Current Events
Objective: To think critically about the topic and be able to clearly communicate ideas orally and in written form.
Activator: What's the scandal at Veteran's Affairs?
Mini Lesson:
Shinseki's Future in Limbo (CBS Video)
Eric Shinseki on shaky ground even as he pledges to fix the VA (CBS Video)
Shinseki Resigns (CNN Video)
Doctor Shortage Cited (New York Times article)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What should be done to fix the problem?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: Why should people be concerned about campaign finance?
Mini Lesson:
Terms to know:
K Street: A street in Washington DC where lobbyist groups had their offices.
PACs: A type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.
A lobbyist is someone hired by a business or a cause to persuade legislators to support that business or cause. Lobbyists get paid to win favor from politicians.
The Right: Republicans
The Left: Democrats
Citizens United: a conservative PAC
Citizens United Decision: a Supreme Court decision released in 2010. In a narrow 5-4 decision, the court held that political spending is speech protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Post-Citizens United, corporations or unions are free to spend money to support or denounce candidates in elections. They cannot make direct contributions to campaigns to fund their activities, but they may make statements in advertisements or other media about candidates for office.
Bipartisan: relating to two political parties (commonly used to refer to Republicans and Democrats)
Cost of running for President: Graph comparing 1964 & 2012 (NY Times)
Campaign Finance Graphs for 2012 Presidential Elections (Washington Post)
Is there much difference between how much money both candidates raised and spent overall?
Compare and contrast where both candidates got their money.
Lesterland: (Ted Talk)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Extensions:
Rethinking Campaign Finance (Opinion article from the New York Times)
Consider the Source (Find out about campaign donation sources, Center for Public Integrity)
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) on Campaign Reform
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: What is freedom of speech? What is Net Neutrality?
Mini Lesson:
FCC Approves Plan (Washington Post- this morning)
Net Neutrality 101 Video (The Economist)
Internet Heavyweights support Net Neutrality (CNBC)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up:
Extensions:
Net Neutrality Debate (C-Span)
ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) Net Neutrality Q & A
FCC (Federal Communication Commission) Open Internet Description
Forbes Article: Fire Extinguisher vs. Water Hydrant
Net Neutrality Guide (BBC)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: What do you know about Nigeria? What has happened there recently?
Mini Lesson:
A map of Nigeria
The Situation in Nigeria (CNN)
Malala speaks out (BBC)
Some Analysis of Rescue Efforts (CNN)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Should the United States help rescue these girls? Why or why not?
Extensions: A Timeline of Nigerian Events (BBC)
Muslim Girls React to Nigerian Kidnappings (The Guardian)
______________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: What is fracking, otherwise known as hydro fracking?
Mini Lesson:
US Energy Sources for Generating Electricity
Digging Into the Practice of Fracking (from CBS Sunday Morning)
Why would Europe want to wean itself off of Russian Gas?
How does Europe Wean Itself Off Russian Gas? (from the BBC)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What is your opinion about fracking? Why?
Extension: Is Fracking Safe? The Top 10 Controversial Claims About Natural Gas Drilling (from Popular Mechanics)
______________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: Follow up on the Afghanistan Elections
Mini Lesson: Watch The Walk from No to Yes
___________________________________________________________________________
Activator: Lets look at a map of Pakistan and the Swat Valley
Mini Lesson:
Watch Malala on the Daily Show
Watch My Daughter Malala
An Article from The Telegraph
Gapminder Statistics Website
My Graph
Student Engagement: Discussion
In his talk, Ziauddin Yousafzai says, "Malala used to be my daughter, now I am Malala's father." What does he mean by that?
Wrap-up:
__________________________________________________________
Objective: To think critically about the topic and be able to clearly communicate ideas orally and in written form.
Activator: Does anyone know what's happening this weekend in Afghanistan?
Mini Lesson:
BBC News: Afghanistan, Before and After the Taliban (article)
BBC: Who Are The Taliban (Video)
CNN: Who's Running?
