Homework Links: Current Events, Issues & Controversies

OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS RESOURCE CENTER - Searchable, user-friendly source for research covering today's hottest social issues, from Terrorism to Endangered Species, Stem Cell Research to Gun Control; for grades K-12. Provides opinions from both sides of controversial topics, plus core reference content on social issues. If you're using Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center on your home computer, you'll have to enter your library card barcode to begin.

EBSCO POINTS OF VIEW REFERENCE CENTER - Another research source for students presenting opinions from multiple sides of current controversial issues. Essays provide questions and materials for further thought and study and are accompanied by thousands of supporting articles from political and social publications. Login to the POINTS OF VIEW REFERENCE CENTER with your library card barcode number. NOTE: If you have problems with the direct EBSCO login link, use our DATABASE LOGIN page.

Air Aware [LINK OPENS A VIDEO (Windows Media Player)] - This 21-minute 'Forecast Earth' video highlights how air quality can affect people and their health, focuses on state and local programs and outlines how to take action. You can also see flash presentations [UPDATED LINK!] on ozone and particle pollution. (U.S. EPA)

Alert Net - News about humanitarian crises around the world; high school and up. (Reuters Foundation)

Al Qaeda - A brief overview describing the 'organisation of Islamic militants that has declared "holy war" on Americans, Jews and their allies' (BBC). See also Al Qaeda Backgrounder (Council on Foreign Relations). High school and up.

America at a Crossroads - This guide (companion to the PBS television series) offers discussion-provoking questions and related video clips on the war on terrorism, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the experience of American troops, the struggle for balance within the Muslim world, and perspectives on America's role globally. Also includes related timelines through October 2007. High school and up.

Beyond the Fire - 'Introduces the real-life stories of 15 teenagers, now living in the U.S., who have survived war in seven war zones. These stories tell of loss, hope, fear, strength and despair-and most of all, resilience.' When the world map comes up after the introduction, click on one of the teens to begin. Then click on the airplane icon at the bottom corner of the 'passport' to bring up that teen's page. Click on the teen again to begin his or her story. For teens. (ITVS and Corporation for Public Broadcasting)

Chernobyl - Twenty years ago (in April and May of 1986) a major nuclear power accident occurred in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. This site gives a timeline and other facts about the accident, plus information about its long-term environmental, health, and social consequences. High school and up. (Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation et al.)

China in the Red - This 2003 video documentary, with accompanying discussion, presents 'the stories of 10 Chinese individuals caught up in China's dramatic, ongoing effort to modernize its economy,' and explores related issues of social transformation, democratic reform, and human rights. You can watch the full video online; high school and up. (PBS)

Current Events from Holt McDougal - Short articles on current events and issues, with links to related information, plus a daily quiz, calendar of events, 'Today in History' and other features. For grades 6 - 12. (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company)

Dilemma Database - When faced with tough choices, what should you do? This website presents a variety of real-life ethical dilemmas in situations from the business world, education, and family life, encouraging you to think for yourself about how you might resolve them (Institute for Global Ethics). For related resources, see Applied Ethics (Santa Clara University). High school and up.

A Dollar a Day: Finding Solutions to Poverty - 'This site examines poverty in developing nations... bringing together a wide variety of information to raise awareness of the plight of the poor. More importantly, we discuss solutions to poverty and suggest ways that you can help alleviate poverty.' For students aged 15 and up. ©2006 (ThinkQuest Library)

Drug Abuse Info for Teens - Drug facts, Q&A, and real stories written for teens. See also Mind Over Matter (for grades 5-9) to learn how different types of drugs affect your body and brain (National Institute on Drug Abuse). For more teen stories, info, and help, see Check Yourself: Info on Drug and Alcohol Abuse (Partnership for a Drug-Free America).

Drug Abuse Research Reports - In-depth reports on abuse of steroids, cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, inhalants, and other substances; for high school and college students. For somewhat briefer reports, see Drug Info Facts (National Institute on Drug Abuse).

