White House Drops the Microbiome

UNITED STATES Half a billion dollars are being pledged to study the microbes in crops, soils, oceans—and humans. (The Atlantic) Take a look at some of these “misunderstood microbes” with our video study guide. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas President Obama recently announced the launch of the $121-million National Microbiome Initiative. What is a … Continue reading White House Drops the Microbiome

What’s the State of the Union in 2015?

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?

How America’s Relationship With Cuba Will Change

POLITICS President Obama has announced the re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Cuba. What does this mean? (New York Times) Looks like we’re going to have to update our encyclopedic entry on “diplomacy”! Teachers, scroll down for a short list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas What are diplomatic relations? Read our encyclopedic entry on “diplomacy” for some help. Diplomatic relations are simply … Continue reading How America’s Relationship With Cuba Will Change

Obama Offers Few Details in Climate Speech

POLITICS Perhaps the most interesting thing about President Barack Obama’s climate change speech at the United Nations is what he didn’t say. (Politico) Use our resources to learn more about climate change. Discussion Ideas President Barack Obama spoke at the United Nations summit on climate change in New York on Tuesday. Is this the first time the UN has held a major conference on climate … Continue reading Obama Offers Few Details in Climate Speech

4 Key Takeaways from New EPA Rules for Power Plants

ENVIRONMENT New rules to limit carbon emissions from U.S. power plants represent President Barack Obama’s boldest effort to counter climate change—guidelines that supporters and critics alike cast as a turning point in U.S. environmental policy. (National Geographic News) “Plan it Green” to understand the decisions scientists and policymakers must make to limit carbon emissions. Discussion Ideas The nice Nat Geo News article outlines four key … Continue reading 4 Key Takeaways from New EPA Rules for Power Plants