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Government/Politics

Is Iraq in the U.S.'s Best Interests?
Students will join the National Discussion and Debate Series created by the Miller Center for Public Affairs at the University of Virginia. (Lesson Plans)

The Uninsured in America
Using activities for the visual learner, students analyze the growing problem of going without health insurance in America.

Vote 2008 -- The Primaries
In these first two Vote 2008 lesson plans students examine the growing field of candidates and analyze the role of the Internet in the race for president.

The State of the Union
Students learn about the history and purpose of the State of the Union address. Students will evaluate President Bush's next address on Tuesday, January 23, 2007.

Analyzing the U.S. Policy in Iraq
Students analyze and compare President Bush's new plan for Iraq with options suggested by the Baker-Hamilton Commission and others.

Mid-term Elections -- The Impact of Local and National Issues
Students learn the importance of midterm elections and look at specific national, state, and local mid-term election issues that may be of interest to young people.

U.S. Immigration Reform
Students will use research, analysis and role play activities to understand the perspectives of the various stake holders in the immigration debate in the U.S.

What is the Role of Civil Disobedience Today?
Students will examine civil disobedience's history through the lens of Rosa Parks and others. Then they will explore whether it is a viable form of protest in today's world.

The United Nations and Reform
Students study the history and mission of the U.N., understand the major accomplishments of the U.N. over the past 60 years, examine criticisms of the organization and calls for reform.

U.S. Base Realignments and Closures
Students examine he process by which the U.S. military examines its base structure and determines what changes are needed in order to efficiently respond to current and future national security challenges.

The Senate Considers the President's Nominee
Students examine different aspects of the balance of power among the three branches and the process of judicial nomination and confirmation.

The President's Cabinet: Choosing the Right Person for the Job
Students examine the process for confirming President Bush's latest Cabinet nominees.

The Electoral College
Students learn how the Electoral College works and debate the system's pros and cons.

Watching the Presidential Debates
Use a ballot developed by the National Forensic League to help your students critique the presidential and vice presidential debates for effectiveness, reasoning, analysis and delivery.

Hold an in-class Post Presidential Debate
Students watch one of the 2004 televised presidential and vice presidential debates and hold a debate of their own dealing with the major issue that emerges from that debate.

Immigration 2004: Issues for the Presidential Election
Students learn the provisions of the 2004 Bush immigration initiative and examine critiques of the proposal. They also study the process of naturalizing immigrants by taking a sample U.S. citizenship test.

The Role of American Embassies
Students identify the services provided by U.S. embassies abroad and understand the role ambassadors and embassies play in carrying out U.S. foreign policy and protecting American interests.

Bringing Out the Vote
Students learn about voter turnout and analyze why so many Americans don't vote.

Political Commercials: Leading or Misleading Voters
Students watch political commercials, analyze them for logical fallacies and then create their own commercials using what they've learned.

The Rights of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay
Students study the history and controversy surrounding the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there.

Gay Marriage and Constitutional Amendments
Students examine the process of amending the U.S. Constitution through the lens of the gay marriage debate.

Policing the Airwaves: The Debate Over Indecency
The FCC and the Senate are raising fines for media outlets who broadcast indecent material. In this lesson, students explore issues of on-air indecency and consider who should be held accountable.

California Recall
Students identify basic facts about the structure and history of recall elections and analyze the pros and cons of a gubernatorial recall election.

The USA Patriot Act
Your Safety and Security or Your Civil Liberties: Which is More Important?

The Structure of Congress
In this lesson, students will examine the structure of Congress and the legislative process.

Iraq War: Daily Lesson Plans
Daily lesson plans assessing significant areas of the Iraq War.

Defining Terrorism
In the first lesson plan, students use case studies to investigate the difference between revolutionaries and terrorists. In the second, they role-play four policy options and then write their views.

History

The 1906 San Francisco Earthquake
Students will come to understand the significance of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through the study of primary documents.

