DOWNLOAD VIDEO Directions: Read the summary, watch the video and answer the discussion questions. Have students record what they found most significant in the summaries and ask them what they'd like to learn more about. Summary of the top news: President Donald Trump and his wife Melania Trump both tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Oct. 1. Trump has indicated that he will quarantine, and planned campaign rallies in Wisconsin and elsewhere will be called off. The news comes days after the first presidential debate, in which President Trump mocked Joe Biden for wearing a mask during most public appearances, avoiding large campaign rallies and limiting public appearances. Joe Biden has tested negative after coming into contact with President Trump during the debate, though positive results can take days to progress. Also in the news:

• Republicans in the Senate continued to push for the earliest possible confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett , Trump's pick to fill the Supreme Court seat left by the death of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.


• Trump and Democratic candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden held their first debate on Tues., Sept. 29. The debate was marked by chaotic cross talk and frequent interruptions by Trump, though the candidates did outline some sharp differences .


• Congress and the White House tried to revive negotiations over a COVID-19 relief bill. Signs of economic recovery are mixed, and layoffs are expected in a number of industries if no agreement over relief is reached.


• Wildfires continued to spread throughout California, with nearly 4 million acres burned so far this season.

Warm up questions:

1. Who has contracted COVID-19 and why is it significant?


2. What are some of the consequences of the president becoming sick at this time?


3. Where and when is will the president quarantine?


4. Why will the president quarantine, and what does that mean?


5. How will the news of the week affect the presidential race?

Focus questions:

1. What message do you think politicians should offer the public during times of crisis?


2. How should voters evaluate presidential candidates if one candidate is in quarantine in the lead up to the election?

Media literacy: What news do you think was most important from this summary? What important news are you aware of that was left out? Dig Deeper: 1. You may have asked this question: How long could I be contagious before a positive virus test? Read the AP story to learn more. 2. What is the science behind the spread of COVID-19, and how might the president have picked it up? Watch the video below and ask your students:

• Based on this analysis, what could the president have done to better avoid contracting COVID-19?


• What reasonable precautions can you take in your school or community to reduce risk?

If you would like a full lesson on the video below, click here .

---

Follow us :

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBSNewsHourExtra/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NewsHourExtra

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newshourextra/

Subscribe :

PBS NewsHour education stories newsletter

 

Updates for EXTRA's Super Civics 2020 election teaching resources doc