Maggie: Try these one for size. (Not sure the grade level?, but assuming high
school.)
National Identity: self portrait in favorite locale--just in case you don't use
Ken's idea
Caring for the environment: is there a local artist like Butterfield?
Consumerism/Media: create a 3-dimensional package (you can find templates for
rectangular prisms, etc., on the web). Create a product that makes their life
easier (device which allows you to sleep in late, yet get to school on time).
Science/Technology: wouldn't this be a good time for color/light studies?
Feed the World: go ahead with the bowls, but make them out of paper.