1. A RED MOON

A total lunar eclipse will soon turn the moon a deep reddish color, sometimes called a “blood moon.” This happens when Earth moves between the sun and the full moon, casting a shadow over the moon. The red color appears because sunlight passes through Earth’s atmosphere and filters onto the moon. The eclipse will be visible in North and South America and parts of Asia and Australia, and the full red glow will last about an hour. Unlike a solar eclipse, you do not need special glasses to watch—just a clear view of the sky. Create a labeled diagram that shows how a total lunar eclipse happens. Draw the sun, Earth, and moon in the correct positions. Then write 3 to 5 sentences explaining what causes the moon to turn red and why this event does not require special eye protection.

2. WHO MAKES THE RULES FOR THE OCEAN?

Deep under the ocean floor are valuable minerals like cobalt and nickel that companies want to mine. For years, countries around the world have been trying to agree on rules for how deep-sea mining should work in international waters—parts of the ocean that do not belong to any single country. Some leaders say clear rules are needed to protect the environment and make sure all countries benefit. Others worry that rushing could harm sea creatures and delicate ecosystems that scientists are still studying. If countries cannot agree, some fear the ocean could become a “Wild West,” where each nation makes its own rules. Write 5 sentences explaining why you think it’s important for all countries to work together to keep our oceans clean and protect sea creatures. Who do you think should be in charge of keeping the ocean protected? How would they accomplish this job?

3. A 1,700-YEAR-OLD COFFIN

Archaeologists in Budapest, Hungary, uncovered a sealed Roman stone coffin that had not been opened for about 1,700 years. Inside, they found the skeleton of a young woman along with glass bottles, bronze figures, 140 coins, jewelry, and traces of gold-threaded fabric. Because the coffin was carefully sealed and never looted, everything inside was still in place. Experts believe the woman may have been wealthy or important, and the many objects placed beside her show that her family cared deeply for her. Scientists will now study her remains to learn more about her life and health. Choose three objects found in the sarcophagus. In 4 to 6 sentences, explain what each object might tell historians about the young woman’s life. Then write one sentence explaining why discoveries like this help us understand people from long ago.

4. WHY DO BASKETBALL SHOES SQUEAK?

If you have ever watched a basketball game, you have probably heard the loud squeak of sneakers on the court. Scientists recently discovered that the sound happens when the soft rubber soles of shoes ripple and wrinkle very quickly as they slide across the floor. These tiny ripples happen thousands of times per second and create the high-pitched squeak we hear. The patterns on the bottom of shoes help organize the ripples into a clear sound. Understanding this kind of friction may even help scientists learn more about earthquakes or design quieter shoes in the future. Conduct a simple observation experiment at home or school. Gently rub the bottom of a rubber-soled shoe against different surfaces, such as tile, wood, or carpet. In 4 to 5 sentences, describe what sounds you notice on each surface and explain why the surface might change the sound. Finish by explaining what this tells you about friction.

5. HOW HORSES MAKE THEIR WHINNY

Horses use their whinnies, or neighs, to greet friends and show excitement. Scientists have discovered that a horse’s whinny is made of two sounds at once — a low sound like singing and a high sound like whistling. The low sound comes from vibrating tissues in the voice box, similar to how humans speak. The high sound happens when air passes through a small opening in the voice box, creating a whistle. Horses are the first known large animals that can whistle and sing at the same time. Write a short paragraph comparing how humans make sounds and how horses make their two-toned whinnies. Describe at least one similarity and one difference. Then explain why having two different tones might help horses share different feelings with other horses.