Social studies teacher Robin Sheperd and science teacher Marcel Grdinic each identify one current event in their subject area and provide information in response to questions about why students should know about this topic and how it will impact them now and in the future. Responses have been edited for length and clarity. 

United States and Canada issue retaliatory tariffs

– It is unclear if and for how long the tariff fight between the United States and Canada will continue.

– The Trump administration reacted to the most recent Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods with an executive order banning many Canadian products, including alcohol, whey products and more. This order is scheduled to go into effect on Sept. 29.

– Students may see price increases in the future related to this tariff fight, one example being hockey sticks made in Canada.

– The tariff fight impacts “kitchen table issues,” such as costs of groceries and gas. 

Anthropic shows Claude can accelerate drug design process

– AI is going to be able to find novel solutions to problems, including those related to understanding protein folding, as many diseases involve changes in proteins.   

– Research groups can find a way to use AI to disrupt certain proteins so that bacteria, tumors or disease states can no longer function, which can save lives or reduce the severity of diseases.

– Knowing that individuals are working on drugs may be beneficial because it is likely students will eventually know someone who has cancer or another disease.  

– Further information can be found in trade publications, where AI companies share their advancements. Magazines such as Scientific American often cover stories on new drugs in an accessible manner.