1. Endangered Coral

Coral reefs are among the most important ecosystems in the world. Nearly half of the fish on Earth make their homes around them, and hundreds of millions of people depend on them for food. Coral reefs are formed with tiny coral creatures join together and grow. Many of these hard-shelled creatures are dying off because of global warming and pollution, however. And scientists said this month that if global warming is not slowed down, all could be extinct in 100 years. At least 19 percent of the world's coral reefs are already gone, and additional 15 percent could be dead within 20 years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. If coral reefs die, Old Dominion University professor Kent Carpenter said this month, it will have a "tremendous ... effect for all life in the oceans." As a class, talk about how different living things are connected through the "web of life" in natural environments. Then find a plant or animal in the newspaper. Write a paragraph describing how this plant or animal is connected to other plants and animals in its environment.

Learning Standards: Explaining ecosystem concepts and processes; describing positive and negative effects of humans on wildlife and the environment; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

2. Changes

Newspapers are a great place to learn about other countries or other regions of the world. As a class, read an article in today's newspaper about an event that has happened in another part of the world. Talk about what changes might occur in the lives of people who live there as a result of the event. Draw a picture showing some of those changes.

Learning Standards: Locating major world events and explaining how they have impact on people and the environment; representing creatively.

3. Incredible Student

Kids do some amazing things, but few can do what Colin Carlson is doing. At age 13, Colin is already a sophomore in college, working to earn two college degrees at once! But the standout student has run into a problem at the University of Connecticut. For his degrees in environmental studies and ecology Colin wants to take a course that will involve summer study in the African nation of South Africa. The university says he is too young to travel to another country to study, even though his mother volunteered to go with him. Colin and his family now have filed a claim that he is being discriminated against because of his age, and the U.S. Department of Education is investigating. As a class, talk about what you would like to study when you get to college. Then find a job in the newspaper connected to those studies. Write what kinds of skills you would need to be successful at that job.

Learning Standards: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about topics of interest or importance; responding to a variety of texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others.

4. Princess Di's Palace

Princess Diana was one of the most popular princesses in the history of the European country of Great Britain. Now her palace is becoming home to an unusual new exhibit to attract people who would like to learn more about British royalty. Kensington Palace will be renamed "The Enchanted Palace" to attract tourists who want to learn more about royals like Diana, who died in a car crash in 1997. Actors, musicians, fashion displays and live performances are being added to liven up the palace and compete with tourist attractions like the Tower of London, where Great Britain's Crown Jewels are on view. In addition to art worth millions of dollars, the exhibit will include attractions like the Room of Royal Secrets, the Room of Royal Sorrows and the Rooms of Lost Childhood. As a class, talk about places in your community or state that attract visitors or tourists. Then find examples of attractions in the photos, stories and ads in the newspaper. Pick one and write an ad of your own to attract visitors to this place.

Learning Standard: Reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.

5. Play Ball!

This week marks the start of the 2010 season for Major League Baseball. Spring training is over, and teams are beginning their competition to win the American and National League championships and a trip to the World Series. In the American League the big question is whether the New York Yankees can win another championship. In the National League, all eyes are on the two-time defending league champion Philadelphia Phillies. Search the sports section in the newspaper for stories about the start of the Major League Baseball season. Write a paragraph describing which teams are mentioned most and explain why. Then draw a comic strip showing fun at a Major League Baseball game.

Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; using the craft of the illustrator to express ideas artistically.