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Crisis in the Sudan

Late last Summer I researched and wrote an article, "Efforts in Sudan Deserve Support," for the News-Journal about the possible genocide in Sudan as part of my advocacy duties on behalf of the Volusia County United Nations Association. It was printed in August. I used the article as part of the required reading for my American history class.

The students read the article then answered three questions from it. This was part of our Pine Ridge Read, Think and Write program. I had students describe the climate of Sudan. Then students had to describe what has happened in Sudan over the past year. Finally students had to describe something the Sudan government could do to end the possible genocide. I purposely started with a general knowledge question and moved up Bloom´s taxonomy. I also showed students pictures of what was going on in the Sudan and my rough drafts. Then I told students how I researched the topic and how long it took me to write the article. I also described why I wrote the article and my involvement in the United Nations Association. Many students were surprised that I would be concerned enough about a world issue to write about it in the local paper.

Other teachers, especially intensive reading teachers and social studies teachers used the article in their classrooms.

John C. Navarra and Harriett Fordham
Grade 11, Social Studies
Pine Ridge High School

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