Latest
Activities
The
classroom lessons on TeachableMoment.Org foster critical thinking on issues of
the day and a positive classroom environment. Teachers are free to use these lessons
in their classrooms. We welcome feedback! Send comments as well as requests for
permission to reprint materials for widespread circulation to:
info@morningsidecenter.org. Hundreds
more interactive classroom activities are available on our elementary,
middle,
and high school index pages. IRAN'S
TURMOIL & Relations with the U.S. (7/1/09)
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. CIGARETTES:
Cracking down on the 'deadliest legal product known to man'
(7/1/09)
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. SUPREME
COURT NOMINEE SOTOMAYOR: What Role for Experience & Heritage?
(6/24/09)
Student
readings explore the debate over Sotomayor, her background, and controversial
cases. Discussion questions, a case study and writing assignments follow. TREATMENT
OF TERRORIST SUSPECTS: Obama & His Critics
(6/17/09)
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.
BOOM, BUST & BANK BAILOUT
(6/3/09)
What fueled the housing
boom and the bust that followed? Who was hurt? Who benefited? Two student readings
explore the issues. CHECKING
LANGUAGE & FACTS IN THE HEALTHCARE DEBATE
(5/20/09)
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. SHOULD
ASSAULT WEAPONS BE BANNED?
(5/13/09) 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. HOW
ORGANIC IS ORGANIC FOOD?
(5/6/09) What
is organic food exactly? Student activities include two readings, a quiz,
a writing assignment and suggestions for further inquiry. SCHOOL
REFORM CONTROVERSY
(4/29/09) 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. TORTURE
MEMOS & THE RULE OF LAW
(4/27/09) 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. GREEN
INITIATIVES to Combat Climate Change (for High School Students)
(4/15/09) 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. MESSAGE
IN THE WAVES: Two Earth Day Lessons for Middle School Students
(4/8/09) After
viewing a short video clip, students consider the effect all our waste has on
the environment and develop a 'reduce, reuse, recyle' action plan. THE
GARBAGE PATCH: Two Earth Day Lessons for Elementary Students (4/8/09)
With
the help of a short video clip, students explore the 'life cycle' of a plastic
bag and develop a 'reduce, reuse, recycle' action plan. Obama's
strategy in AFGHANISTAN & PAKISTAN,
with a DBQ (4/8/09)
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. VOTING
RIGHTS ACT OF 1965, THEN & NOW (4/1/09)
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. .
. . And more for elementary,
middle &
high
school. | 