The Supreme Court
Through this lesson, students will come to understand the history and role of the Supreme Court.

The Nuclear Option
Students understand the history of the filibuster and its constitutional implications and discuss the filibuster legislative procedure and its recent use in the U.S. Senate.

How Secure is Social Security?
Students study the Social Security program, its history and the problems facing it, then examine the effectiveness of possible solutions including President Bush's proposal for "personal accounts."

The March on Washington and its Impact
In this lesson, students explore the social and historical impact of the 1963 March on Washington.

Economics

	How Secure is Social Security? Students study the Social Security program, its history and the problems facing it, then examine the effectiveness of possible solutions including President Bush's proposal for "personal accounts."

Law/Supreme Court

The Supreme Court
Through this lesson, students will come to understand the history and role of the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Confirmation Activity
In this short activity, students discuss the political nature of selecting and confirming a Supreme Court justice and collaborate to evaluate the merits of the president's new nominee.

Checks & Balances in Supreme Court Nominations
Students will examine the process and politics behind nominations for the Supreme Court.

Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Students use cooperative learning activities to discuss opinions about medical marijuana use and see both sides of the issue.

The Juvenile Death Penalty
Teach students about the Eighth Amendment and how the U.S. Supreme Court makes decisions about what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment through the example of the death penalty.

The Rights of Detainees at Guantanamo Bay
Students study the history and controversy surrounding the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and consider the legal status and rights of those being detained there.

Gay Marriage and Constitutional Amendments
Students examine the process of amending the U.S. Constitution through the lens of the gay marriage debate.

Policing the Airwaves: The Debate Over Indecency
The FCC and the Senate are raising fines for media outlets who broadcast indecent material. In this lesson, students explore issues of on-air indecency and consider who should be held accountable.

The Supreme Court and You
In this lesson, students explore the impact of historic and recent Supreme Court decisions and issues on their lives.

Society and Culture

Exploring Alternative Energy Sources
Students do research to determine the types of energy currently used in the U.S., study the economic effects of rising energy costs on average households, and come up with ideas for alternative energy sources.

The Gulf Coast Region
Students study the history, topography, economics, and demographics of the Gulf Coast Region/New Orleans, then use their knowledge of current events to participate in a class discussion about the facts surrounding Hurricane Katrina.

Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Students use cooperative learning activities to discuss opinions about medical marijuana use and see both sides of the issue.

BE the Press: Local Interviews, National Issues
Students choose a national issue of interest to them, and interview someone on the local level about that issue. To prepare students, the lesson offers tools for writing a "straight news" article and an "in depth" news article.

Anniversary of September 11
This lesson plan serves as a basis for discussion and reflection on the one year anniversary of September 11, 2001.

Defining Terrorism
In the first lesson plan, students use case studies to investigate the difference between revolutionaries and terrorists. In the second, they role-play four policy options and then write their views.

Government/Politics

Obama World Tour Highlights Foreign Policy Differences With McCain
As the 2008 presidential campaign chugs along, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is traveling to the Middle East and Europe -- attracting plenty of media attention along the way while trying to win some political points on foreign policy.
07.22.08

Supreme Court Rules Individuals Have Right to Own Guns
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court said Americans have the right to own guns for self defense -- the court's first ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years.
06.27.08

New Measures Aim to Make Buildings Accessible for Disabled People
The House of Representatives and the Bush administration are pursuing separate measures to expand the scope and enforcement of laws aimed at making it easier for disabled people to access courthouses, stadiums and hotel rooms.
06.24.08

Supreme Court Rules Terror Suspects Can Appeal Detentions
The Supreme Court ruled last week that detainees held at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the constitutional right to challenge their imprisonment in U.S. federal courts.
06.17.08

Families in Katrina Temporary Housing Face Health Problems
The U.S. government is rushing to move families from trailers used as emergency housing since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 after the mobile homes were found to contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause severe health problems, including cancer.
06.10.08

