GEP - Current Events Email - December 1, 2007

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Dear Teacher:

As a recipient of World Savvy's Current Affairs Update, every two weeks you will receive a set of resources for 3 major recent news stories, including articles at varying reading levels, a list of relevant standards, and curriculum that can be used to teach about the issues covered by that news story. If you are interested in teaching a larger unit on a specific issue, please contact us for support.

Topic 1: Cyclone Hits Bangladesh

Advanced Article: news.bbc.co.uk
Intermediate Article: www.telegraph.co.uk
Beginning Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. How many people are thought to have died as a result of the cyclone?
2. Why is it difficult to estimate how many people have died as a result of the cyclone?
3. Other than the immediate effects of the cyclone, what dangers and difficulties are people facing? What are some long-term problems?
4. Do you believe there was anything more that the Bangladeshi government could or should have done to reduce the effects of the cyclone?
5. What role do you think various governments and organizations should take on in terms of responding to this disaster? Does a nation's proximity to the disaster site influence its role? For example, should India provide more aid to Bangladesh than the United States?

Curriculum:

1. Modeling Tropical Cyclones: Read it now >>
2. Hurricane!: Read it now >>
3. Natural Disasters – Unnatural Suffering: Read it now >>

California Standards:

World History: Modern World Economy
Language Arts: Reading and Writing
Science: Ecology, Climate

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Topic 2: Riots in Paris Suburbs

Advanced Article: www.washingtonpost.com
Intermediate Article: economist.com
Beginning Article: www.nytimes.com

Background Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. What was the event that sparked the rioting in France? What is the primary group of people rioting?
2. What do you think are the root causes of the riots?
3. How do these riots relate to the riots that took place in France in 2005? Do these riots illustrate anything about the response to the 2005 riots?
4. Can you think of comparisons between these riots and riots that have taken place in other countries?
5. How has the French government responded to the rioting? Do you think this response is suitable? How would you respond if you were the president of France?
6. How do you think France's colonial history relates to these riots?

Curriculum:

1. PBS NewsHour Extra French Invoke Curfews to Quell Youth Rioting (based on '05 riots): Read it now >>
2. Your Stance on France (based on '05 riots): Read it now >>
3. Minorities Ruled (based on '01 riots in Britain, but very relevant): Read it now >>

California Standards

World History: Contemporary Nation-Building, Modern World Economy, Historical Perspective
Geography: Human Migration, Human Settlement
Language Arts: Reading and Writing, Analyzing Point of View

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Topic 3: Middle East Peace Talks Commence in Annapolis, Maryland

Advanced Articled: www.sfgate.com
Intermediate Article: news.bbc.co.uk
Beginning Article: www.nytimes.com

Background Article: news.bbc.co.uk

Discussion Questions:

1. Which two leaders are the peace talks between? Who is hosting the peace talks?
2. What are the Palestinian demands?
3. What are some of the factors leading to skepticism about whether the peace conference will be successful?
4. What do you think it will take for the peace talks to be successful? What compromises and/or plans of action do you think would best ensure peace?
5. What do you believe is the deeper issue creating conflict between Israel and Palestine, religion or access to resources? Is there another issue that you think is more important?
6. What do you think are some of the reasons that President Bush is so invested in the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks?

Curriculum:

1. Disturbing the Peace?: Read it now >>
2. Israel and Palestine: The Roots of Conflict: Read it now >>
3. A World in Transition: Read it now >>
4. Prospects for Peace in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Read it now >>
5. Voices of Hope and Seeds of Peace: Read it now >>

California Standards:

World History: Contemporary Nation Building, Modern World Economy
U.S. History: Foreign Policy since 1948
Language Arts: Reading and Writing, Analyzing the Media

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The views expressed in the articles and resources listed above are not the views of World Savvy. They are listed here as resources for educators but do not necessarily reflect the opinions and priorities of World Savvy. If you ever want to unsubscribe from this list, just send an email to Kelly at kelly@worldsavvy.org.