Youth Communication: Topic

A Caring Teacher Helped Me Conquer Physics

Neha was failing physics until her teacher went the extra mile to make her believe she could succeed. (full text)

If you think “environmental issues” affect only polar bears and rainforests, think again. In modern life, hazardous chemicals are everywhere. (full text)

Top 4 Reasons to Hug a Tree

A million more trees in New York City mean cleaner air, lower electricity bills, and happier, healthier residents. (full text)

Movie Review: What the Frack?!

Hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking," might reduce our dependence on foreign oil. But if it contaminates our drinking water, is it worth it? (full text)

Gowanus Canal: The $500 Million Makeover

You can't swim or fish in Brooklyn's polluted canal, but the EPA and a handful of concerned citizens are working hard to clean it up. (full text)

Asthma: It Attacks From Indoors

Hidden hazards in your home could trigger an asthma attack. Find out how to clean up indoor air. (full text)

America: Trashing the Globe

As Americans, YCteen writers create more than their share of the world's trash. But there are ways to use less stuff. (full text)

Your Toxic Beauty Regime

Chemicals in your shampoo, lotion, deodorant, and even hand sanitizer could be doing more harm than good. (full text)

It’s Easy Being Green

Teen activist Hannah Gross explains why she's committed to eliminating the use of harmful chemicals in everyday products—and gives us tips on what we can do to help.
(full text)

Buyer Beware!

Teens Turning Green, an environmental organization, warns shoppers not to buy products with certain chemical ingredients. (full text)

Toxic Beauty Glossary

Check out our guide to better understand some of the technical language in this issue. (full text)

Your Brain in Black and White

Renea reports on a series of studies that show how our brains are hard-wired to categorize people by race. She explains that, although some biases may come naturally, there are easy ways to counteract them and become more open to people who are different from us.

Race: A Bunch of Bunk

Kelly explains the historical origins of the idea of race, which has no basis in science. She argues that we should be taught to appreciate our essential sameness as well as our differences, since moving beyond race will make it more possible for people to be judged by their actions.