Most schools require a cursory study of ancient Egypt. But when it comes to the current uprising, teachers are finding opportunities to provide real-world lessons and expand students' thinking.
Michele Pellam, a history teacher at Boston's Brighton High School, tells Education Week about how she aligned her curriculum on Egypt with state standards. She had students draw parallels between the current unrest and events in United States history, such as the Boston Tea Party.
Pellam says the discussions have caused students to expand the way they think about differences among people.
"The stereotypes that they had disappeared," Ms. Pellam said of students taking part in those current event discussions. "Having one discussion can completely change their frame of mind."
The New York Times Learning Network offers resources on Egypt that help students explore the role of young people in the uprising, invite students to post reactions to news and keep them up to speed with unfolding events.
Josh, a 17-year-old who blogged on The New York Times, demonstrates that students have an opinion about what's happening on the other side of the globe.
"Students nowadays should pay close attention to what is going on in Egypt. The protests and such are great inspiration and show that people will stand up for what they believe in. Pushing a bill through a legislative system is a way to get change, but millions of people gathering in a capital and protesting is another way."