1. SHIP RENAMING

The U.S. Navy plans to change the name of the USNS Harvey Milk, a ship named after a famous gay rights leader who also served in the Navy. Harvey Milk was one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S. and became a symbol of LGBTQ+ rights. He was sadly killed in 1978. The ship was named to honor him and his work. Now, the Navy wants to give the ship a new name, along with other ships named after important civil rights leaders like Harriet Tubman and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Many people are upset about this and think it’s unfair to erase the names of people who helped make the country better. The Navy says the change is part of a new plan to focus on “warrior culture.” Choose one person mentioned in this story—like Harvey Milk, Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or Cesar Chavez—and look them up using the internet or books in your classroom. Write 3–5 sentences about who they were, what they did to help others, and why you think they were important enough to have a Navy ship named after them.

2. ECO-FRIENDLY HOSPITAL COMING SOON

A new hospital is being built in Duncan, British Columbia, and it will be the first all-electric hospital in the province. The new Cowichan District Hospital will be three times bigger than the old one and much better for the environment. It will use clean electricity, solar panels, and special building materials that create less pollution. Even though the hospital is bigger, it will make 75 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than the one it replaces. The hospital will also save water and energy and be ready for future problems like wildfires. Think about ways that we can all help the Earth at home or school. Write a few sentences about one way you can save energy or water, like turning off lights or using less water when brushing your teeth. How does that action help the planet?

3. DUST STORM COMING

A huge cloud of dust from the Sahara Desert is moving across the Atlantic Ocean and is now reaching parts of the United States, like Florida and Texas. This dust can make the sky look hazy, raise temperatures, and make it harder to breathe for some people. The dust has already passed over places like Cuba and Haiti and will stay in the U.S. for a few days before fading away. Even though it looks dramatic, the dust won’t stop planes from flying. Scientists say it might even help prevent strong storms by keeping the air dry. It can also make sunrises and sunsets look extra colorful. Imagine you are a weather reporter telling kids about the Saharan dust storm. Write three sentences to explain what it is, where it comes from, and what it might look like in the sky. Then draw a picture of the sky with the hazy dust cloud and a bright sunset.

4. THE PINKSTER STROLL

Last weekend, people in New York City celebrated the Pinkster Stroll, a joyful walk that honors Pinkster, the oldest African American holiday. Dressed in colorful clothes and singing to drums and cowbells, they walked seven miles through Manhattan. Long ago, Pinkster was one of the only times when enslaved and free Black people could come together to celebrate with music, dancing, and community. The tradition stopped in the 1800s but is now being brought back by people like Cheyney McKnight, who helps others learn about history in fun and respectful ways. Think about a celebration that is important to you or your family. Write a few sentences about what makes it special, like the clothes people wear, the food you eat, or any music or dancing that happens. Then draw a picture showing people enjoying the celebration.

5. STRANGE, TINY PARTICLE

Scientists have been studying a tiny particle called a muon to see how it moves in a magnetic field. Muons are like heavier cousins of electrons, and they “wobble” when they move. Scientists expected them to behave in a certain way, but they’ve been acting a little strangely. After many years and careful experiments at a lab near Chicago, the results still show that muons don’t quite follow the usual rules of physics. This is exciting for scientists, because it could help them learn new things about the universe and maybe even discover mysterious stuff like dark matter. Pretend you are a reporter visiting the science lab where the muon experiment happened. Write down 3-5 questions you would ask the scientists if you got to interview them and what you would hope to learn from them.