1. Job Search

The last year has been a difficult one for many businesses. Many companies have reduced their work forces by laying off employees. As a result, there are a lot of talented people out of work and hunting for jobs. Look through the classified ads in the employment section of the newspaper. Find a job description that interests you. Figure out what education, skills and previous experience are needed for the job. Write out how an applicant could get the education, skills and experience required.

Learning Standard: Evaluating employment and career opportunities in light of economic trends.

2. Courts

U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens is getting ready to retire, and President Obama is in the process of nominating someone to replace him. Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano have been mentioned as possible candidates, among others. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country. Read about the court and Obama's selection process in the newspaper or online. As a class, discuss what qualities the new Supreme Court justice should have. Write a short summary of your class's ideas.

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.

3. Martial Arts

A 32-year-old woman born without arms or kneecaps is getting ready to get her black belt in the martial art called tae kwon do. Sheila Radziewicz, who lives in Massachusetts, has been studying tae kwon do for three years at Bruce McCorry's Martial Arts studio, and even teaches kids in the beginners' classes. In the newspaper or online, find another example of a person overcoming adversity. Write a short biography of the person and share with the class.

Learning Standards: Demonstrating the ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences, paragraphs, and compositions; identifying and explaining how individuals in history demonstrate good character and personal virtue.

4. Musicals

Last week the nominations for the Tony Awards were announced. The awards, given out by the American Theatre Wing, go to the year's best plays and musicals, as well as for the best performances, songs, directors and set designs. In groups, pick a story in the newspaper and turn it into an idea for a stage musical. Write a paragraph giving a brief description of your musical's plot line. Then write the words to a song one of the characters would sing. You can put the words to the tune of a song you know or make up an original song.

Learning Standard: Reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.

5. TV Time

A new study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine indicates that too much TV in childhood might cause problems later. According to the study, two-year-olds who spend a lot of time in front of the TV are likely to exercise less, be less involved in class and be picked on by classmates when they get older. In groups, look at ads in the newspaper. Then create an advertisement or poster for young kids to encourage them to turn off the TV and engage in other activities. Think about what images and text a child might respond to best.

Learning Standards: Analyzing how purchasers obtain information about goods and services from advertising and other sources; selecting a format for a message to influence the receiver's response; representing creatively.