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Why is it that people in urban, rural, and suburban areas all have different dialects and vernacular? How are people from these different places perceived? Why is it important to counteract stereotypes about SLI?

Similarly to science and math, our understanding of art is highly influenced (in traditional curricula) by Western, male artists (e.g. Picasso, Michelangelo).

Highlight the contributions of female scientists and non-Western thinkers in both historical and modern settings.

Check out “Why you might be counting in the wrong language” by Anand Jagatia, which summarizes the idea of a base-10 counting system (having a set structure for stating different decimals). Consider with students: why is it that math is practiced and stated in different ways around the world? How has math developed over time in different areas of the world?

Creativity isn’t only reserved for the humanities! Open-ended questions make students think outside of the box about problems. Develop yourself, and/or have students develop, open-ended questions that require math to solve. Instead of providing a solution, encourage students to use their imaginations in various solutions to each problem.

Mental Toughness is a trait studied in athletes that, like grit, has been linked to athletic success. Research the characteristics of mental toughness - goal-setting, self-talk, imagery, etc. - and make a hypothetical or real plan for how to address mental toughness in young athletes.

Identify a faith that is very different from your own. Research the inner workings of their ideas and why it has developed to be so different. Find the positive ways that they’re impacting their/your community, highlighting how faith can be used as a tool for social change.

Are there economic practices that put cultural or environmental heritage at risk of being damaged or lost? What can be done to mitigate those concerns and preserve our cultural and environmental heritage?

Why is it that we learn about math in the way we do? As in, why do we learn about algebra and geometry and trigonometry? What is the point of abstract or conceptual math? 

Dive into a discussion surrounding why we utilize conceptual math, and the debate surrounding changing the mathematics curriculum.

Read about the ways that financial earnings and class are connected to the way we speak. Typically, rich, middle, and working class people all have different dialects. Check out this article to understand what this looks like in New York City.

Have students create presentations on “wicked problems” (problems that aren't easily solved), presenting the scenario of a specific "trolley problem" and advocating for positions on both sides, allowing them to moderate a healthy debate among students. Consider if the Trolley would need to "run" at all.

Consider the connections between homelessness, health, and disability. There are various types of disability, with 25% of those without homes considered to be disabled. Brainstorm the solutions to this problem and how all people can be properly cared for.

Incorporate philosophical principles through the use of meditation and mindfulness. How can finding inner-peace lead to making conscious decisions? Utilize the ideas of silence and Zen thinking to focus on both movement, physical activity, and self-reflection.

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Great art is often done in partnership with others. Reach out to local artists to listen, learn, and improve on. Who are the great local artists of your area? What do they specialize in? Research more about them and conduct interviews on their tips and techniques. Then, use this work to inform your own.

Consider how the science of equality, equity, and money are connected to happiness. See resources like The Inner Level by Richard Wilkinson & Kate Pickett for more information.

Consider historical events, works of art, novels, movies, and music that are popular in other countries but not your own. Using subtitles or a translation service, analyze the works and highlight their popularity in the other country. Create a collection of various works that can be shown off to others to appreciate the culture.

Music, rhythm, math, and lyricism are all intrinsically connected. Learn about how lyric-based music, especially rap and hip hop, utilize language to convey meaning and messaging, all-the-while adhering to strict rules about rhythm (and therefore, math)!