A not-for-profit providing more than 300,000 teachers with engaging educational videos and materials promoting critical thinking and thoughtful discussion among students.
Ever think that the government doesn't know best? Can the news media always be counted on to get the story straight? Drew Carey hosts four teaching videos that challenge some commonly held assumptions.
1.) Traffic Gridlock highlights innovative private-sector solutions to the problem of traffic congestion. How does a speedy trip on the "Drew Carey Freeway" sound? How about a helicopter ride to work?
2.) Living Large challenges the claim that the American middle class is being squeezed. The media and politicians tell us that it's all doom and gloom for those of us who are neither millionaires nor welfare cases. What do you think?
3.) Dance Ban is a modern-day "Footloose" story. In Arizona, a steak house featuring live music went into business. Then the county officials invoked an ordinance that banned dancing. So go ahead and eat - but watch that toe-tapping!
4.) Officials in National City (California), a predominantly Hispanic community, pushed to tear down an athletic center for struggling kids to make way for luxury condos. Why would they do that?
I really appreciate the short videos and accompanying questions and discussion activities. There is just enough content and length to the videos while allowing time for discussion and debrief within a one period class. Thanks!
Jeff Mattison English/Lang. Arts - 7 La Paz Middle School, SALINAS, CA
My students like seeing the videos and discussing how these topics affect our society too. That leads to great journaling and open forum as well as greater level of thinking. All the key things for a lesson.
Dawn Baldesi English/Lang. Arts - 12 Normandy High School, Arnold, MO
This video was a great addition to my senior government classes. It provided clear examples of the issues surrounding government and allowed for greater class discussion dealing with the role of local governments.
Rachel Colsman Goverment/Civics - 12 Durango School District 9-r, Durango, CO
Since we live in Arizona, the segment on zoning and the restaurant was especially relevant. I had my students look up the status of the law suit and do a mini report. I also like the segment on freeways. Phoenix, Arizona is getting gridlocked like LA but we are not really doing anything about it except building a limited area light rail that averages 15 miles an hour. Keep these thought provoking DVDs coming.
William Penberthy Economics - 12 Ironwood High School, Glendale, AZ
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