1. Beyond Jack and Rose

On April 15, 1912, the Titanic, a huge luxury ship, sank. It hit an iceberg, and more than 1,000 people were killed. A few years ago, a fictional movie was based on the event. "Titanic" centered on the story of Jack and Rose, a young couple tragically torn apart by something that made them opposites. In this case, they were of different social classes at a time when social class had great importance in society. The theme of star-crossed lovers is a familiar one, made most famous by Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet." Artists and writers often create new stories out of recurring themes. Read an article in today's newspaper that interests you. Then think of a fictional story that is similar to it. Compare the two in a chart or short essay.

Learning Standard: Demonstrating understanding of the complexity of enduring issues and recurring problems by making connections and generating themes within and across texts.

2. National Health

Last week was National Public Health Week. It is organized every year by the American Public Health Association to teach the public, politicians, doctors and other health care workers about issues that are important to improving the public's health. Find an article about a public health issue in the United States or another country and write a summary of it.

Learning Standards: Demonstrating the ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences, paragraphs and compositions; acquiring information from multiple sources.

3. Wiser

A new study led by Richard Nisbett of the University of Michigan has found that older people are more likely than younger people to acknowledge others' points of view and recognize that not everyone holds the same values. In other words, older people are wiser. Nisbett said the study shows "the elderly have some advantages for analysis of social problems." Show Nisbett that younger people can solve problems, too, by doing the following activity. In groups, pick an article in the newspaper about a problem or conflict in the world. Brainstorm creative ways the problem could be addressed. Discuss your ideas as a class.

Learning Standard: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about matters of public concern by clarifying issues, considering opposing views, applying democratic values, anticipating consequences and working toward making decisions.

4. Globetrotter

A group of college students have come up with a new way for friends on spring break to keep in touch. Gtrot -- www.gtrot.com -- is a Web site that links up to Facebook and shows you where your friends are headed on vacation, how they're getting there and what they're doing once they arrive. It also helps users do things like book tickets and share cab rides to the airport. In groups, use the newspaper to brainstorm ideas and come up with a concept for a Web site your peers would want to use. It can be fun, silly or serious. Write down a description of it, then explain your idea to the class and ask for their feedback.

Learning Standard: Applying knowledge, ideas and issues drawn from texts to their lives and the lives of others.

5. Talk Show

April 12 is talk show host David Letterman's birthday. In the tradition of nighttime talk shows, Letterman opens his show with a monologue that makes jokes about current events. Pretend you're a writer for a talk show host like Letterman and write a funny monologue or speech about what's going on in the world. Use the newspaper to see what's currently making headlines. Share your monologue with the class.

Learning Standard: Demonstrating how language usage is related to successful communication in different spoken, written and visual communication contexts, such as job interviews, public speeches, debates and advertising.