NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The Winter Olympics are upon us. The 2026 Games, which kick off Feb. 6, will be jointly hosted by Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, a ski town near Italy's border with Austria. Around 2,800 athletes representing 90 national Olympic committees are expected to compete in in 116 medal events. The United States is sending 232 of those athletes, its largest contingent ever. PBS News' Tim McPhillips takes a look at what else to know about this year's Winter Olympics.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where will the Winter Olympics be held?
- Who is hosting the Olympics?
- Why is it considered a feat that Lindsey Vonn is competing?
- What is the new sport being introduced this Olympics?
- How many athletes will be competing? How many sports disciplines?
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Will you watch the Winter Olympics? Why or why not?
- Do you think professional athletes should be able to compete in the Olympics? Why or why not?
Media literacy: This News Hour video falls under the "Shorts" category on YouTube. Why do you think this category was created? Watch a few other News Hour "Shorts." What do you notice about their aesthetic (how they look)? Do you like this format? Why or why not?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Did you know talking with a neighbor or someone in your community is a small but powerful act of civic engagement? Yes, civic engagement! Discuss this question with a neighbor or someone in your community: What winter sport would you like to compete in if you were a Winter Games athlete? For a full list of sports, click here. Report back to the class what you learned about your fellow community member and how the conversation went.
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