1. MLK

Civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929. On April 16, 1963, he wrote his famous "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" after being imprisoned for non-violent demonstrations against racial segregation. In the letter, he wrote "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." As a class, read his amazing letter. Then find an article in today's newspaper about an issue that troubles you. Write a letter to your congressperson about your concerns.

Common Core/National Standards: Producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience; identifying and explaining how individuals in history demonstrated good character and personal virtue.

2. Colonialism Lives

After a brief war in 1982, the European nation of Great Britain retained control of the Falkland Islands off the coast of South America. But the South American nation of Argentina has not given up its claim to the islands, which it calls “the Malvinas.” Argentina’s president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, says her country was “forcibly stripped” of the archipelago islands in 1833, in “a blatant exercise of 19th century colonialism.” The British should relinquish their claim, she said in an open letter to British leaders 8,700 miles away. European nations still control lands far from their shores all over the world. Use the newspaper, Internet and other resources to make a list of places under such control. Pick one case and write a short editorial for the newspaper giving your view on whether the European nation should maintain control.

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic; producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

3. Asleep at the Wheel

No matter how confident you are about yourself or your parents when driving a car, you must always remember to be aware of other drivers, too. In a recent study, one out of every 24 Americans admitted having fallen asleep — while driving! And because some people are wary of admitting it, and some may not have realized it at the time, health officials believe the number may be much larger. The federal government estimates that 3 percent of fatal traffic crashes involve drowsy drivers, but other estimates have been as high as 33 percent. Even a brief moment nodding can be extremely dangerous; at 60 MPH, one second translates to traveling 88 feet — the length of two school buses. Health officials recommend getting seven to nine hours sleep nightly, treating any sleep disorders you may have and avoiding alcohol before driving. In the newspaper or online, find stories about safe driving or other topics involving teen health and safety. Pick one topic and design a poster alerting others at your school about the safety concerns.

Common Core/National Standard: Using drawings or visual displays when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or points.

4. School Shooting Tragedy Attracts Hoaxers

The Newtown, Connecticut, tragedy has inspired an outpouring of generosity from around the world. It has also attracted hoaxers. Like the man who showed up in the town and posed as the uncle of the gunman, inviting interviews and posing for news photos. Jonathan Lee Riches is now behind bars in Pennsylvania — not for impersonating the Adam Lanza relative, but for leaving his home state and violating his supervised release from a seven-year federal sentence for wire fraud and conspiracy. Nouel Alba of New York City also was arrested, after trying to scam donors by posing as the aunt of one of the 20 children killed in the elementary school massacre. She is accused of seeking donations for a “funeral fund.” The FBI and Connecticut authorities are warning residents to check the identities of anyone soliciting funds in the names of the Newtown victims, and to report any suspected scams. As a class, discuss ways people can protect themselves from fraud or scams involving charities or tragedies. Then talk about ways your class or families could provide help that is needed by Newtown families or children. Write a short newspaper editorial urging people to support one idea.

Common Core/National Standards: Engaging effectively in a range of collaborative discussions; producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

5. Tabby the Smuggler

Not long ago, a little white cat was noticed slipping through a gate, into and out of a prison in the South American country of Brazil. It happened so often, guards got suspicious. Their suspicions were well-founded. When they caught the cat, they found a cellphone, drills, small saws and other articles taped to its body. All of the prison’s 263 inmates are suspects in the smuggling attempt, a prison spokesman said, “but it will be hard to discover who is responsible because the cat does not speak.” In the newspaper or online, find stories or photos of animals doing unusual things. Using one as inspiration, come up with an idea for a fantasy story featuring an unusually active animal. Write the opening chapter.

Common Core/National Standard: Producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.