies toward the press
and the flow of information.
THE
NEWS & THE BOTTOM LINE (2/8/06)
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.
NEWS
SOURCES: Questions & Issues (1/23/06)
Three
brief student readings (with suggestions for discussion)
focus on the use of unnamed and potentially unreliable sources
and journalists' need to protect sources.
WHAT
IS NEWS, AND HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?
(1/11/06)
Original
quotes and discussion questions to open a class exploration
of media issues.
NEWS,
NATIONAL SECURITY & DEMOCRACY (1/11/06)
Two student
readings provide background and explore issues surrounding
the recent
newspaper leaks on Bush administration policies. Discussion
questions follow.
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...
And more for elementary,
middle
& high
school.
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