BBC: Afghanistan in Pictures (Slideshow)
CNN: Where Afghanistan's Soldiers Get Their Training (video)
CNN: What if the Afghan Elections Actually Work? (Article and Video)
Wrap-up: What is historic about this event?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Crimea, a peninsula of Ukraine, annexation by Russia
Goal: To learn about developments in Crimea, after this weekend's referendum vote for Crimea to become a pert of Russia.
Warm-up: Who can summarize in three or four sentences what is going on in Crimea?
Mini Lesson:
Washington Post: Fact Checking Putin's Speech
Tater's in Crimea
Obama on Sanctions
An article that sums up the situation as of yesterday: BBC News: Crimea Crisis
What sanctions could Russia Face?
From NATO's website: What is NATO?
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What questions do you have that we could research?
___________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Russia, Crimea and Ukraine
Goal: To learn what is going on in Crimea and how it can impact the world.
Warm-up: What do you already know about what's going on in the Ukraine?
Mini Lesson:
Let's look at a maps (Washington Post article) and discuss some background.
A look at the Actual Referendum
About Sunday's referendums
Watch: A New Cold War?
Read: Russia, Ukraine and Crimea from The Economist
Wrap-up: Why should Americans care about Russia, Ukraine and Crimea?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Israel and Palestine
Goal: To understand both sides (many points of view) of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. To look at some possible solutions to the conflict.
Activator: Read the following quote. Reflect on its meaning.
“Is a Jew a Palestinian? Is a Palestinian a Jew? Where does one begin to answer
such a question? I will say this: we are cut from the same rock, breathe the scent
of the same lemons and olives, anchor our troubles with the same stones,
carefully placed. We are challah & hummus, eaten together to make a meal.”
by Naomi Shihab Nye
Mini Lesson: Some background on Israel and Palestine
Map of the Middle East (CIA Fact book)
The Changing Map of Israel
History Of Israel: Key Events (BBC)
Challenges in Establishing a Border Video NY Times
Read Important Issues Separating Isralies and Palestineans from: Conflict and Compromise Since 1948
Watch Middle East Peace Talks CNN Video (March 4, 2014) Watch from 6:00 minute point to end (3 min.)
Look at some statistics (The Economist)
Read Dave Cohen: A Beginner's Guide to the Israel-Palestine Conflict (Huffington Post)
A Music Video by a Palestinian and an Israeli (some disturbing images are portrayed)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What makes this conflict so difficult to resolve?
More Resources:
Quiz about Israel
Israel News - The New York Times (LInks to a lot of articles and information)
Country Guide: Israel (Washington Post) (A lot of information but a little dated)
Israel's Big Question: Thomas Friedman: New York Times (Feb 2014)
Map of the Middle East (CIA Fact book)
Israel Facts and Figures (Deaths and Refugees since 2000
______________________________________________________________________
Activator: Where do you think this music was composed?
Mini Lesson: The Ukraine
Let's look at some maps (Washington Post article)
Ukraine in numbers in 60 Seconds
A look at the palatial compound of Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine(The New York Times)
Crimea Video
Crimean Airport Today
A historic timeline of Ukraine (BBC)
A recent timeline of Ukraine Events
What's next in Ukraine? (CNN)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Write down one thing you learned
__________________________________________________________________________________
Mini Lesson:
1. Jesse Owens Biography
Jesse Owens and Luz Long
Protest in France
Should Americans Attend the 2014 Olympic Games?
2. Sochi Winter Olympics Begins
3. The Athletes
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Would you want to attend the Olympic Games?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: Did any of you watch President Obama's State of the Union Address?
Mini Lesson:
Watch CNN Student News
Watch some of the State of the Union Address
State of the Union in Three Minutes
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: State of the Union Quiz
___________________________________________________________________________________
Syria
9 Questions about Syria
Syria's Refugees
Video about Syrian Peace Talks
Before and after photos of Syria
___________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: What do you do to protect your privacy online?
Mini Lesson: Let's talk about privacy.
Poll: Most think Edward Snowden should stand trial in U.S.
President Obama speaking about Edward Snowden and the NSA
Alessandro Acquisti: Why privacy matters
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Why does privacy matter?
___________________________________________________________
Activator: What can young people accomplish?.
Mini Lesson: Watch Tavi Gavinson
Watch: William Kamkwamba
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Which talk spoke to you the most? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
Day 10
Activator: What are the most important traits of a good leader?
