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.
08/12/2024
3 teens arrested in plot to attack Taylor Swift concert
A third teenager has been arrested in connection with a plot to attack the now-canceled Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austrian authorities say. An 18-year-old Iraqi citizen was held for alleged contact with the 19-year-old Austrian, who is the main suspect. Another Austrian, 17, also has been arrested in the alleged plan to kill Swift concert-goers. Officials said the teens became radicalized online and the leader had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State terror group.
■Class discussion: Are teenagers more prone to be influenced by extremist posts on social media or other online sites? Why or why not? Can hate-filled online material reinforce existing prejudices and trigger violence? How did misinformation on X play a role in last week’s widespread riots and attacks on ethnic minorities in Britain? Can you identify misinformation and radical posts online? How do you separate fact from fiction? Do online posts influence your opinions?