Obama Claims Democratic Nomination as Clinton Concedes
After one of the longest primary races in recent history, Senator Barack Obama won the support of enough delegates to claim the Democratic presidential nomination and his rival Senator Hillary Clinton suspended her campaign June 9.
06.09.08

McCain Follows Unlikely Path to Republican Nomination
After a lifetime of public and military service Arizona Senator John McCain is in place to be the presidential nominee of the Republican Party, despite significant differences with some of its more conservative members.
05.21.08

California Supreme Court Overturns Same-sex Marriage Ban
The California Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriages, declaring it unconstitutional and paving the way for the state to become the second to permit same-sex couples to marry.
05.19.08

Obama Solidifies Delegate Lead after N.C., Indiana Primaries
Senator Barack Obama cruised to a double-digit victory in North Carolina while Senator Hillary Clinton won by a razor-thin margin in Indiana, raising questions about Clinton's prospects in the race for the nomination.
05.07.08

Congress Passes Anti-Genetic Discrimination Bill
A new law would outlaw discrimination based on a person's genetic information, making it more attractive for people to get tested for genetic mutations that could make them susceptible to certain diseases. 05.05.08

Democrats Face Continued Battle After Clinton's Pa. Victory
Facing another must-win political battle, Hillary Clinton emerged victorious in the Pennsylvania Democratic primary, but it's unclear how much the victory will help close her delegate deficit against the better-funded Barack Obama.
04.23.08

Memo Reveals Bush Administration Legal Theory on Interrogation
A recently released 2003 Department of Justice memo has rekindled debate over interrogation tactics with its assertion that the president's authority in times of war overrides laws against torture and cruel treatment.
04.09.08

Democratic Super Delegates Face Pressure Over Presidential Pick
Nearly 800 Democratic super delegates are playing an unexpectedly important role in this year's Democratic primary between Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. 04.02.08

Democrats Fight on for Nomination, McCain Seals GOP Spot
John McCain clinched the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday, while Democrats must continue state-by-state as attention shifts to the Pennsylvania primary on April 22. 03.05.08

Free Trade Agreement is Key Issue for Ohio Voters
Democratic rivals Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama have accused each other of supporting the NAFTA trade agreement in an attempt to sway working-class voters in Ohio. 03.03.08

U.S. Military Intentions in Outer Space are Focus of U.N. DebateOuter space is emerging as the newest frontier in the quest for a technical military advantage, sparking a war of words between the United States, Russia and China. 02.13.08

California Recycles Water 'Toilet to Tap'
In response to Southern California’s dwindling water supply, several California cities are trying out new water reclamation projects that turn wastewater into drinking water. 02.11.08

Upcoming Primaries Gain Importance as Candidates Vie for Delegates
All five Democratic and Republican presidential candidates vowed to fight for each state in upcoming primary elections, following inconclusive results from 24 states on Super Tuesday. 02.06.08

President Bush Focuses on Economy in Last State of the Union
In a speech outlining his plans for his remaining months in office, President Bush spoke about government spending in response to stock market troubles and sluggish economic growth. 01.29.08

Congress and President Debate Ways to Ease Impact of Mortgage Crisis
The government is working on ways to help Americans pay their mortgages and stay in their homes so that a growing housing crisis does not weaken other areas of the economy. 01.14.08

Presidential Candidates Turn to Next Big Contest: Super Tuesday
New Hampshire's primary voters rejected the winners of Iowa's caucuses, breathing life into two presidential campaigns that had been showing recent signs of faltering, and setting up Feb. 5 as a critical contest in the race to the White House. 01.09.08

Obama and Huckabee Win at Iowa Caucus
Democratic Senator Obama and Former Republican Governor Huckabee are the clear winners in the first test for the White House. 01.04.08

Candidates Make Final Push Before Voting
The 2008 presidential candidates are making their final push before the Iowa caucuses, the first real test in the race for the White House. 12.28.07

