1. PUERTO RICO’S POWER OUTAGE

Puerto Rico had a big problem this week when the whole island lost electricity. The blackout started after a power line stopped working, and it caused all the electricity generators to shut down. That meant people couldn’t use lights, air conditioning, or even water in many places. Hospitals and the airport had to use backup generators, and businesses had to close. After two days, most people got their power back, but some still didn’t. The government is trying to figure out what went wrong and how to stop it from happening again. Puerto Rico has had many blackouts before, especially after a big hurricane in 2017, and a lot of people are asking leaders to fix the power system. Think about what it would be like if your home lost power for a whole day. Make a list of five things you would need or do to stay safe and comfortable. For example, what would you use for light? How would you stay cool or warm? What kinds of food could you eat? After making your list, write a few sentences about how being prepared can help people during a blackout.

2. HELPING FROGS CROSS THE ROAD

Every spring in Russia, volunteers help toads and frogs cross a road safely so they can reach a pond to lay their eggs. The animals live in the forest but need to get to the water in the Sestroretsk Bog nature reserve to have their babies. Without help, many of them could be hurt or killed by cars. Volunteers wear bright vests, carefully pick up the frogs and toads, place them in buckets, and carry them across the road. They’ve been doing this since 2016, and now hundreds of people come to help each year. A special fence even helps keep the frogs safe until someone can move them. The volunteers say it feels good to protect animals and help nature. Learn how to become a wildlife helper! Look up an animal that lives near your home or school (like a bird, squirrel, turtle, or bug). Find out what it needs to stay safe—like clean water, food, or safe places to live. Then, write a short safety tip that people can follow to help protect that animal.

3. LIFE ON A DISTANT PLANET?

Scientists studying a planet far away from Earth, called K2-18b, may have found an exciting clue that could mean life exists there. The planet is 120 light-years away and is very different from Earth, but it might have warm oceans and an atmosphere. Astronomers using a powerful space telescope found a gas in the planet’s air called dimethyl sulfide. On Earth, this gas is only made by living things, like ocean algae. Scientists aren’t sure yet if this means there’s life on K2-18b, but it’s one of the best clues they’ve found so far. They say they need more time and research to know for sure. Imagine you’re a space scientist looking for signs of life on another planet. Draw a picture of what you think a planet like K2-18b might look like. Would it have oceans? Strange animals? Clouds? Then, write a few sentences explaining what clues you would look for to tell if life exists there.

4. FAMOUS TREE ROOTS

In a small town in France called Auvers-sur-Oise, a big disagreement has started over some tree roots that appear in the last painting ever made by the famous artist Vincent Van Gogh. These roots are very old and still grow near a road in the town. The mayor says the roots should belong to everyone, but the people who own the land say they should be allowed to take care of them. Many tourists visit the town to learn about Van Gogh and see where he lived and painted. Now, the town and the landowners are trying to figure out the best way to protect the roots so people can continue to enjoy this special piece of art history. Look at a picture of Van Gogh’s painting “Tree Roots” and imagine what the tree might have looked like when it was alive. Then, draw your own version of a tree with twisty roots. After drawing, write a few sentences about why you think it’s important to protect special places from history, even if they’re just tree roots!

5. CAPYBARA TAKEOVER

In a fancy neighborhood in Argentina called Nordelta, hundreds of capybaras—the world’s largest rodents—have taken over! These big, friendly animals started showing up more during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and now there are nearly 1,000 of them. They roam the streets, nap on volleyball courts, and munch on lawns. While some people think they’re cute, others worry because the capybaras sometimes cause traffic problems, eat plants, and even chase small dogs. Scientists are trying to manage the capybara population using special medicine that keeps them from having more babies. Some people want to protect the capybaras, saying the animals were there first, before the neighborhood was built. The big question now is: how can people and wild animals live together in peace? Draw a picture of a place where wild animals and people live together, like a neighborhood, park, or forest. Then, write 3–4 sentences about how people can help animals stay safe and healthy while also keeping their towns or cities clean and safe for everyone. Think about what wild animals need and what people need too!