Dying to be Thin - A 'Nova' special report on eating disorders (PBS; aired December 2000). For recommended reading on eating disorders and other problems related to body image, see Body Image Bibliography; arranged by type of book (fiction or non-fiction) and intended audience (middle school or high school). Includes a description of each book (School Library Journal, November 2005). You'll find a few more recommended readings on eating disorders in Too Fat, Too Thin (School Library Journal, April 2007). For more about body image and eating disorders, see South Plainfield Public Library's Health & Fitness homework links.

Ecology & Wildlife Links - Links to selected websites on environment/ecology, wildlife, plants, and animals. (South Plainfield Public Library)

Economy: Why Is the Country Facing a Financial Crisis? [LINK OPENS A PDF DOCUMENT] - A simple, step-by-step explanation of how the current economic crisis began; there is also a separate Economic Crisis Timeline on the same website (Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis). Hot Topics: Financial Crisis and Bailout offers a selection of articles which discuss the financial crisis and evolving effects of the bailouts on the global economy (Stanford University). The Economy provides selected links to additional news and analysis on the current global economic crisis, as well as information about the economy in general, and personal finance (Middletown [NY] Thrall Library). Inside the Meltdown video offers interviews, analysis, and timeline exploring the questions 'How did it all go so bad so quickly? Who is responsible? How effective has the response from Washington and Wall Street been?' (PBS Frontline).

E-Divide - Explores the physical, technological, human, and socio-economic barriers that prevent some individuals and groups from gaining access to electronic information technologies (computers, internet, etc.). Includes interactive games and quizzes. ©2005-2006. (ThinkQuest Library)

Electronic Privacy: Hot Topics - Background information on privacy issues in the news, such as government surveillance, Facebook & social networking, National ID, and more. High school and up. (Electronic Privacy Information Center, a public interest research center)

Equal Rights Amendment - An overview, history, and FAQ about the proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would guarantee equal rights to women. (Alice Paul Institute & National Council of Women's Organizations)

Extreme Oil - Explores the history, science, and technology of oil, and the role oil plays in our economy and our way of life. Includes a page of related links (PBS; September 2004). See also Oil Safari [UPDATED LINK!] (Chicago Tribune, ©2006).

Face to Face - During World War II, people of Japanese ancestry living in the U.S. were subjected to racial hatred and distrust. Many Arab and Muslim Americans have encountered similar attitudes since 9/11. 'Using real stories of fear, anger, hatred, loyalty and trust, Face to Face explores what it means to be an American with the face of the enemy.' (Independent Television Service)

Faces of the Fallen - Pictures and names of US service members who have died in 'Operation Iraqi Freedom' and in 'Operation Enduring Freedom', with hometown, military unit, and circumstances & date of death for each. Provides links to related coverage, including In Their Own Words , reflections on the war from soldiers who have returned home from Iraq. (Washington Post). See also background information on Iraq (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation).

Foreign Policy Backgrounders - These overviews explain current political and economic issues, covering topics as varied as Sudan's state sponsorship of terrorism, Colombia's left-wing guerrillas, NAFTA's economic impact, and media censorship in China. You can also browse through reports, articles, podcasts, and other resources on additional subjects by issue or by resource type . High school and up (Council on Foreign Relations, an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher). See also Carnegie Endowment new for 'commentary and analysis addressing the most important foreign policy issues of the day and the regions they affect.' High school and up (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization).

Frontline - Online documentaries and related background materials explore and illuminate 'the tough, controversial, and complex issues that shape our times.' Includes video and audio podcasts. High school and up. (PBS).

Generation Next: Tough Choices [UPDATED!] - Online documentary series which examines how young people are coping with the recession, with links to earlier Generation Next documentaries and related resources. (PBS; ©2009). For related information, see the 2009 Pew survey on Gen Next & the Recession new ; and A Portrait of 'Generation Next', findings of a 2006 research study on young Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 years, investigating their attitudes, lifestyles, and politics. High school and up (Pew Research Center).