Sliding U.S. Dollar Affects Worldwide Markets
The U.S. dollar continues to loose value in the wake of the recent housing crunch. 12.18.07

Farm Bill Changes May Affect Food Industry
Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are squaring off over a new version of the farm bill, which affects what we eat and how it is grown. 11.20.07

U.S. Ally Pakistan Faces Political Crisis
Clashes between protesters and police renewed pressure on President Pervez Musharraf to hold democratic elections in Pakistan. 11.12.07

Candidates Pick Up Steam in Run-up to Presidential Primaries
Presidential candidates are turning up the rhetoric as several states battle for early 2008 presidential primary dates. 11.05.07

Children's Health is Political Battleground
Democrats failed to override the president's veto of a bill expanding SCHIP, a health insurance program for poor children and their families. 10.29.07

Dalai Lama Award Angers China
In a move that has upset China, the United States awarded the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Congressional Gold Medal. 10.17.07

Genocide Resolution Outrages Turkey
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering a resolution that labels the 1915 mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks as a genocide. 10.15.07

Contractors Criticized for Violence in Iraq
The American security firm Blackwater is under scrutiny after its contractors shot and killed 17 Iraqis. 10.10.07

Central Bank Attempts to Reboot Economy
The Federal Reserve lowered two key interest rates to prevent problems in the housing market from causing a recession the U.S. economy. 09.19.07

Iraq War Central Issue in 2008 Primary
Although the 2008 presidential primaries are still months away, candidates are scrambling to define their positions on the war in Iraq. 09.05.07

Politics Topples Attorney General Gonzales
Attorney General Alberto Gonzales resigned after investigations into the firing of U.S. attorneys and the legality of a secret wiretapping program. 08.29.07

Bill Would Make College More Affordable
As college tuition continues to skyrocket, Democrats in Congress are trying to make good on their promise to make college more affordable. 08.16.07

Social Networks Aid Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates for the 2008 election are using Facebook and MySpace as new tools to generate voter support and raise money. 07.25.07

President Bush Cancels Libby's Jail Term
Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. 07.09.07

States Seek Stricter Car Emissions Standards
Following a Supreme Court decision that called carbon dioxide a "pollutant," California is leading the charge for stricter car emissions standards. 5.29.07

Government Looks to Regulate TV Violence
The Federal Communications Commission called on Congress to regulate violent TV programming for its effects on children. 05.02.07

President Bush Pushes Immigration Reform
During a visit to Yuma, Ariz., President Bush inspected border security measures and called for an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws. 4.11.07

Congress Seeks End to War in Iraq
Both houses of Congress are looking to pull out U.S. troops in Iraq by setting deadlines for the President in an emergency funding bill. 3.28.07

Too Much Testing?
Congress debates the mandatory achievement testing required by President Bush's controversial No Child Left Behind education policy. 3.21.07

President Bush Visits Latin America
President Bush spent six days in Latin America trying to strengthen U.S. economic ties and address social issues affecting the region. 3.14.07

Treatment of Wounded Soldiers Criticized
Investigative news stories describing inadequate treatment of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have sparked political finger-pointing. 3.07.07

Lowest Paid Workers May Get Raise
The House of Representatives and Senate are debating two bills that would increase the federal minimum wage by 40 percent over the next two years. 2.21.07

President Bush Pitches $2.9 Trillion Budget
The president's new budget proposal would increase spending on the military and limit spending on health care and social security. 2.07.07

Set, Go: 2008 Presidential Race Starts Early
More than a dozen presidential hopefuls are lining up for the primary races -- the first since 1928 without a sitting president or vice president running. 1.31.07

President Bush Outlines 2007 Agenda
In his State of the Union address, the president defended his strategy in Iraq and introduced goals for the environment and health care. 1.24.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 1.22.07

President Bush Sends More Troops to Iraq
President Bush's plan to deploy 21,000 more U.S. troops to Iraq received harsh criticism from many Democrats and some Republicans. 1.16.07

