WORLD Two champions of children have won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi were honored “for their struggle against the suppression of children and young people and for the right of all children to education.” (New York Times) Use our resources to learn more about other Nobel Prize winners. Teachers: Scroll all the way down for a short list of key … Continue reading Who is Malala?
WORLD Seven countries lay claim to parts of the South and East China Sea, the strategic waters through which 50 percent of the world’s shipping tonnage passes, and under which vast deposits of oil and gas may lie. Taiwan is pushing its first-ever mapping project to back up its own claims—which are as large as mainland China’s. (Christian Science Monitor) Use our MapMaker Interactive to … Continue reading Pixel by Pixel, Taiwan Maps Its Maritime Claims
This week is Climate Week in New York City. Many world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, are gathering at the United Nations for a summit about global warming and other issues related to climate change. Perhaps you’re already planning to include lessons about climate change in your teaching this week as a current event connection. If not, we have some ideas to help. How can … Continue reading Media Monday: What Can Students Do About Climate Change?
WORLD On September 18, Scottish voters will answer a simple question: “Should Scotland be an independent country?” Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the referendum. (Guardian) Use our resources to get an idea about how long England and Scotland have been debating this issue. Discussion Ideas Scots will go to the polls next week to answer Yes or No to a simple, … Continue reading Scots Free?
WORLD Islamic State, formerly known as ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), is responsible for the horrific beheadings of two American hostages. What is Islamic State, and what are its objectives? (BBC) Use our resources to learn more about conflict in Iraq. Discussion Questions The BBC article says that Islamic State is as dangerous as al-Qaeda, the terrorist group responsible for 9/11. What are similarities … Continue reading What is ISIS?