Mini Lesson:
Watch: Sally Kahn: Let's try emotional correctness ( 2:05 to end)
Watch: Boyd Varty
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Happy Vacation!
______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 9
Activator: Where was your shirt made?
Mini Lesson:
Watch a video about the making of a t-shirt
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What surprised you?
________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 8
Activator: What do you know about Nelson Mandela?
Mini Lesson:
The History of Apartheid in South Africa
Watch some history about Nelson Mandela
Frontline The Long Walk (from 21:12 to 30:00)
Watch a video about Nelson Mandela (After being released from prison. Current Leaders speak about him)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: People keep saying there will never be anyone else like him. What do you think?
More from the BBC (the 27 Prison years and other videos)
Obituary
What Legacy Does He Leave Behind?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 7
Activator: Who decides what you learn in school?
Mini Lesson:
Watch a video about The Common Core
Watch Animated talk by Ken Robinson
Student Engagement: Discussion
What is the main idea of the Common Core Video?
What is the main idea of the Ken Robinson Video?
Let's compare and contrast each video.
Wrap-up: How would you improve education?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 6
Activator: Follow up on last week: Do you think that kids who didn't wait to eat the marshmallow, can be taught to wait? (Also discuss Bubble Wrap Experiment)
Mini Lesson: What is motivation? Watch What Makes Us Feel Good About Your Work
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: How can teachers make use of these ideas in their classroom? Is there any way you can use some of these ideas to motivate yourself?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 5
Activator: What do you think are the most important keys to success?
Mini Lesson: 8 Secrets of Success, Grit Talk, Marshmallow Talk
Student Engagement: Write down some actions you can take to be more successful in life, and explain why they would be helpful.
Wrap-up: Tell me one thing that you liked about today's topic.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Day 4
Activator: What do you think should happen to a 14 year old who steals a radio from Target?
Mini Lesson: Watch part of "When Kids Get Life" (First 2 and 1/2 minutes of Colorado Chapter)
Look at some statistics
Juvenile Law History
When Juveniles are Tried as Adults
International Bill of Human Rights
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Do you think that children should be tried as adults. Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 3
Activator: Should we help the poor in the United States? Should we help the poor in other countries?
Mini Lesson:
A short video about reopening the government and extending the debt ceiling. (to wrap up last week's topic)
Paul Farmer and Haiti
Bill Clinton and Rwanda (12 minutes through 20 minutes)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What was one thing that you learned?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 1
Activator: What do you know about the government shut down? What questions do you have about the shutdown?
Mini Lesson:
Some background:
What is Congress?
Who (democrats or republicans) has the majority of senators in the United States Senate?
Which political party has the majority of representatives in the House of Representatives?
Who is John Boehner?
Why can't they agree to sign the bill to reopen the government?
What is the Affordable Care Act?
What is the Tea Party?
Time for Kids Video
Watch this short USA Today Video (Read first 4 questions and answers before watching the video)
Why aren't leaders negotiating?
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Is our government acting responsibly? What should they do?
Extensions:
Article about what is/is not shut down
Watch The Daily Rundown
________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 2
Objective: To think critically about the topic and be able to clearly communicate ideas orally and in written form.
Activator: Who was Alfred Nobel? Why is he famous? What is a pacifist?
Mini Lesson:
Watch short video about Alfred Nobel
Watch another short video about Alfred Nobel
How are the winners chosen?
Read article about Nobel Peace Prize nominees
And the winner is...It was a surprise
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Who would you choose to win the Nobel Peace Prize? Why? (Please write on the paper provided.)
Extensions: Read more about Malala Yousafzai
Read article about European Human Rights Nominees
Read a little bit about Malala
Snowden: Both a Hero and a Traitor?__________________________________________________________________________________
Discussions from 2012/2013 School Year
Activator: What is a whistle blower? Why do they do it?
Mini Lesson:
Does the Constitution Guarantee Privacy?