Democrats Aim for Change in New Congress
Democrats control both houses of the 110th Congress and will take up the issues of stem cell research, the minimum wage, and Iraq war funding. 1.08.07

History

Yale Returns Incan Artifacts to Peru
Yale University agreed to return a massive collection of artifacts taken from Peru's Machu Picchu ruins nearly 100 years ago. 11.14.07

Sputnik Launches 50 Years of Space Race
When the Soviet Union launched a basketball-sized satellite into space October 4, 1957, it shocked the world and set off a space race. 10.03.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

Jamestown Celebrates 400th Anniversary
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's trip to Virginia highlights the founding of the first permanent English settlement in the New World. 4.30.07

Economics

Math Madness: Statistics Might Help Choose NCAA Brackets Statisticians have found ways to improve the odds of picking the winners of the NCAA men's basketball tournament, but have not been able to conquer the uncertainties that make it nearly impossible to create the perfect bracket. 03.17.08

Stagflation Threatens U.S. Economy
As the U.S. economy slows in part from a lagging housing market, economic indicators point to the possibility of stagflation -- a slowdown in economic activity combined with rising prices not seen since the 1970s. 02.25.08

Sliding U.S. Dollar Affects Worldwide Markets
The U.S. dollar continues to loose value in the wake of the recent housing crunch. 12.18.07

Facebook, MySpace Launch New Targeted Ads
MySpace and Facebook developed tools that allow advertisers to target users based on wall postings and other personal information. 11.07.07

Central Bank Attempts to Reboot Economy
The Federal Reserve lowered two key interest rates to prevent problems in the housing market from causing a recession the U.S. economy. 09.19.07

Chinese Toy Recall Impacts U.S. Businesses
Following a massive recall by Mattel, toymakers and other manufacturers are reexamining how they do business with China. 08.22.07

Bill Would Make College More Affordable
As college tuition continues to skyrocket, Democrats in Congress are trying to make good on their promise to make college more affordable. 08.16.07

Law/Supreme Court

Supreme Court Rules Individuals Have Right to Own Guns
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court said Americans have the right to own guns for self defense -- the court's first ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years.
06.27.08

Supreme Court Rules Terror Suspects Can Appeal Detentions
The Supreme Court ruled last week that detainees held at the U.S. Guantanamo Bay prison in Cuba have the constitutional right to challenge their imprisonment in U.S. federal courts.
06.17.08

Supreme Court Takes 2nd Amendment Case
The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban, which challenges the Second Amendment. 11.26.07

Court Rules on Students with Disabilities
The Supreme Court affirmed a ruling requiring school districts to pay for the private special education for learning disabled students. 10.08.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

D.C. Appeals Gun Ban to Supreme Court
Washington, DC is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to decide if its handgun ban is legal, and the ruling could affect gun laws nationwide. 09.12.07

President Bush Cancels Libby's Jail Term
Mr. Bush commuted the prison sentence of Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, who was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice. 07.09.07

Race Criteria Struck Down in Public Schools
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that public schools may not consider an individual's race when trying to create a diverse student body. 7.02.07

Supreme Court Rules to Allow Censorship in High Schools
The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to limit student speech after a high-school senior was suspended for displaying a sign with a drug reference at a school-sponsored activity. 6.26.07

Lawsuit Alleges Vaccine Caused Autism
A class-action lawsuit brought by parents of autistic children claims that a preservative in vaccines caused the neurological disorder. 6.20.07

Bald Eagle May Fly off Endangered List
Once on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle has rebounded and may soon be removed from the list of endangered species. 6.13.07

Opinion Mixed on Raising Drop-out Age
In an effort to encourage more students to earn high school diplomas, some states are raising the age that kids can elect to drop out of school. 05.14.07

High School Student's Free Speech on Trial
The Supreme Court is considering a First Amendment rights case focused on a high schooler suspended for displaying a sign reading "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." 3.19.07

