NewsBank Hot Topic

Current Events
Environment – Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Mudslides and More
Topic: Several natural disasters have occurred throughout the world recently making scientists wonder what is happening to our earth. Where were these natural disasters? Are any predictable? How can people prepare for them? What is being done to help the people in these areas?
Search: disasters AND disaster relief

Health – Bird Flu
Topic: A close watch is being kept on bird flu in many countries? What is bird flu? What is the risk to humans?
Search: avian influenza

International – Iraq’s Constitution
Topic: The Iraqi people recently voted on their new Constitution. What was the outcome? What will now happen as a result of this vote?.
Search: Iraq and Constitution

Social Studies Research Topics
Civics, Government and Politics – Supreme Court Appointments & Nominees
Topic: Two vacancies have occurred on the Supreme Court recently. What are the reasons for these openings? One position has been filled. Who filled that seat? Who has been nominated to fill the remaining seat?
Search: nominations and appointments AND U.S. Supreme Court

Education - Literacy
Topic: A recent United Nations study has concluded that the current generation of young people ages 15 to 24 are the best educated in history but 130 million youths are still illiterate. What are the reasons for this trend? How does the literacy rate differ by country?
Search: (quality of education AND research) OR (literacy AND rates)

Economics – Energy Costs
Topic: A survey of industry executives has revealed that energy costs were responsible for a rising inflation during September. It is predicted that costs will probably continue to rise. What are the reasons for this continuing rise in costs? What can be done to lower them?
Search: gasoline AND prices AND economic impact

Crime and Law – U.S. Supreme Court Decisions
Topic: The Supreme Court has the authority to decide what cases it will or won’t hear. How do they determine which they will hear? What are some recent cases that they did hear? What ones were rejected?
Search: Supreme Court decisions

Social Issues – Stem Cell Creation
Topic: Stem cell creation and research is surrounded by many ethical issues. Scientists may have found a new way of creating embryonic stem cells. Will this discovery resolve the ethical issues?
Search: stem cells

Science and Health Research Topics
Science and Technology – Supersonic Aircraft
Topic: Japan recently tested a supersonic aircraft. How did the test go? Have there been other tests of this kind of airplane? What is the importance of testing supersonic planes?
Search:. supersonic aircraft

Health – Peptic Ulcers
Topic: Two Australian scientists have proven that peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria, not stress as previously thought. What is a peptic ulcer? Do they recommend anything to help prevent them?
Search: ulcers

Arts and Literature Topics
Literature - Dictionaries
Topic: Sometimes new words are added to existing dictionaries or new dictionaries on a specific subject are published. Why do these changes occur? What new words are now in the dictionary? What new dictionaries have been published?
Search: dictionaries

Performing Arts – Apple’s New iPod
Topic: Apple has announced a new version of its popular iPod. How do the new features compare with the current model?
Search: digital music players AND Apple Computer Inc.

Sports - Seasonal Sports
Topic: This time of year many sports are in full swing – baseball, football, hockey, NASCAR. What is your favorite sport?
Search: Type in your favorite sport to retrieve articles