Edward Snowden explains why he leaked NSA information
Intelligence Director explains why secrecy is important
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions: Should Snowden have leaked this information?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
ABC News: Obama's likely nomination for new FBI Director
Christian Science Monitor; Why James Comey would be a good choice
Excerpt from Frontline's Cheney's Law
Further reading: Washington Post article about Comey FBI Director Appointment
____________________________________________________________________________________
May 21st and May 28th
Special Guest: My exchange student, Kyle Zeng from Beijing, China will discuss Chinese culture, education and copyright issues.
________________________________________________________________________________________
May 16
Activator: What are some ways the news media can skew their reporting?
Mini Lesson: Watch this video about animal housing.
Student Engagement? Discussion.
What were some differences in the three versions?
Were all 3 versions true?
Wrap-Up: What will you look for when you watch the news?
Other News: Associated Press
Ted Talk: Invisible Chinese Artist
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
May 7
Activator: What is government?
Mini Lesson: Look at the following information:
CIA World Factbook Definitions
Let's break things down a little more
Discussion: What kind of government do we have?
Wrap-up: Topics for next time?
_______________________________________________________________________________
April 23
Activator: Watch short National Geographic Video
Look at BBC Facts about Climate Change
Mini Lesson: Watch more of the Climate Change Video
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions
Extension: New York Times Climate Change Info
__________________________________________________________________________
April 9
Activator: Read this article about the US Moving Towards Teaching Climate Change
Mini Lesson: Watch Frontline Climate of Doubt
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
April 2
North Korea Conflict
Activator: Read: (CNN) -- After weeks of hurling threats at the United States and its allies, North Korea announced Tuesday it will restart a nuclear reactor it had shut more than five years ago.The declaration demonstrates Kim Jong Un's commitment to the country's nuclear weapons program that the international community has tried without success to persuade it to abandon.
Mini Lesson:
Look at a chronology of North Korea
Video showing the border of North and South Korea
South Korea's response
Today's Video about Korean Conflict
A photographer's view of North Korea
Ted Talk by a woman who escaped North Korea, and who helps others escape.S
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What more would you like to know?
Extension:
Biography about North Korea's Leader: Kim Jong-Un
Documentary about Korea
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Watch Frontline: Obama's First Term
___________________________________________________________________________________________
February 26th: Drones
Activator: What is a drone? What is one benefit of drones in warfare? Out is one drawback of drones in warfare?
Watch Military Robots and the Future of War
Further Discussion:
Time: We Shouldn't Fear Personal Drones
Debate about drones
Civilian Drones: PBS
Wrap-up: What is your opinion? What purpose should drones have for military or civilian use?
________________________________________________________________________________________________
February 12th: Topic: Syria
Activator: What is civil war?
Mini Lesson: Watch this Prezi called Syria: The Basics
Vocabulary: Jihad, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Arab Spring
Read this Opinion Piece about Syria
Student Engagement:
Discuss:
Summarize the recent unrest in Syria.
What is the US currently doing to help the situation in Syria?
What are some other actions that the US could take there?
Why is it so difficult to decide what action is best?
Wrap-up
If you were president, what action would you take in Syria? Why?
______________________________________________________________________________________________
February 5th: Topic: How do we improve global security?
Activator: What are some threats to Global Security?
Mini Lesson: Watch the video
Student Engagement: Discuss
Wrap -up: What does James Stavridis mean when he says that we should build bridges, not walls, to improve security?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
January 22nd: Topic: World Resources
Activator: What was the most important invention of the Industrial Revolution?
Mini Lesson: Watch this video by Hans Rosling
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Do you think that the world's resources can be shared successfully?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
January 15th: Topic: The Joy of Stats
1. Activator: How do you measure the success of a country?
2. Which do you think are the most successful countries?
3. Watch this video by Hans Rosling
4. How many years does the data span? How many countries are represented?
5. Are countries becoming more or less successful over time? What are Hans Roslings predictions for the future?
6. Wrap-up: Based on what we have talked about in current events and your own interests, list one or two current event topics that you might like to explore.
Extension: Experiment with Gapminder.org, Hans Roslings online data software.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
January 8th: Topic: Child Driven Education
1. Activator: What is the role of the teacher in the classroom?
2. What would happen if the there was no teacher in the classroom?
3. Watch video
4. Discuss: What were some of the results of this man's experiments? Were they surprising?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
December 18th: Topic: How do you know what you see in the media is true?
