1. PLASTIC POLLUTION

The city of Lagos in Nigeria is one of the most polluted places in the world when it comes to plastic waste. To help the planet, the city has banned single-use plastics like straws, plastic forks, and foam food containers. But even though the rule started in July, many people still use those items because they don’t have better options. A lot of the plastic ends up in rivers and oceans, which can harm animals and cause floods. Some people in Lagos are trying to help by collecting plastic so it can be recycled. Experts say that to make a real difference, people need better choices and more help from companies and the government. Write 3 to 5 sentences explaining why plastic pollution is a big problem in Lagos. Then, think about one thing you use that is made of plastic—what could you use instead? Draw a picture showing how your new idea helps the Earth.

2. SECRET FRESH WATER FOUND

Scientists made an exciting discovery — fresh water hidden deep under the ocean! Near Cape Cod, researchers from many countries worked together on a big boat to drill into the sea floor. They found fresh water buried beneath the salt water, something not many people expected. The team, called Expedition 501, collected thousands of samples to study in their labs. They want to know where this water came from, how old it is, and if we can safely use it one day. This is important because many places around the world are running out of clean drinking water. While we can’t drink this undersea water yet, the scientists believe it might help us in the future during droughts or emergencies. Now that you’ve learned about scientists finding fresh water under the ocean, imagine your town is running out of clean water. In a short paragraph, write a letter to your town’s mayor explaining why discoveries like this are important. Tell the mayor what the scientists found, how it could help people in the future, and why we should keep looking for new sources of fresh water.

3. BLOOD MOON

This week, people in parts of Asia, Australia, Europe, and Africa got to see a rare and beautiful event in the night sky—a total lunar eclipse, also called a blood moon. A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the sun and the moon, and Earth’s shadow covers the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, the moon turns a red color because Earth’s atmosphere bends the sunlight and lets only red light through. The color can look brighter or darker depending on clouds and dust in the air. People could see the eclipse without a telescope, but binoculars made it look even cooler! Although people in North and South America couldn’t see this one, they can watch videos of it online and look forward to the next eclipse in March. Now that you’ve learned about the blood moon, imagine you are a science reporter for your school. Write 3 to 5 sentences describing what a total lunar eclipse is and why the moon looks red. Then, pretend you’re telling your classmates how to get ready for the next eclipse. What should they bring? Where should they go? How can they make the most of the experience?

4. WHEELCHAIR PIT CREW

At the U.S. Open tennis tournament, some athletes use wheelchairs to compete. Their specialized chairs can break during matches, so a team of fast, skilled technicians is always nearby—just like a race car pit crew. If a wheelchair has a problem, the team has only 15 minutes to fix it, or the player might have to stop playing. They fix broken wheels, flat tires, and other parts—sometimes in just a few minutes! The crew uses tools, air pumps, and radios to move quickly and help players stay in the game.vThe team is made up of experts who use wheelchairs themselves, and they understand how important these quick repairs are. Players say the team helps them feel safe and supported while competing. Imagine you’re interviewing one of these technicians for your school newspaper. Write five questions you would ask them about their job. Then, choose one question and write what you think their answer might be. Use your imagination and include details about tools, teamwork, or how it feels to help athletes compete.

5. BLUE LIGHT TRICK

Have you ever spilled food on your clothes and had trouble getting the stain out? Scientists in Japan are testing a new way to clean clothes using blue light instead of soap or strong chemicals. This blue light helped remove stains like sweat, tomato, and oil from different fabrics—even delicate ones like silk! The blue light works with air to break down the stain until it disappears. It’s better for the environment and doesn’t harm the fabric like some strong cleaners do. Experts think this new method could help dry cleaners and costume shops in the future—and it may even reduce waste and pollution from washing clothes too often. Imagine you’re a scientist who just discovered a way to clean clothes using blue light! Write a short paragraph or draw a comic strip explaining how your invention works and why it’s helpful for people and the planet. Be sure to describe what kinds of stains it removes, how it’s better than regular washing, and who might use it in the future!