In the face of countless obstacles, Bessie Coleman was determined to become a pilot. Read about her pioneering efforts to become the first African American female pilot in American history.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Write your story, change history
People don’t need to be old to make history. In this talk, Brad Meltzer encourages young people to change the world by following three simple principles.
Apache Girl’s Rite of Passage
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.
Why Ambition Could Make You Rich, but Not Happy
What good does ambition do us? One researcher examined the lives of more than 700 people across 70 years to find out the answer to the question. Read to learn what he discovered.
Ida B. Wells
Ida B. Wells was a journalist who spoke out for women’s rights and against lynching, amongst numerous other issues. Watch a mini-biography, and learn more about Wells at this site.
What Frightens America’s Youth?
Back in 2005, the Gallup organization took a poll to discover what frightened American teens. Check out that poll’s results and compare them to the fears of teens today. What fears do today’s teens share with teens in 2005? What fears differ? Take a poll among your friends and classmates to find out.
Remembering Earthquake Shacks, San Francisco’s Original Tiny Houses
After the 1906 earthquake and fire that destroyed a large portion of San Francisco, refugee camps of very small houses were built. They were later moved to different parts of the city and some still exist today.
The Curse of King Tut: Facts & Fable
Is the curse surrounding King Tut’s tomb real? Some people think so— read about why.
How Guide Dogs Work
Learn about what guide dogs do, both on the job and “after hours”; where they come from; and how they are raised and trained.
Can early computer science education boost number of women in tech?
Computer engineering and related fields are historically—and continue to be—dominated by men. Many universities are now looking to increase the number of women who graduate with programming degrees.
The emergence of nature phobias: Why more people are afraid of the outdoors
As more and more people live in urban areas and have limited exposure to the outdoors, more people are becoming afraid of nature. Read this article to find out about the dangers of nature phobias on people and the planet.
Without Janitors, Students Are in Charge of Keeping School Shipshape
Parents try to teach children to clean up after themselves. Now some schools are assigning sweeping, mopping, trash removal, and other cleaning work to students.
Buying begets buying: how stuff has consumed the average American’s life
Living beyond our means and having an attachment to possessions is something we’ve become accustomed to. We can put a false value on owning things, imagining a happiness that simply cannot be obtained through materialism.
What the Future of Adventure Travel Looks Like
Even travelers ripe for adventure need to reduce risk during a global pandemic. Read predictions about how future travel will be both daring and safe.
The Invisible Way That Marketers Set the Menu for Your Thanksgiving Feast
The foods we literally consume at Thanksgiving are based not in history, but in consumerism itself.
Without the Right to Protest, America Is Doomed to Fail
The author of this opinion piece wants to remind those who call for an end to Black Lives Matter protests that the right to protest is crucial to the health of American democracy.
The surprising downsides of empathy
Empathy—the ability to understand the feelings of others—is an important aspect of emotional intelligence. However, the author of this piece suggests that empathy can have negative effects. Click the link to learn more.
How teachers are debunking some of the myths of Thanksgiving
Consider what you’ve learned about Thanksgiving over the years. How does it compare to what is said in this video?
‘There are no words’: As coronavirus kills Indigenous elders, endangered languages face extinction
Tapi Yawalapiti is one of the remaining two people who know the Yawalapiti language. He’s doing all he can to to ensure it’s not completely lost one day.
‘Speak up!’ — ‘Sesame Street’ tackles racism in TV special
Sesame Street is teaching children to stand up against racism in some of their newest episodes.