SUMMARY

"On Our Minds" is a podcast produced by teens, for teens from PBS News Student Reporting Labs. Season 6 takes listeners on an audio road trip exploring what’s unique about teen life in every corner of the country through hyperlocal stories about cities, towns and neighborhoods.

NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. Where does the story in this podcast take place?
2. Who is the student producer? What is his background?
3. How did the record-breaking snowstorm help the student producer grow more connected with his community?
4. What is Emergence Academy, and what is unique about its student body?
5. When did Springfield start to feel like home for the students?

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

• What do you think Zack means when he said, "Life doesn't happen to you. It comes from you." Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
• Think of a time when you were coming to a new place — a new town, a new school or a new community. What challenges did you face? Who or what helped you feel welcome and at home?

Media literacy: Across the two stories featured in this episode, what is the overarching theme? How did the episode use varied perspectives to convey that theme?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

• Speak with friends, family or meet someone new in your neighborhood, school or community.
• Ask them what makes their community feel like home.
• After speaking with at least five different people, reflect on their responses. What was similar? What was different?

Written by Claudia Caruso, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio

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