Art
The study of food is not limited to culinary arts, providing lessons in nutrition, making budgets and experiencing taste delights across cultures. Food is a key ingredient in migratory birds' survival balanced against man's desires, climate change and the commerical fishing industry. Snack food production is a business and billion-dollar economic force. Drought, climate change and consumption patterns influence the price of staples such as rice, corn and wheat as well as a cup of coffee.
Since President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the Federal Reserve on December 23, 1913, its purpose has been to prevent a financial crisis and to preserve prosperity. Washington Post articles and commentary explain and explore the 100-year history of wise and dubious policies, the individuals who formed these policies and its day-to-day impact on economic conditions, employment and money in our banks and wallets.
Career opportunities for women in a traditionally male arena are considered through profiles. Student activities focus on areas over which the Federal Reserve has influence: the issuing of paper currency and establishing of interest rates. They are introduced to the American company that manufactures the paper on which all currency is printed. Activities also focus on interest rates and APR, making wise personal finance decisions, and designing commemorative paper currency.
South Africa, rich in culture and the arts, presents a case study for independence, democracy and economic sanctions. Activities and articles help students to understand apartheid, its dismantling and the leadership of Nelson Mandela.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, focuses attention on the role of federal and state governments, insurance companies, businesses and individuals in providing for health care, from preventive care to benefits of insurance coverage and the use of technology to enroll citizens. Students locate the facts, analyze the issues, study different stances, and use a variety of media to express their points of view.
Demanding equality for all, black Americans exercised First Amendment rights of speech, assembly and petition for a redress of grievances. The civil rights movement needed leaders, but grassroots efforts and demands of Americans brought about change.
The United States Constitution requires the president submit his nominations for appointment for Senate confirmation. Members of the Cabinet and independent agencies fulfill the executive role of enforcing the laws passed by Congress. Each supervises its areas of responsibility, collaborates on shared interests and handles complex issues. Real examples are illustrated through the U.S. relationship with Mexico and Canada.
Water is essential to living. When water is polluted naturally, accidentally or on purpose, it must be treated and restored for consumption and beneficial use. The Chesapeake Bay provides a model of individuals, organizations and government collaborating to clean up water for the common good.
The National Gallery of Art exhibit, Shock of the News, is the inspiration for this Washington Post NIE curriculum guide. The show exhibited works of artists who incorporated newspapers in their compositions — from Pablo Picasso’s use in 1912 of a fragment of a newspaper. The suggested art activities span the sections of The Washington Post and the variety of mediums found in the National Gallery of Art’s exhibit. The projects can be assigned in many disciplines and all grade levels.
Primary documents — including diaries, photographs and eyewitness accounts — provide insight into the history of slavery in the District of Columbia and Lincoln's decision to end slavery in D.C. The D.C. Emancipation Act was the first step towards equality and enfranchisement of the modern Civil Rights Movement.
Citizens participate in the political process as they take polls, run for office and vote. Activities and lessons look at the candidates and policies, influence of campaigns, and the role of media (campaign ads, editorials cartoons, reporting). Through debate, research, mock elections and inaugural coverage, students engage in the responsibilities of citizenship.
