1. Deforestation vs. Energy

Brazil and other South American countries are investing billions of dollars in hydroelectric projects designed to use water power to support economic growth, but their plans are being undercut (literally, as well as figuratively) by the loss of tropical rain forests. Experts report in the journal called The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that when trees along streams are removed, water in the soil moves directly into streams instead of feeding tree roots, and as moisture from trees decreases, rainfall is reduced. Eventually, the experts warn, as much as 40 percent of the power big hydroelectric projects create could be lost because of reduced rainfall created by deforestation. Balancing economic concerns with nature conservation is an ongoing issue in the world. Find a story about this in the newspaper or online. Write a summary of your story and make a prediction what will happen next,

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge about a topic; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

2. Change the News …

Reading the newspaper can teach you a lot about how the decisions or actions of people are connected, and what consequences can result. Read today’s newspaper and find 10 instances of news you would consider bad. For each item of bad news, write a description of what you think should have happened instead. Then pick one of the items and write a description of what could have been done to prevent the bad news from happening, if anything, and how the situation should be dealt with now in order to make things better.

Common Core/National Standards: Reading closely what a text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; writing informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

3. Lower the DUI Limit?

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that states lower the allowable concentration of alcohol in the blood that determines whether a motorist is “driving under the influence” (DUI). The current standard, established at the insistence of the U.S. Congress a decade ago, is 0.08 percent, which means, for example, that a 180-pound man could consume four beers or glasses of wine in 90 minutes without reaching the limit. The NTSB recommends 0.05 percent as the cutoff for DUI, which is the standard in most other industrialized nations. In this country, all 50 states have followed the 0.08 percent standard since 2008, when a law was passed withholding federal road construction funds from states that did not agree to it. The American Beverage Institute says the proposed change would “criminalize perfectly responsible behavior.” Alcohol and driving can be a deadly combination. Read up on the problem in the newspaper and online. Then design a public service ad for the newspaper citing key facts teens need to know about drinking and driving.

Common Core/National Standards: Reading closely what a text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; using drawings or visual displays when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or points.

4. Teen Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is not uncommon among teens and adolescents, but it may have some positive effects. A new study suggests that hypertensive teenagers have higher academic achievement and fewer emotional and behavioral problems than peers with normal blood pressure. German researchers, reporting in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, say hypertensive children do better in school, have higher self-esteem and are less likely to report symptoms of hyperactivity. However, high blood pressure does not improve physical health. Hypertensive teens are more likely to be overweight, spend more time in front of TV and computers and are more likely to feel physically unfit. Health issues often make news. In the newspaper or online, find a story about a health issue affecting teens or young adults. Read it closely and summarize its main points, using evidence from the text.

Common Core/National Standards: Reading closely what a text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; writing informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

5. Oranges Threatened

A bacterial disease with no known cure is threatening Florida’s citrus growing industry. The bacteria, which is particularly devastating to oranges, causes the fruit to turn bitter and drop from the trees while still unripe. While this year’s harvest is not yet over, orange production has already decreased 10 percent from the initial estimate. Other diseases, hard freezes and hurricanes also have affected Florida’s $9 billion citrus industry, but “citrus greening” has been the most worrisome. The citrus industry is a major economic force in Florida, involving 76,000 jobs. About $11 million in federal funds have been earmarked for research into the disease. When a crisis or problem occurs, many people would like the federal government to spend money to correct it. Others, however, want the government to spend less money on all programs. As a class, debate whether the federal government should spend tax dollars to address the citrus greening problem. Use points from the debate to write a short newspaper editorial expressing your view.

Common Core/National Standards: Engaging effectively in a range of collaborative discussions; responding thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarizing points of agreement and disagreement; writing opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.?