Society and Culture

Supreme Court Rules Individuals Have Right to Own Guns
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court said Americans have the right to own guns for self defense -- the court's first ruling on the Second Amendment in nearly 70 years.
06.27.08

New Measures Aim to Make Buildings Accessible for Disabled People
The House of Representatives and the Bush administration are pursuing separate measures to expand the scope and enforcement of laws aimed at making it easier for disabled people to access courthouses, stadiums and hotel rooms.
06.24.08

Families in Katrina Temporary Housing Face Health Problems
The U.S. government is rushing to move families from trailers used as emergency housing since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 after the mobile homes were found to contain formaldehyde, a chemical that can cause severe health problems, including cancer.
06.10.08

California Recycles Water 'Toilet-to-Tap'
In response to Southern California’s dwindling water supply, several California cities are trying out new water reclamation projects that turn wastewater into drinking water. 02.11.08

Facebook, MySpace Launch New Targeted Ads
MySpace and Facebook developed tools that allow advertisers to target users based on wall postings and other personal information. 11.07.07

California Battles Devastating Wildfires
Fierce winds and no rain in California continue to fuel wildfires that have destroyed more than 1,400 homes or businesses and killed five people. 10.24.07

Schools Fighting Deadly "Superbug"
Schools in the northeastern U.S. are using Lysol and better hygiene to combat outbreaks of a bacteria known as the MRSA "superbug." 10.22.07

Jena Six Rally Highlights Racial Tensions
Protesters rallied Sept. 20 in support of an imprisoned Louisiana teenager, calling his case a symbol of a racist criminal justice system. 09.24.07

Chinese Toy Recall Impacts U.S. Businesses
Following a massive recall by Mattel, toymakers and other manufacturers are reexamining how they do business with China. 08.22.07

Collapse Reveals Problems with U.S. Bridges
The collapse of the Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota has spurred transportation regulators to examine bridge testing procedures. 08.08.07

Social Networks Aid Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates for the 2008 election are using Facebook and MySpace as new tools to generate voter support and raise money. 07.25.07

New Fees Put Pressure on Internet Radio
Internet-based radio stations are battling the record industry -- and the clock -- as they face hefty new copyright fees in two months. 05.21.07

Opinion Mixed on Raising Dropout Age
In an effort to encourage more students to earn high school diplomas, some states are raising the age that kids can elect to drop out of school. 05.14.07

Government Looks to Regulate TV Violence
The Federal Communications Commission called on Congress to regulate violent TV programming for its effects on children. 05.02.07

Virginia Tech Begins Healing Process
Two days after a 23-year-old student went on a shooting rampage at Virginia Tech, the university community mourns and shares feelings. 4.18.07

Owners, Vets Question Pet Food Safety
As the list of recalled dog and cat food continues to grow, pet owners and veterinarians are questioning the lack of manufacturer regulation. 4.09.07

Daylight-saving Time Lasts Longer This Year
Most of the United States begins daylight-saving time three weeks earlier this year -- Congress' attempt to save energy and money. 3.09.07

Treatment of Wounded Soldiers Criticized
Investigative news stories describing inadequate treatment of soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan have sparked political finger-pointing. 3.07.07

Lowest Paid Workers May Get Raise
The House of Representatives and Senate are debating two bills that would increase the federal minimum wage by 40 percent over the next two years. 2.21.07

New Passport Rules Take Effect
All U.S.-bound air travelers, even those coming from Canada or Mexico, are now required to carry a passport as part of new security measures. 1.22.07


