Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
09/05/2011
Report focuses on the danger of space junk
There is so much junk orbiting the Earth that we could be in danger of wrecking satellites and blocking space exploration, according to a new report by the National Research Council. The report urges NASA to start taking cleanup seriously. Japan already has announced plans to send up a giant net to sweep up debris.
■Class discussion: How would the loss of satellites impact your daily life? The cost of all telecommunications - cable television, Internet service and telephones - could skyrocket. How would that affect the economy and jobs? What about weather reporting and national security?