Grade 8

Portrait of a teenage boy smiling at the blackboard in a classroom

Approaching Adulthood

Should teenagers be treated like adults?

Students Use the Los Angeles Marathon as a Way to Keep Going

Source: NY Times

Learn why middle school and high school students in LA embrace marathon running.

Young Activists Want Action as Protesters Rally at COP26

Source: NY Times

Read about how student activists from all over the world gathered at the Climate Change Conference to make their voices heard about the planet and their future on it.

The Power of Introverts

Source: TED Talks

Nobel-Prize winner Albert Einstein was one. Susan Cain presents her ideas about the value of introverts. She argues that though many people today prize being social and outgoing, being contemplative and quiet should also be encouraged and celebrated. Listen to her TED talk or read the transcript.

Young, Black Native activists say it’s time to appreciate Indigenous diversity

Source: NPR

In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, these young activists raise awareness about multifaceted Indigenous identities.

Black interns: ‘You just need to give us a chance’

Source: BBC

This ground-breaking program gives thousands of young black professionals an opportunity to intern for elite companies around the world.

Teens around the world are lonelier than a decade ago. The reason may be smartphones.

Source: Washington Post

Read about how smart phones and social media impact the social lives of teens.

Disability activist shares biggest tips for young people who want to make a difference

Source: Yahoo

Read about Aubrie Lee’s experience with activism and her advice for young aspiring activists.

Teens on a Year That Changed Everything

Source: The New York Times

Teenagers reflect on a year of pandemic precautions through their words and artistic representations.

Failure Is Your Friend: A New Freakonomics Radio Podcast

Source: Freakonomics

In this podcast, you will hear about how to predict the possibility of failure, how to avoid actually going through the failure, and then what can you do to sidestep it. Listen in to learn how to think ahead before you act.

How Classroom Political Discussions — Controversies, Too — Prepare Students for Needed Civic Participation

Source: KQED

This book excerpt explains why classes shouldn’t avoid discussing politics and provides tips for doing it well.

Navigating the Election Process for Students and First Time Voters

Source: Accredited Schools Online

Voting for the first time is a rite of passage that will make your voice heard at the highest levels. Find out the facts now, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Zoom camera option impacts classroom experience

Source: The Miami Student

Students learning remotely have plenty of good reasons to keep their cameras off. Instructors have plenty of good reasons for wanting them on. How much should you share?

How Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman Overcame a Speech Impediment and Found Her Voice

Source: GBH

The star of the 2021 Presidential inauguration was a 22-year-old poet who had already climbed a steep hill.

What Teens Say They Need, and How Schools Can Adjust

Source: Edutopia

In response to the educational challenges presented by the pandemic, students are arming themselves with data.

Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage

Source: National Geographic

In some cultures, the passage from childhood to adulthood is marked by much more than just another birthday celebration. This short video takes us on a journey with 13-year-old Dachina Cochise as she participates in a traditional Apache ceremony that is meant to symbolize her transition into adulthood.

Meet the teen whose discovery could lead to a Covid-19 cure

Source: The Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus

As school doors were closing in the spring of 2020, one Texas 8th grader was using her knowledge and curiosity to tackle the pandemic.

According to Study, Most People Feel Adulthood Starts at 29

Source: Mental Floss

More and more people feel as if adulthood “really” starts much later than age 18.

Time to End the Stereotype of the ‘Risky’ Teenage Brain

Source: Real Clear Science

A deficit in the development of the teenage brain has been blamed for teens’ behavior in recent years, but it may be time to lay the stereotype of the wild teenage brain to rest.