Learning Network: Students Discuss the Issues of the Day

Responding to the Election Results, Voting and More

View in browser|nytimes.com Continue reading the main story November 6, 2020 Dear Reader, This election season we’ve been working hard to create a welcoming space where students can learn about and engage in the political process, even if they’re not old enough to vote. For example, many thousands of students participated in online discussions with other students from around the world in our Civil Conversation Challenge (CCC). They talked about some of the most divisive issues of our day, including racial justice, the nation’s pandemic response and voting. This comment by a student echoes what many students have told us about the experience: The CCC challenge was a great experience overall. It was really fun because you got to see different opinions on different topics and discuss them in a non toxic way with peers. Another thing I really liked about the Challenge was how you got to change people’s opinions and they listened to what you had to say. Students have weighed in on our site about the importance of voting, who they wanted to be the next president and their reaction to the unfolding election results. They also asked questions of Times journalists in a live panel discussion about the Electoral College. And via our Coming of Age in 2020 Contest, students have documented in creative ways how the tumultuous events of this extraordinary year have had an impact on their lives. That contest is accepting submissions until Nov. 12. Of course, this work is never done. Next Thursday our friends at Facing History and Ourselves are hosting a free webinar, “After the Election: What’s Next for U.S. Democracy,” featuring The Times’s Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nicholas Kristof and others. We hope to see you there. Even with Election Day behind us, we’ll continue to encourage students to engage with the issues of the day, every week of the school year. Sincerely, Michael Gonchar, editor ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS weekly news quiz for students Weekly News Quiz for Students: Voter Turnout, World Series Champs, Sean Connery How well did you follow the news this past week? How many of these 10 questions can you get right? Compiled by Jeremy Engle and John Otis student opinion How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? Have you found new ways to work with others over the internet? What have you accomplished? What do you miss, if anything, about working together in person? By Callie Holtermann picture prompts Divided What is this image saying? By The Learning Network student opinion What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? As the votes are counted, we invite teenagers to post reactions and have conversations here. What does this election mean for our nation? By Katherine Schulten picture prompts ‘Doomscrolling’ Do you doomscroll? If so, how does it affect you? What has worked for you to break the habit? By The Learning Network student opinion Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? Is it OK not to vote, or is voting a civic duty? By Shannon Doyne and Michael Gonchar Film Club: ‘‘It’s Like You Want to Stop People From Voting’: How U.S. Elections Look Abroad’ What can we learn from how people in other countries view our election process? By The Learning Network country of the week How Much Do You Know About Togo? Can you find Togo on a map? What else do you know about this African country with about 8 million people. Compiled by John Otis Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS current events conversation What Students Are Saying About Voting, the Complexities of Identity and Love Across Distances Teenage comments in response to our recent writing prompts, and an invitation to join the ongoing conversation. By The Learning Network What’s Going On in This Picture? | Nov. 2, 2020 Look closely at this image, stripped of its caption, and join the moderated conversation about what you and other students see. By The Learning Network current events Lesson of the Day: ‘How Poland’s New Abortion Law Became a Flash Point’ In this lesson, students will learn about recent protests in Poland and then reflect on their own beliefs about abortion rights. By Nicole Daniels current events Lesson of the Day: ‘As America Awaits a Winner, Trump Falsely Claims He Prevailed’ In this lesson, students will learn about the state of the presidential race the morning after Election Day, and consider what the results might mean for a deeply divided nation. By Katherine Schulten and Michael Gonchar current events Lesson of the Day: ‘How the Space Station Became a Base to Launch Humanity’s Future’ It’s the 20th anniversary of continuous human occupation of the International Space Station. In this lesson, students will learn more about the station’s history and its future. Then they will imagine life aboard the outpost 250 miles above the earth. By Jeremy Engle current events Lesson of the Day: ‘Lil Buck Feels the Dancing Spirit All Over Again’ In this lesson, students watch a short film by the dancer Lil Buck, then consider his contention that street dance is fine art and can be “a tool to help bring change.” By Katherine Schulten Like this email? Forward it to your friends, and let them know they can sign up here. ELSEWHERE IN THE TIMES In San Francisco, Closed Public Schools, Open Private Schools As the results of the 2020 election hang in the balance, we’re focusing on a district that epitomizes the heated debate over reopening schools. By Amelia Nierenberg Covid Is the Big Story on Campus. College Reporters Have the Scoop. University outbreaks are significant contributors to the pandemic. And the campus paper might be the only one left to cover them. By Amelia Nierenberg Students Vote and Work the Polls, Despite the Pandemic Students are fighting for voting access and helping at the polls, despite the difficulties of the pandemic. By Amelia Nierenberg and Adam Pasick Continue reading the main story ADVERTISEMENT How are we doing? We’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to LNfeedback@nytimes.com. Continue reading the main story Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Learning Network from The New York Times. To stop receiving these emails, unsubscribe or manage your email preferences. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018