As part of a new initiative to merge the worlds of education and journalism, HNN is introducing a series of Classroom Activity Kits.

These kits, all crafted by undergraduate students at George Washington University, are designed to illustrate the relationship between current events and history. Each kit consists of a complete 45-60 minute lesson plan which requires little-to-no preparation on part of the instructor. These lessons are designed for high school and college students, but they can be altered to suit other education levels.

During these lessons, students will be use news articles as a tool for understanding a specific history. In doing so, students will engage in critical thinking, group-work, text analysis, research and more. This first batch of activity kits covers the history of U.S. immigration, climate change, sports activism, and the U.S. prison system.

Aside from the educational benefits to students, these kits are also a great resource for educators. All you need to do is click one of the download links below and boom! – you have a fully formed unique activity.

HNN’s Classroom Activity Kits will be a continued effort to bring news into the classroom.

Click on each link below to learn more and download the activity kit. 

Classroom Activity Kit: The History of Climate Change What do farmers from the 1950s, anti-smoking campaigns and climate change have in common? Download this Classroom Activity Kit to find out.

Classroom Activity Kit: The History of U.S. Immigration This Classroom Activity Kit teaches students about U.S. immigration history while also highlighting their personal histories.

Classroom Activity Kit: The History of Sports Activism Discussing athletes from Jackie Robinson to Colin Kaepernick, this Activity Kit teaches students about the history of political activism in sports.

Classroom Activity Kit: The History of Private Prisons in the U.S. Download this Classroom Activity Kit to teach students about the history of the American prison system.

Classroom Activity Kit: The History of Climate Change and Activism Download this Classroom Activity Kit to help students understand climate change activism in its historical context.