1. CAVAN SULLIVAN MAKES U.S. SOCCER HISTORY

Cavan Sullivan made history for the U.S. men’s national soccer team during a game against Mexico. At just 17 years old, Sullivan scored his first goal for the national team and became the youngest player ever to score for the U.S. men’s team. He took advantage of a mistake by Mexico’s goalkeeper and kicked the ball over him from far away. Sullivan has been considered one of the most promising young American soccer players, and he plans to join the famous English club Manchester City after he turns 18. His record-setting goal showed how quickly a young athlete can reach an important milestone. Create a sports trading card for Cavan Sullivan celebrating his record. On the front, draw Sullivan in action and give the card a creative title. On the back, include his age, the team he scored against, the record he broke, and two other facts from the story. Add one sentence explaining why you think this moment deserves to be remembered.

The United States, Russia, and China are working on plans to put nuclear reactors on the moon. A nuclear reactor can produce electricity without needing sunlight, which could be useful for future moon bases during the moon’s long, extremely cold nights. NASA hopes to send a reactor to the moon by 2030, while Russia is working with China on a reactor planned for later. Scientists say nuclear power could help astronauts operate equipment and explore farther into space. However, some experts worry about what could happen if a rocket carrying nuclear fuel crashes or if a reactor has an accident on the moon. Countries will have to think carefully about both the benefits and the risks as they make their plans. Draw a small moon base that needs electricity during the long lunar night. Include at least three things that would need power, such as lights, heaters, communication equipment, or science tools. Show where you would place the nuclear reactor so astronauts can use its energy while staying safe. Add labels to your drawing explaining two safety features you would include and why they are important.

Four people had to be rescued after a whale crashed into their yacht during a trip from Fiji to New Zealand. The collision damaged the yacht’s steering system and cracked its side, allowing water to pour inside. The crew tried for hours to pump out the water and repair the damage, but eventually the boat began to sink. They climbed into a life raft and sent an emergency signal showing rescuers where they were. After spending more than 18 hours stranded in the South Pacific Ocean, the group was picked up by a container ship. Everyone survived, although they had to watch their yacht sink beneath the water. Make a six-panel comic strip showing the crew’s journey from a peaceful sailing trip to their rescue. Include the whale collision, the damaged boat, the crew trying to solve the problem, the emergency signal, the life raft, and the rescue ship. Use speech bubbles or captions to show how the crew members might have worked together during the emergency.

4. A RECORD-FAST TRIP TO THE SPACE STATION

Four astronauts reached the International Space Station only eight hours after launching from Florida, making it the fastest U.S. trip to the station so far. The crew includes Americans Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney, Canadian Joshua Kutryk, and Russian Sergey Teteryatnikov. Watkins also made history as the first Black woman to lead a crew into orbit. Their trip may have been short, but they will spend about six months living and working aboard the space station. During that time, Kutryk is also expecting a special event back on Earth: His wife is due to have their third child. The mission shows how astronauts from different countries can live and work together far above Earth. Design a welcome banner for the four astronauts to see when they arrive at the International Space Station. Include each astronaut’s name and home country, along with pictures or symbols representing their journey. Then add three questions you would want to ask the crew about living together in space for six months.

5. A HOMEMADE NEW YORK CITY GOES TO A MUSEUM

Truck driver Joe Macken spent more than 20 years building an enormous model of New York City in his free time. Using materials such as balsa wood and foam board, he created more than 800,000 tiny structures, including skyscrapers, houses, bridges, and famous landmarks. Macken began the project because he loved New York and remembered seeing another giant city model when he was a child. After his daughter posted videos of his creation online, millions of people watched them, and the Museum of the City of New York invited him to display his work. Macken even included some places from his childhood that no longer exist because he wanted his model to hold some of his own memories of the city. Choose a place that is special to you, such as your neighborhood, school, park, or favorite vacation spot. Create a small model of it using paper, cardboard, blocks, clay, or other classroom materials. Your model does not have to show everything exactly as it looks today—you may include one place or detail that represents an important memory. Give your model a museum-style title and prepare a short explanation to share with the class about why you chose the details you included.