1. Activator: Briefly Define: BBC, debunk, and deluge.
2. Watch this video
3. Discuss:
A. Markham Nolan talks about writing a letter to the BBC. It took three weeks for the BBC to write a reply. How is this different from today?
B. Why should journalists, and you, be concerned about what you see, read and hear on the Internet?
C. What were some of the ways the speaker researched the truthfulness of some of the things he and his staff found on the Internet?
D. What did you think about the images of the tweets that were shown? How did the journalist use that information?
4. Wrap-up: Nowadays, in a way, everyone is a journalist: posting pictures and commenting on what they see. Do you think that journalists still have a role to play, why or why not? Write a few sentences on your wrap-up sheet and hand it to me before you leave.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
December 11th: Topic: One Nigerian Woman's Story
1. Activator: What does the word authentic mean?
2. Watch this video
3. First, any questions about the video that will help you understand the talk: vocab questions, content questions?
4, Discuss: The title of this talk is: The Danger of a Single Story? What does she mean by this? What are the consequences of having single stories?
5. Can you find examples from the talk that display the danger of a single story?
6. Have you had any instances in your life where you have seen or experienced example of this yourself?
7. How can you choose to not have a single story?
______________________________________________________________________
Other topics for later
Robots that Fly and Cooperate
Topic: Two picked for year long mission on the International Space Station
Watch Nasa Video
What choice are these men making?
Why are they choosing to do this? What are their hopes for this mission?
What are some negative consequences of the trip?
Read short article at Tween Tribune.
Why did the families react in different ways?
How would you react if one of your parents chose to go on this mission? Why? Would you go on this mission? Why or why not?
General Current Events Links
Tween Tribune website
Share My Lesson: Today's News, Tomorrow's Lesson
Gapminder Statistics Website
My Graph
Student Engagement: Discussion
In his talk, Ziauddin Yousafzai says, "Malala used to be my daughter, now I am Malala's father." What does he mean by that?
Wrap-up:
__________________________________________________________
Objective: To think critically about the topic and be able to clearly communicate ideas orally and in written form.
Activator: Does anyone know what's happening this weekend in Afghanistan?
Mini Lesson:
BBC News: Afghanistan, Before and After the Taliban (article)
BBC: Who Are The Taliban (Video)
CNN: Who's Running?
BBC: Afghanistan in Pictures (Slideshow)
CNN: Where Afghanistan's Soldiers Get Their Training (video)
CNN: What if the Afghan Elections Actually Work? (Article and Video)
Wrap-up: What is historic about this event?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Crimea, a peninsula of Ukraine, annexation by Russia
Goal: To learn about developments in Crimea, after this weekend's referendum vote for Crimea to become a pert of Russia.
Warm-up: Who can summarize in three or four sentences what is going on in Crimea?
Mini Lesson:
Washington Post: Fact Checking Putin's Speech
Tater's in Crimea
Obama on Sanctions
An article that sums up the situation as of yesterday: BBC News: Crimea Crisis
What sanctions could Russia Face?
From NATO's website: What is NATO?
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What questions do you have that we could research?
___________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Russia, Crimea and Ukraine
Goal: To learn what is going on in Crimea and how it can impact the world.
Warm-up: What do you already know about what's going on in the Ukraine?
Mini Lesson:
Let's look at a maps (Washington Post article) and discuss some background.
A look at the Actual Referendum
About Sunday's referendums
Watch: A New Cold War?
Read: Russia, Ukraine and Crimea from The Economist
Wrap-up: Why should Americans care about Russia, Ukraine and Crimea?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Topic: Israel and Palestine
Goal: To understand both sides (many points of view) of the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. To look at some possible solutions to the conflict.
Activator: Read the following quote. Reflect on its meaning.
