TOPICS:

1-How has social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, and the widespread use of computers and cell phones changed the way that people interact? What are the advantages and drawbacks of these technological advances? (COMMONLIT.ORG) (ACTIVELYLEARN.COM) *Check teacher resources for links

2-Research instances where contaminated environments posed a danger to people’s health. Describe the ultimate outcome of these instances. To what extent did they result in the adoption of smarter environmental practices or in better regulation?

3-Find examples of work that used to be performed by people, but that can now be performed by machines or robots. What is the effect of such mechanization? How might society change as mechanization continues?

4-Technological advances have revolutionized how music is shared, how films are created, how crops are grown, and how illnesses are treated. Pick one of these examples and do research to learn more about the causes and effects of the technological advance in question. Are the effects wholly positive, or are they mixed?

Teacher Resources: 

• Web articles to aid student research.

Research & Writing Handbook