	Road to Nomination Goes through Pennsylvania Julia Julia spoke with students at her high school in Bloomsburg, Pa., about the election issues that concern them most, and who they are supporting in the state's primary, an important contest in the close race between Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama. Pope Benedict Makes First U.S. Visit Young Catholics from across the country are flocking to Washington and New York to see Pope Benedict XVI on his first trip to the country as the pope. Students attending his April 17 mass at the Washington Nationals ball park talked to NewsHour Extra about what they hope to hear. Digital Dissection is a Promising Alternative Heather Heather writes about the ecological consequences of dissecting frogs and other animals in the classroom. Digital dissection computer programs could replace the traditional version, she argues. Online Predators Target Vulnerable Teens Keisha Being a teenager can be an emotionally difficult time, writes Keisha, making teens easy targets for online predators. New laws are making it easier to catch predators earlier. Rallying Student Support for Obama in Ohio Joshua Joshua has been volunteering with the Barack Obama campaign in Ohio for 9 months, organizing students and talking to voters. He talks about his experiences and why he feels so passionate about this election. Texas Volunteer Hopes for Clinton Comeback Griffin Griffin is a volunteer in the Dallas Clinton offices. He reflects on the media coverage of the campaigns and how students in his school are taking sides. Obama Volunteers Flood into Texas Emily A new Obama volunteer in Austin, Texas, reports on the positive energy at the campaign office and how out-of-state volunteers are working to get Texas Democrats to the polls. Campaigning for Clinton in Ohio Lonnie Lonnie, voting this year in his first presidential election, talks about volunteering for Senator Hillary Clinton in the weeks before the crucial Ohio primary. The Upside of Down Syndrome Sydney Sydney writes about the joys, and occasional frustrations, of life with her brother Aaron, who was born with Down syndrome. Prolonged Writers Strike Means Lost Fans Meghan The writers strike has gone on for too long, Meghan writes, and has been handled badly by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Struggling with Obesity and Self Image Shakura With obesity at epidemic levels in the United States, Shakura writes about how being overweight has affected her and her social life. Partisan Politics Hurt Progress Michael Michael Feinberg argues that the Democratic Congress has failed to live up to its promises of real reforms. Instead, the parties blame each other for the lack of progress, and no one wins. Black-on-Black Violence Needs a Community Solution Jamari Jamari Caldwell writes that black-on-black violence is destroying communities and that ordinary citizens need to help. Iraqi Refugee Split Between Very Different Worlds Omer Omer Kassim, 17, is an Iraqi refugee living in Cleveland, Ohio. He was recently granted asylum to stay in the country, but longs for home as well. California Family Hopeful After Losing Home The Wilson Family lost their home in the recent California wildfires. In this audio slideshow, they share their experiences and hopes for the future. California Wildfires Force Evacuations Michelle Sophomore Michelle Boccia talks to NewsHour Extra about evacuating her home in northeastern San Diego because of wildfires spreading through the area. The Internal Battle of Depression Caroline Caroline Schepker, a 19-year-old college student, talks to NewsHour Extra about learning to understand and manage depression. The Armenian Genocide Resolution is a Danger to U.S. Troops Erika Erika Martin writes that Congress will endanger U.S. troops' lives if the Armenian Genocide resolution is passed. Congress Must Pass the Armenian Genocide Resolution Kim Junior Kim Kinden argues that the Armenian Genocide resolution would give overdue acknowledgment to the victims of a tragic event. Diluting the Meaning of Torture Beverly Beverly Congdon writes that reporters and politicians calling harsh, but humane, interrogation techniques torture is dangerous. Questioning Romney on Faith Reinforces Intolerance Heather Heather Doyle, a Mormon high school senior, describes how Mitt Romney's presidential campaign has affected her life, and caused unfair scrutiny of her religion. Vick Dog Fighting Case Exposes Cruel Sport Rachel Rachel Weaver, 16, argues dog fighting is a serious, inhumane crime and that Michael Vick should be punished accordingly. Jena Six Case Shows Race Bias in the Justice System, and