“Is a Jew a Palestinian? Is a Palestinian a Jew? Where does one begin to answer
such a question? I will say this: we are cut from the same rock, breathe the scent
of the same lemons and olives, anchor our troubles with the same stones,
carefully placed. We are challah & hummus, eaten together to make a meal.”
by Naomi Shihab Nye
Mini Lesson: Some background on Israel and Palestine
Map of the Middle East (CIA Fact book)
The Changing Map of Israel
History Of Israel: Key Events (BBC)
Challenges in Establishing a Border Video NY Times
Read Important Issues Separating Isralies and Palestineans from: Conflict and Compromise Since 1948
Watch Middle East Peace Talks CNN Video (March 4, 2014) Watch from 6:00 minute point to end (3 min.)
Look at some statistics (The Economist)
Read Dave Cohen: A Beginner's Guide to the Israel-Palestine Conflict (Huffington Post)
A Music Video by a Palestinian and an Israeli (some disturbing images are portrayed)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What makes this conflict so difficult to resolve?
More Resources:
Quiz about Israel
Israel News - The New York Times (LInks to a lot of articles and information)
Country Guide: Israel (Washington Post) (A lot of information but a little dated)
Israel's Big Question: Thomas Friedman: New York Times (Feb 2014)
Map of the Middle East (CIA Fact book)
Israel Facts and Figures (Deaths and Refugees since 2000
______________________________________________________________________
Activator: Where do you think this music was composed?
Mini Lesson: The Ukraine
Let's look at some maps (Washington Post article)
Ukraine in numbers in 60 Seconds
A look at the palatial compound of Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine(The New York Times)
Crimea Video
Crimean Airport Today
A historic timeline of Ukraine (BBC)
A recent timeline of Ukraine Events
What's next in Ukraine? (CNN)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Write down one thing you learned
__________________________________________________________________________________
Mini Lesson:
1. Jesse Owens Biography
Jesse Owens and Luz Long
Protest in France
Should Americans Attend the 2014 Olympic Games?
2. Sochi Winter Olympics Begins
3. The Athletes
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Would you want to attend the Olympic Games?
_________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: Did any of you watch President Obama's State of the Union Address?
Mini Lesson:
Watch CNN Student News
Watch some of the State of the Union Address
State of the Union in Three Minutes
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: State of the Union Quiz
___________________________________________________________________________________
Syria
9 Questions about Syria
Syria's Refugees
Video about Syrian Peace Talks
Before and after photos of Syria
___________________________________________________________________________________
Activator: What do you do to protect your privacy online?
Mini Lesson: Let's talk about privacy.
Poll: Most think Edward Snowden should stand trial in U.S.
President Obama speaking about Edward Snowden and the NSA
Alessandro Acquisti: Why privacy matters
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Why does privacy matter?
___________________________________________________________
Activator: What can young people accomplish?.
Mini Lesson: Watch Tavi Gavinson
Watch: William Kamkwamba
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Which talk spoke to you the most? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
Day 10
Activator: What are the most important traits of a good leader?
Mini Lesson:
Watch: Sally Kahn: Let's try emotional correctness ( 2:05 to end)
Watch: Boyd Varty
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Happy Vacation!
______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 9
Activator: Where was your shirt made?
Mini Lesson:
Watch a video about the making of a t-shirt
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What surprised you?
________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 8
Activator: What do you know about Nelson Mandela?
Mini Lesson:
The History of Apartheid in South Africa
Watch some history about Nelson Mandela
Frontline The Long Walk (from 21:12 to 30:00)
Watch a video about Nelson Mandela (After being released from prison. Current Leaders speak about him)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: People keep saying there will never be anyone else like him. What do you think?
More from the BBC (the 27 Prison years and other videos)
Obituary
What Legacy Does He Leave Behind?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 7
Activator: Who decides what you learn in school?
Mini Lesson:
Watch a video about The Common Core
Watch Animated talk by Ken Robinson
Student Engagement: Discussion
What is the main idea of the Common Core Video?
What is the main idea of the Ken Robinson Video?
Let's compare and contrast each video.
Wrap-up: How would you improve education?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 6
Activator: Follow up on last week: Do you think that kids who didn't wait to eat the marshmallow, can be taught to wait? (Also discuss Bubble Wrap Experiment)
Mini Lesson: What is motivation? Watch What Makes Us Feel Good About Your Work
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: How can teachers make use of these ideas in their classroom? Is there any way you can use some of these ideas to motivate yourself?
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 5
Activator: What do you think are the most important keys to success?