Georgia-Russia Conflict - Articles and video provide news reports, features, opinion and analysis on the Georgia-Russia conflict. High school and up. (BBC)

Global 3.0 - Radio program exploring the complex issue of globalization, discussing its advantages and disadvantages, and describing the likely winners and losers in the global economy. High school and up (American Public Media). For personal stories on various aspects of globalization, from people around the world, see also What is Globalization? (Topics Online Magazine for Learners of English).

Global Issues - Overviews of human rights, social justice, trade, foreign policy, and environmental issues. Articles include links to information sources. (By Anup Shah, personal site; affiliated with MediaChannel.org)

Global Warming Links - Selected websites exploring the issue of global climate change. (South Plainfield Public Library)

HIV / AIDS Timeline - A global timeline of 'the political, scientific, cultural, and community developments that have occurred over the history of the epidemic,' 1981 - 2008; includes links to related news videos (Kaiser Family Foundation). Another good resource is the video documentary The Age of AIDS ; with a broadband connection, you can watch the entire program online. High school and up (PBS/Frontline, ©2006).

Hot Topics - Links to information on controversial issues from affirmative action to welfare reform (St. Ambrose University). Ethics Updates offers links to articles, surveys, court cases, multimedia, and other resources on issues such as abortion, animal rights, the death penalty, sexual orientation, and torture (University of San Diego). Political Advocacy Groups provides links to education and advocacy groups from both sides of a variety of issues (Washington State University). High school and up.

Indigenous Cultural Survival - Online articles about indigenous (native) peoples and issues which affect them. High school and up. (By Cultural Survival, a non-profit international indigenous rights organization)

Iraq - In-depth background on the history and politics of Iraq, from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). The CBC site has similar pages on Iran, North Korea, Afghanistan, and other countries and subjects in the news. The BBC offers more frequently updated background information in its Country Profiles, as well as in-depth Special Reports on a wide range of subjects currently in the news (BBC). High school and up.

Journey to Planet Earth - 'Explores the fragile relationship between people and the world they inhabit, and the necessity to achieve a balance between the needs of people and the needs of the environment.' Topics include loss of farmland to urban development, the pollution of rivers, and inadequate housing and water resources in the world's mega-cities. Includes video clips (hosted by Matt Damon). A good related site on the connections between economic development, population, and the environment is World in the Balance (©2007, PBS). For more environmental resources, see South Plainfield Public Library's Ecology & Wildlife links.

Livable Future - Explores the complex interrelationships among diet, food production, environment, and human health, and suggests policies for protecting health, the global environment and the ability to sustain life for future generations (Johns Hopkins University). For more information, see Sustainable Table (Global Resource Action Center for the Environment).

Merchants of Cool - A report on the creators and marketers of popular culture for teenagers. With a broadband connection, you can watch the entire video program online. (PBS)

Middle East - The latest news, plus features, opinion and analysis, on the Middle East region (Israel, Iraq, Iran, etc.); Israel at 60 offers related materials (BBC). See also Global Connections: The Middle East (WGBH).

Modern Slavery - A brief overview describing forms of slavery that still exist in today's world. High school and up. (Anti-Slavery International, non-profit organization)

News War - 'Examines the political, cultural, legal, and economic forces challenging the news media today and how the press has reacted in turn.' Includes print interviews with journalists, broadcasters, academics, attorneys, and others. The entire 4-part video documentary is available to view online in segments, by topic. (PBS, ©2007)

New York Times Learning Network - Materials on current events for students in grades 3 - 12. Includes daily news summaries, quizzes, lesson plans, discussion guides, word of the day, and more (commercial site). See also New York Times Upfront (Scholastic, Inc.; middle school and up), Brown University's Teaching with the News (for high school teachers & students; free registration required) and Time Magazine for Kids (commercial site; grades K-6).

Partisans of Ali: A History of Shia Faith and Politics - 'The United States is immersed more deeply than ever in the Muslim world's sectarian divide. A five-part series explores the split between Shia and Sunnis, from its origins shortly after the death of Muhammed in the seventh century to the modern-day upheaval in Iraq.' Print articles and slide shows with audio. High school and up. (NPR, ©2007; commercial site)

PopPlanet Environment - Abstracts and links to thousands of books, reports, articles, maps, conference papers, datasets, organizations, laws, bills, and court decisions, and more, on environmental topics such as air and climate, biodiversity, food and agriculture, freshwater, land use. High school and up. Also offers Environmental Profiles of selected countries; High school and up. (Population Reference Bureau et al.)

