Giving students a voice.

• Author: Zack, Ian

Dear Teachers,

Get ready to be wowed!

In this issue's cover story, we introduce five young people who are really making a difference, from a 19-year-old performer who raps for women's rights to a 16-year-old whiz kid inventor of a search-and-rescue drone that aims to save human lives. Their stories are wonderful reminders of what young people can accomplish if they find their passion and their voice.

We hope this article--and the other terrific features in this issue--will inspire your students to think about what matters to them and find ways to speak up or take action. Here are some suggestions to help get them started:

* Invite students to select one Upfront article on a topic of interest and to conduct additional research to share with classmates. Anything goes- from the importance of planting trees ("The Tree Census," p. 5) to the nation's obesity epidemic ("America Goes on a Diet," p. 8).

* Use the debate and...