Sample Assessment Topics/Issues
National/Government Issues
Capital Punishment/Death Penalty
Teenagers: charged, tried, punished as adults
Affirmative Action
Abortion/Right to Life
Assisted Suicide (Euthanasia)
Adoption Issues
Animal Rights
Nuclear Weapons (Use of/regulation)
Evolution/Creationism taught in schools
Genetic Engineering
Cloning
Reform of Health Care
Reform of Welfare
Reform of Social Security
Gun Control
Prayer in Public Schools
Immigration Regulations
Government Spending (or overspending)
Drug Testing in schools/athletics/workplace
Megan’s Law/Right to Privacy
Alternatives to Prison Sentences
Hate Groups (1st Amendment)
Election Reform
Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates
Stem Cell Research
NASA (Cost Effective?)
Women in the Military
Gender Bias
Racial Profiling
War with Iraq
War on Terrorism
Constitutional Issues
Tax Cuts/Economy
Local Issues
202 Bypass
Development in Bucks County
Media Issues
Censorship(1st Amendment Rights)
-Music
-Books
Privacy/Censorship Issues (Internet)
Effects of TV/Video Games on Youth
Effects of Violence in the Media
Bias in the Media
Truth in Advertising (Need to be Regulated?)
Media and Self-Image
Copyright Issues/Plagiarism
Environmental Issues
Use of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Waste Disposal
Smoking in Public Places
Preservation of Rainforests
Global Warming
Recycling (Cost/benefit analysis)
Sports Issues
Use of Performance-Enhancing Drugs
Athletes as Role Models
Gender Equity in Athletics (Title IX)
Other Issues
Police Brutality
Year Round Schools
Use of Standardized Testing in Schools (PSSA)
Driving Age/Laws
Curfews for Teenagers
School Uniforms
· THIS IS A SAMPLE LIST! YOU ARE NOT LIMITED TO SELECTING A TOPIC FROM THIS LIST. ALL TOPICS MUST BE APPROVED BY YOUR MENTOR AND PARENTS IN EARLY JANUARY.
Questions to Ask Yourself When Choosing a Topic/Issue:
· Am I really interested in the issue?
· Will I be able to locate enough quality information about this issue?
· Will I have enough time to gather the information/interviews I want for this issue?
· Will I be able to create an interesting and informative presentation which carefully addresses ALL PERSPECTIVES for this issue?