Mini Lesson: 8 Secrets of Success, Grit Talk, Marshmallow Talk
Student Engagement: Write down some actions you can take to be more successful in life, and explain why they would be helpful.
Wrap-up: Tell me one thing that you liked about today's topic.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Day 4
Activator: What do you think should happen to a 14 year old who steals a radio from Target?
Mini Lesson: Watch part of "When Kids Get Life" (First 2 and 1/2 minutes of Colorado Chapter)
Look at some statistics
Juvenile Law History
When Juveniles are Tried as Adults
International Bill of Human Rights
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Do you think that children should be tried as adults. Why or why not?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 3
Activator: Should we help the poor in the United States? Should we help the poor in other countries?
Mini Lesson:
A short video about reopening the government and extending the debt ceiling. (to wrap up last week's topic)
Paul Farmer and Haiti
Bill Clinton and Rwanda (12 minutes through 20 minutes)
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What was one thing that you learned?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 1
Activator: What do you know about the government shut down? What questions do you have about the shutdown?
Mini Lesson:
Some background:
What is Congress?
Who (democrats or republicans) has the majority of senators in the United States Senate?
Which political party has the majority of representatives in the House of Representatives?
Who is John Boehner?
Why can't they agree to sign the bill to reopen the government?
What is the Affordable Care Act?
What is the Tea Party?
Time for Kids Video
Watch this short USA Today Video (Read first 4 questions and answers before watching the video)
Why aren't leaders negotiating?
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Is our government acting responsibly? What should they do?
Extensions:
Article about what is/is not shut down
Watch The Daily Rundown
________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 2
Objective: To think critically about the topic and be able to clearly communicate ideas orally and in written form.
Activator: Who was Alfred Nobel? Why is he famous? What is a pacifist?
Mini Lesson:
Watch short video about Alfred Nobel
Watch another short video about Alfred Nobel
How are the winners chosen?
Read article about Nobel Peace Prize nominees
And the winner is...It was a surprise
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Who would you choose to win the Nobel Peace Prize? Why? (Please write on the paper provided.)
Extensions: Read more about Malala Yousafzai
Read article about European Human Rights Nominees
Read a little bit about Malala
Snowden: Both a Hero and a Traitor?__________________________________________________________________________________
Discussions from 2012/2013 School Year
Activator: What is a whistle blower? Why do they do it?
Mini Lesson:
Does the Constitution Guarantee Privacy?
Edward Snowden explains why he leaked NSA information
Intelligence Director explains why secrecy is important
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions: Should Snowden have leaked this information?
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ABC News: Obama's likely nomination for new FBI Director
Christian Science Monitor; Why James Comey would be a good choice
Excerpt from Frontline's Cheney's Law
Further reading: Washington Post article about Comey FBI Director Appointment
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May 21st and May 28th
Special Guest: My exchange student, Kyle Zeng from Beijing, China will discuss Chinese culture, education and copyright issues.
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May 16
Activator: What are some ways the news media can skew their reporting?
Mini Lesson: Watch this video about animal housing.
Student Engagement? Discussion.
What were some differences in the three versions?
Were all 3 versions true?
Wrap-Up: What will you look for when you watch the news?
Other News: Associated Press
Ted Talk: Invisible Chinese Artist
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May 7
Activator: What is government?
Mini Lesson: Look at the following information:
CIA World Factbook Definitions
Let's break things down a little more
Discussion: What kind of government do we have?
Wrap-up: Topics for next time?
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April 23
Activator: Watch short National Geographic Video
Look at BBC Facts about Climate Change
Mini Lesson: Watch more of the Climate Change Video
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions
Extension: New York Times Climate Change Info
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April 9
Activator: Read this article about the US Moving Towards Teaching Climate Change
Mini Lesson: Watch Frontline Climate of Doubt
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Opinions
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April 2
North Korea Conflict
Activator: Read: (CNN) -- After weeks of hurling threats at the United States and its allies, North Korea announced Tuesday it will restart a nuclear reactor it had shut more than five years ago.The declaration demonstrates Kim Jong Un's commitment to the country's nuclear weapons program that the international community has tried without success to persuade it to abandon.
