2009 Thematic Structure

The next Challenge promises to be exciting! Rather than one overarching theme, we have three major categories with several sub-categories to choose from, all under the theme of Shaping the Future: The Challenge.

First, teachers and students work together to determine which of the three main areas they are interested in exploring: Social Sciences, Economics/Global Marketplace, or Hard Sciences. Next, they choose a sub-category, such as Human Rights or Energy. Finally, participants discuss presentation ideas that fit their sub-category choice. If an idea doesn’t fit into one of the sub-categories, then students have the option of choosing Research It!, Explore It!, or Investigate It!, which serve as “miscellaneous” sub-categories for other creative ideas within the three main areas.

Social Sciences:

Human Migration

Human Rights

Research It!

Economics / The Global Marketplace:

Global Trade

World Agriculture

Explore It!

Hard Sciences:

Energy

Water

Investigate It!

Please click here for detailed information about this year's structure.

Past Themes:

For the 2008 Challenge, participants looked at issues related to Global Health. Students examined the obstacles to and opportunities for providing adequate health care for people around the world, including the many related political, economic, social, and cultural issues.

In 2007, participants will discover The Global Marketplace. Students studied and analyzed the various dynamics of our global economy and the world’s increasing interdependence.

In 2006, World Affairs Challenge participants investigated Conflict in the Contemporary World . Participants acquired a greater understanding of the dynamics of conflict: the reasons that conflicts begin, the consequences that follow, and the organizations that seek to prevent or resolve disputes.