Engaging in controversial issues

ProCon.org is a neat resource for social studies classes on current events, politics and public policy. The site poses a controversial issue (mostly from a U.S. perspective), gives an overview/background, divides the topic into pros/cons and provides sources such as books, news articles and quotes. It also has a separate teacher's corner, lesson plan samples and ideas on debating, role playing, extemporaneous speech and essay writing!

Some of the issues covered:

Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

Social networking -- good for society?

Born gay? Nature or nurture.

Another cool resource: Free technology for teachers

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/