1. “MELANIA” DOCUMENTARY

A new documentary called “Melania,” about First Lady Melania Trump, was released in theaters around the world and quickly earned about $7 million in ticket sales during its first weekend. The movie follows about 20 days of her life leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, and it was shown in 1,778 theaters. Even though some movie critics did not like the film, many of the people who bought tickets said they enjoyed it. A big premiere was held at the Kennedy Center, and many government leaders attended. The movie is also expected to be available to watch on Prime Video after it finishes its time in theaters. Imagine your school is making a short documentary about something important that happens in your community, like a big event, a problem that needs fixing, or a celebration. Choose one topic, and write a few sentences explaining what your documentary would show over a short time period, who would be interviewed, and what you would want viewers to understand by the end. Then write one more sentence describing what you would do if some people said they did not like your documentary, but other people said it helped them understand the topic better.

2. N.A.S.A. MOON SHOT

NASA started a practice countdown to get ready for a major moon mission with astronauts for the first time since 1972. The test is important because it helps NASA practice the steps needed to fuel the giant moon rocket and make sure it is ready for launch. Four astronauts will ride in the Orion capsule on top of the rocket, travel around the moon, and then come back to Earth without landing. The trip is expected to last almost 10 days and end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Cold weather delayed the schedule, so February 8 is the earliest possible launch date if the fueling test goes well. Pretend you are part of the NASA team that has to practice before a big launch. Write a short paragraph explaining why practicing is important for a mission like this, and include at least two specific things NASA is practicing or checking before the astronauts can fly.

3. KNITTING IN PROTEST

In Minnesota, a group of people who like knitting and crocheting began making red hats as a way to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement, also called ICE. The hats are called “Melt the ICE” caps, and the pattern to make them has been ordered many thousands of times since mid-January. People wore the hats during a large march in Minneapolis, and some craft stores even ran low on red yarn because so many people wanted to make them. The shop that created the pattern said it is giving the money it earns to groups that help immigrant communities. Some people argued that making hats is not enough to help, but others said the hats can keep people warm and help them feel supported. Think about a time when you wanted to help with a problem but you were not sure what you could do. Write a short paragraph describing one peaceful way kids can show they care about something, such as using art, writing, music, or a helpful school project. Then write a few sentences explaining how a handmade object, like a hat, a card, or a poster, could make someone feel less alone during a hard time.

4. ICY IGUANAS

A powerful winter storm brought very cold temperatures and heavy snow across a large part of the United States, from the Gulf Coast to New England. In North Carolina, some places got more than a foot of snow, and there were many car crashes and flight cancellations, especially near Charlotte. In Florida, it got so cold that iguanas were falling out of the trees! (This happens when they get so cold, they become temporarily paralyzed until their bodies warm back up.) In some states, many people were still without electricity from an earlier ice storm, and warming centers were opened to help families stay safe. Imagine you are in charge of giving a short safety message to families before a big winter storm. Write a paragraph explaining three ways people can prepare for dangerous cold, snow, or power outages, and make sure you explain why each step helps. Include a detail from the story that teaches you about how weather can affect, humans, animals, and/or plants.

5. OFF-COURSE ALBATROSS

Scientists on a research ship off the coast of central California saw a waved albatross, a rare bird that usually lives near the Galápagos Islands, about 3,000 miles away. This was only the second recorded time the bird has been seen north of Central America. The albatross has a yellow bill, dark eyes, and a huge wingspan, and it can spend a lot of its life flying over the ocean. Scientists are not sure why it traveled so far, but they think it could have been pushed by storms or wandered while searching for food. The bird is considered critically endangered, which makes the sighting even more unusual and important. Pretend you are a scientist who is trying to solve the mystery of why this bird flew so far from home. Write a short paragraph naming two or three possible reasons the albatross might have traveled north, and explain how each reason could make sense. Then write two sentences describing one question you would want to investigate next, and explain what kind of clue or information could help you answer it.