Examining Global Protest
Students everywhere are trying to make sense of the chaotic world in which they exist. The images on their social media feeds are abrupt and aim for the shock and awe effect. Administrators often turn to the social studies department to help students untangle what is happening beyond the classroom. One unit that really engages students and helps them understand what the underpinnings of street protests entail is the “Global Protest” unit students examine in the Global Issues course I teach.
The unit examines street protests globally and seeks to understand what are the common trends among these protests. Students love learning about what is happening around the world and drawing parallels (if any) that exist within their own communities. This unit is designed for 6, 90 minute block periods. However, we all know every teacher is the expert in his/her own classroom. Thus, adapt as you see fit!
Examining Climate Change in a Global Classroom
The New York/New Jersey area has just experienced the ramifications of Hurricane Ida which traveled North from Louisiana and flooded many areas in New York and New Jersey. Tornadoes even hit parts of New Jersey! These increasingly bizarre weather patterns for the region are a result of climate change. In order for students to better understand the implications of climate change on their own region, right here at home, they will learn more about the causes of climate change, conduct research and engage with their international peers to learn about the impacts of climate change in other countries as well. In my particular case, I’ve teamed up with two other high school teachers in Sweden and Ukraine to conduct this research. I reached out on Facebook’s Mystery Skype group and asked if anyone would be interested in taking on this project with me and these two educators were the ones who fit the grade level and objectives of the project.
Ahlam Yassin, M.A.Ed. 