ENVIRONMENT An Earth Day success story! Most humpback whale populations may soon be off the endangered species list. “We live in an age where all we hear is terrible news,” says one expert. “[T]he fact that something as iconic and amazing as a humpback whale can be taken off the endangered list is a phenomenal thing.” (San Jose Mercury News) Learn more about humpbacks’ incredible … Continue reading Hooray for Humpbacks
ENVIRONMENT No sooner had the Interior Department released new fracking rules for public lands than industry groups announced a lawsuit to halt what they called “a reaction to unsubstantiated concerns.” (Nat Geo Great Energy Challenge blog) Use our activity to understand hydraulic fracturing. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Read through our activity “Extracting Natural … Continue reading New U.S. Fracking Rules Earn Disdain from Both Sides
GEOGRAPHY Despite progress in establishing equal rights for women, the gender gap persists. In more than 170 countries, women still lack the same rights, protections, and liberties as men. (Nat Geo News) Take a look at today’s MapMaker Interactive map on women’s representation in parliament to get an idea of what nations are closing part of the gender gap. Teachers, scroll down for a quick … Continue reading Mapping the Gender Gap
POLITICS President Barack Obama has delivered his 2015 State of the Union speech to Congress, outlining what his administration is calling “middle-class economics.” Read the full text of the speech, and explore some of the issues raised by middle-class economics—and President Obama’s final term in office. (Medium) Use our resources to better understand the U.S. government. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key … Continue reading What’s the State of the Union in 2015?
EDUCATION After years on the back burner of the nation’s educational agenda, civics is making a comeback, with a number of states mandating new classes or assessments and a burgeoning national push for high-school seniors to pass the exam required of new citizens. (Wall Street Journal) Use the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards to guidance helping students prepare … Continue reading Civics Moves Up in Class