Mini Lesson:
Look at a chronology of North Korea
Video showing the border of North and South Korea
South Korea's response
Today's Video about Korean Conflict
A photographer's view of North Korea
Ted Talk by a woman who escaped North Korea, and who helps others escape.S
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: What more would you like to know?
Extension:
Biography about North Korea's Leader: Kim Jong-Un
Documentary about Korea
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Watch Frontline: Obama's First Term
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February 26th: Drones
Activator: What is a drone? What is one benefit of drones in warfare? Out is one drawback of drones in warfare?
Watch Military Robots and the Future of War
Further Discussion:
Time: We Shouldn't Fear Personal Drones
Debate about drones
Civilian Drones: PBS
Wrap-up: What is your opinion? What purpose should drones have for military or civilian use?
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February 12th: Topic: Syria
Activator: What is civil war?
Mini Lesson: Watch this Prezi called Syria: The Basics
Vocabulary: Jihad, Al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Arab Spring
Read this Opinion Piece about Syria
Student Engagement:
Discuss:
Summarize the recent unrest in Syria.
What is the US currently doing to help the situation in Syria?
What are some other actions that the US could take there?
Why is it so difficult to decide what action is best?
Wrap-up
If you were president, what action would you take in Syria? Why?
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February 5th: Topic: How do we improve global security?
Activator: What are some threats to Global Security?
Mini Lesson: Watch the video
Student Engagement: Discuss
Wrap -up: What does James Stavridis mean when he says that we should build bridges, not walls, to improve security?
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January 22nd: Topic: World Resources
Activator: What was the most important invention of the Industrial Revolution?
Mini Lesson: Watch this video by Hans Rosling
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-up: Do you think that the world's resources can be shared successfully?
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January 15th: Topic: The Joy of Stats
1. Activator: How do you measure the success of a country?
2. Which do you think are the most successful countries?
3. Watch this video by Hans Rosling
4. How many years does the data span? How many countries are represented?
5. Are countries becoming more or less successful over time? What are Hans Roslings predictions for the future?
6. Wrap-up: Based on what we have talked about in current events and your own interests, list one or two current event topics that you might like to explore.
Extension: Experiment with Gapminder.org, Hans Roslings online data software.
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January 8th: Topic: Child Driven Education
1. Activator: What is the role of the teacher in the classroom?
2. What would happen if the there was no teacher in the classroom?
3. Watch video
4. Discuss: What were some of the results of this man's experiments? Were they surprising?
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December 18th: Topic: How do you know what you see in the media is true?
1. Activator: Briefly Define: BBC, debunk, and deluge.
2. Watch this video
3. Discuss:
A. Markham Nolan talks about writing a letter to the BBC. It took three weeks for the BBC to write a reply. How is this different from today?
B. Why should journalists, and you, be concerned about what you see, read and hear on the Internet?
C. What were some of the ways the speaker researched the truthfulness of some of the things he and his staff found on the Internet?
D. What did you think about the images of the tweets that were shown? How did the journalist use that information?
4. Wrap-up: Nowadays, in a way, everyone is a journalist: posting pictures and commenting on what they see. Do you think that journalists still have a role to play, why or why not? Write a few sentences on your wrap-up sheet and hand it to me before you leave.
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December 11th: Topic: One Nigerian Woman's Story
1. Activator: What does the word authentic mean?
2. Watch this video
3. First, any questions about the video that will help you understand the talk: vocab questions, content questions?
4, Discuss: The title of this talk is: The Danger of a Single Story? What does she mean by this? What are the consequences of having single stories?
5. Can you find examples from the talk that display the danger of a single story?
6. Have you had any instances in your life where you have seen or experienced example of this yourself?
7. How can you choose to not have a single story?
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Other topics for later
Robots that Fly and Cooperate
Topic: Two picked for year long mission on the International Space Station
Watch Nasa Video
What choice are these men making?
Why are they choosing to do this? What are their hopes for this mission?
What are some negative consequences of the trip?
Read short article at Tween Tribune.
Why did the families react in different ways?
How would you react if one of your parents chose to go on this mission? Why? Would you go on this mission? Why or why not?
General Current Events Links
Tween Tribune website
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