Private Warriors - Online video documentary examining the use of private contractors in Iraq to service U.S. military supply lines, run U.S. military bases, and protect U.S. diplomats and generals. Includes links, faq, interviews, and more (PBS, ©2005). High school and up.

ProPublica new - Investigave reports on a variety of current issues, including the economic stimulus package & bailouts, health care reform, Guantanamo detainees, natural gas drilling, and more. High school and up. (Independent, non-profit organization)

Public Agenda Online - Choose an issue from the drop-down menu under 'Issue Guides' for an in-depth analysis including facts, policy alternatives, public opinion, and the latest news. Covers abortion, environment, immigration, poverty, health care, and many other current issues. (A non-partisan public opinion research and education group)

Runaway Switchboard - Information on where to get help in a crisis, with related articles, statistics, links, and other resources. To talk to someone who can help, call 1-800-RUNAWAY. See also Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, which includes a list of Warning Signs For Suicide (US Department of Health and Human Services)

September 11 Documentary Project - Almost 200 audio and video interviews, 45 graphic items, and 21 written narratives capturing the heartfelt reactions, eyewitness accounts, and diverse opinions of Americans and others in the months that followed the terrorist attacks (Library of Congress). See also the New York Times' Remembering September 11 , an archive of articles, photographs, oral histories, and video clips about 9/11 and its aftermath.

Sustainability audio - Is our consumer society sustainable? This 2008 radio series follows consumerism from its origins to its dominance over the world's economy, and examines how our consumer culture might be adapted to reduce destructive consequences. Updates may be found at Sustainability Stories new . High school and up. (©2009, American Public Media; commercial site)

Taleban - A brief overview describing the 'hardline Islamic movement fighting a guerrilla-style campaign in Afghanistan' (BBC). See also The Taliban in Afghanistan (Council of Foreign Relations). Return of the Taliban presents 'a rare look inside the secret sanctuary of the Taliban' along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, 'explores the complex web of alliances among the Taliban, Al Qaeda fighters and the Pakistani military, and analyzes the consequences for U.S. policy.' High school and up (©2006, PBS Frontline).

TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) Talks - 'Inspired talks by the world's greatest thinkers and doers,' these video talks present innovative solutions to many of the world's most pressing problems. Covers Technology, Entertainment, Design, Business, Science, Culture, Arts, and Global issues; speakers include Jeff Bezos, Bono, Jane Goodall, Al Gore, and dozens more. You can explore by theme, title, or speaker's name.

Ten Stories the World Should Hear More About - Annual list covering 'a spectrum of issues and geographical regions, some of which draw on troubling humanitarian emergencies and conflict situations while others focus on such vital areas as human rights and development' (United Nations, 2008). See also Project Censored (Sonoma State University), The Top Ten Stories You Missed in 2008 (Foreign Policy magazine), and the IRE Investigative Reporting Award Winners (Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc.). High school and up.

Terrorism - News, analysis, and background information about terrorists and terrorism; High school and up (Council on Foreign Relations). See also Resources on Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Terrorism; includes links to articles, as well as research reports from government agencies, Congress, and Non-Governmental Organizations (Carnegie Endowment). High school and up.

Three Hundred Million - Our nation's population reached 300 million in 2006. This feature compares contemporary life and statistics to those of 1967, when the population reached 200 million, and 1915, when it reached 100 million. Middle school and up. Population clocks on the US Census Bureau's Web site show current U.S. and world population. Clocks will update continuously for one minute and then will update once per minute after the first minute a web page is displayed. (US Census Bureau)

WTO History Project - Photographs, interviews, and other primary and secondary sources relating to the 1999 World Trade Organization protests in Seattle. High school and up. (University of Washington)