Social SciencesFreePrintable

Contemporary Social Issues Introduction

A free social sciences worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Get the PDF — Free in Kuraplan
Contemporary Social Issues Introduction worksheet preview
Contemporary Social Issues Introduction

Contemporary Social Issues Introduction

Climate change and social issues illustration

🌍 Part 1: Understanding Social Issues

1. What is a contemporary social issue? Circle the best definition:

A problem that only affects young people

A current problem that affects many people in society

An issue that happened in the past

A problem that only affects one person

2. Which of these are examples of contemporary social issues in New Zealand? Check all that apply:

Climate change

Housing affordability

Mental health

What to have for lunch

Homelessness

🌡️ Part 2: Climate Change in New Zealand

3. Fill in the blanks about climate change in New Zealand:

Climate change is considered a _____________ issue because it affects _____________ people across our society. In New Zealand, climate change impacts include rising _____________ levels, more extreme _____________ events, and changes to our _____________ and farming.

4. Why is climate change considered a social issue rather than just an environmental issue? Explain your thinking:

👥 Part 3: Different Perspectives

5. Match each group with their likely perspective on climate change action:
1. Young students
2. Farmers
3. Business owners
4. Scientists
A. Concerned about costs of environmental regulations
B. Worried about their future and want urgent action
C. Focus on evidence and research-based solutions
D. Concerned about weather impacts on crops and livestock
6. Why is it important to consider different perspectives when discussing social issues?

Because everyone should think the same way

To understand the complexity and find better solutions

Because it's required by law

To make discussions longer

🤔 Part 4: Critical Thinking

7. Think about a climate change solution you've heard about. What might be one positive and one negative aspect of this solution?

Solution I'm thinking about: _________________________________

Positive aspect:

Potential challenge or negative aspect:

8. What is one question you have about climate change as a social issue in New Zealand?

📝 Part 5: Reflection

9. Complete these sentence starters:

Today I learned that a social issue is...

Climate change is important to discuss because...

One way I can learn more about social issues is...

10. Rate your understanding of contemporary social issues:

I'm still confused and need more help

I understand the basics but want to learn more

I have a good understanding and feel confident

I understand well and could explain it to someone else

Get the PDF — Free in Kuraplan

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Sign up free, grab the PDF, and customize it for your class.

Print-Ready

Formatted for standard paper. Clean layout, easy to read.

AI-Generated

Created with Kuraplan's AI, designed for real classroom use.

For Teachers & Parents

Use in classrooms, for homework, tutoring, or homeschool.

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

Kuraplan's AI generates custom worksheets in seconds — differentiated for every learner, aligned to your curriculum.

Generate Custom Worksheets — Free
No credit card Curriculum-aligned Under 60 seconds