Media Lisa Senior Lisa Vinson writes that the Jena six were treated unfairly, while their white peers escaped punishment for a hate crime. Americans Should Look to Adopt British Health Care Model Elizabeth Following a trip to England with her family, Elizabeth DeSimone thinks that the United States should adopt a system in which all Americans are guaranteed free health care. Bonds' Record Not Tarnished by Scandal Kevin Junior Kevin Whitaker argues that Barry Bonds' home run record should be remembered as a feat in a new era of baseball. Lack of Financial Literacy Hurts Students Brison Senior Brison Harvey argues that high schools need to prepare students for big financial decisions through required financial literacy education Darfur Crisis Tests U.S. Superpower Status Shannon Rising 11th grader Shannon Mason argues that the United States needs to ramp up its action in Darfur to prevent the loss of innocent lives. Reflections on Blacksburg and Virginia Tech Dana Dana Al-Qadi, 17, grew up in Blacksburg, Va., where a mass shooting left 33 dead on April 16, 2007. Dana reflects on her hometown and the victims she knew. The Need for More Troops in Iraq Beverly Editorial writer Beverly Congdon, 17, argues that Congress is overstepping its authority in opposing President Bush's plan to send more troops to Iraq. Banning Teens from Nightclubs Won't Stop Violence Maya As Washington, DC considers legislation that would ban underage patrons from nightclubs following the death of a 17-year-old girl, Maya Gibson-Reinemer argues that keeping teens out of venues with live music will not stop the violence. U.S. Military Strategies Ignore Iraqi Girls' Rights Natalia As the president requests more troops for the Iraq war, teen Natalia Thompson criticizes the lack of attention on the waning freedoms of Iraqi Being Young and HIV Positive in America Brett At the age of 16, Brett's life changed forever when he tested positive for HIV. Now an 18-year-old college freshman in North Carolina, he is battling the stigma of the virus every day. Former Congressional Page Reflects on Experience Laura As a scandal involving explicit messages sent by a congressman to a former page saturates the news, former page Laura Meixell describes her Capitol Hill experience. New Michigan Graduation Requirements Shortchange Many Students Nick Nick Thomas, a 17-year-old reporter with 8-18 Media, thinks new, more rigorous Michigan high school graduation requirements could negatively affect a variety of students. Sept. 11 Remains a Reminder of Heroism Andrew Andrew LaCombe, a 16-year-old reporter with 8-18 Media, remembers the Sept. 11 attacks and reflects on the lingering impacts of that day. Politicians Should Involve Youth in Decision Making Chelsea Chelsea Parrish, a 14-year-old Michigan student and 8-18 Media reporter, wants politicians to recognize the value of youth input. Making an 'Exit' Jazmine A California judge says they don't have to, but Youth Radio reporter Jazmine Livingston thinks high school students should have to pass the state's exit exam before they can graduate. Cruzando la Frontera Maria Maria, a Youth Radio correspondent, is a student and an illegal immigrant. She tells the story of her harrowing trip from Mexico to the U.S. in a poem. Is Convenience Worth the Cost to the Environment? Yoko A student from Japan launches a campaign to raise awareness about the effects of disposable chopsticks on the environment. Black Market for ADD Drugs Thrives on Campus Michelle Youth Radio reporter Michelle Jarboe tells how Ritalin has become the drug of choice among students eager for better grades or a better buzz. Media Coverage of the Sago Mine Tragedy Raises Many Questions Lindsay A student from West Virginia criticizes the media's coverage of a mining accident in her state as sensationalist. Hurricane Katrina and the End of Life as I Knew it Paige DiMacco Seventeen-year old Paige DiMacco fled her home, friends and all she knew in River Ridge, Louisiana to escape Hurricane Katrina. Teen Hurricane Survivors Tell Their Stories After escaping their flooded homes in Louisiana, two New Orleans teens describe their experiences and share their hopes for the future. Soldier's Death Brings War Home June The war in Iraq suddenly came home for a student with the death of a soldier who graduated from her school.

Full Convention Coverage
Tune in to the NewsHour each night of the Democratic convention starting at 8 p.m. ET for three hours of special live coverage.

		News Summary
		Jesse Jackson
		Obama's Story
		The Big Speech
		Newark Mayor
		Obama and the Economy
		A Historic Night

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