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?
WORLD A record 33.3 million people around the world had been internally displaced by conflict at the end of 2013—that’s 4.5 million more than 2012, an international report said this week. (Reuters) Use our mapping resources to better understand internally displaced people, refugees, and asylum-seekers. Discussion Ideas According to the Reuters article and the Norwegian Refugee Council, most internally displaced persons (IDPs) forced to migrate due … Continue reading Record Number of Internally Displaced Persons
WORLD The crisis is even bigger than we thought, and the conditions are explosive. Here are five things we need to keep in mind. (National Geographic News) Use our resources to better understand the refugee crisis. Discussion Ideas Watch our “Picture of Practice” video “Understanding Self Through Media.” In the video, a 7th-grade teacher reviews how she helps her students create “media-to-self” and “peer-to-self” connections. … Continue reading The Truth about Syrian Refugee Camps
WORLD Syrian Refugee Crisis ‘Spirals Out of Control’ This article outlines the crisis facing families fleeing Syria’s civil war, as well as humanitarian aid agencies and neighboring governments absorbing more than a million refugees. Discussion ideas: Look at our 1-Page Map of Syria. Where do students think refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war are going? Why? Is there any neighboring nation where students think refugees … Continue reading Current Event Connection: Syrian Refugee Crisis ‘Spirals Out of Control’
