Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

WORLD The deadliest earthquake of 2017 struck Iran and Iraq late Sunday evening, rocking the two countries and killing more than 400 people. (National Geographic) Use our video to better understand earthquakes. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit, including today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map.   Discussion Ideas In our video “Earthquakes 101,” we learn that most earthquakes … Continue reading Deadliest Earthquake of the Year Strikes Iran

What Is a Referendum? Who Decides?

POLITICS Last week brought two passionate and dramatic popular votes for independence, in Iraqi Kurdistan and in Catalonia, Spain. Everyone, even those who dismissed both votes as illegal and meaningless, called them national “referendums.” (New York Review of Books) What is a nation? Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Text Set.   Discussion Ideas The author of the great … Continue reading What Is a Referendum? Who Decides?

Powerful Picture Books & Graphic Novels (Possibly overlooked in the classroom but not by censors)

  When I was a new teacher, I often overlooked the power of picture books and graphic novels in my junior high classroom. I was afraid that if an administrator walked in and they saw me using a picture book or a graphic novel, they would think I was crazy and that I was babying my students. I fear that many new teachers miss out … Continue reading Powerful Picture Books & Graphic Novels (Possibly overlooked in the classroom but not by censors)

ISIS Threatens Iraqi Wildlife

ENVIRONMENT After decades of strife, the world’s first civilization is losing many of its animals, such as otters, deer, songbirds, and more. (Nat Geo News) Our activity calls for students to select an issue involving human-wildlife conflict, and develop a list of actions people could take to reduce or reverse the problem. This might be a great option for students to choose. Teachers, scroll down for a … Continue reading ISIS Threatens Iraqi Wildlife

Refugees Find Inspiration as Museum Tour Guides

WORLD Babylonian artifacts provide a reminder of home, and hope, for Syrian and Iraqi refugees. (BBC) Use our resources to learn more about contemporary migrants to Europe. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas The terrific BBC article describes a program for recent immigrants to Germany. Why does Germany have a high population of refugees from … Continue reading Refugees Find Inspiration as Museum Tour Guides