1. A DANGEROUS HEAT DOME

A large area of trapped hot air, called a heat dome, is bringing dangerous temperatures to much of the central United States. About 80 million people are under heat warnings or advisories. In some places, temperatures may rise above 100 degrees, and warm nights will make it harder for people’s bodies to cool down. Outdoor workers must drink plenty of water, take breaks, and protect themselves from the sun. Children, older adults, and people with health problems can become sick more easily during extreme heat. Communities are opening cooling centers and water stations to help people stay safe. Create a one-page “Beat the Heat” safety guide for your school or neighborhood. Include a colorful title, three pictures or symbols, and at least four tips for staying safe during very hot weather. One tip should explain how to help another person who may be struggling in the heat.

2. WILDFIRES CHANGE RACE ROUTE

The final stage of the Tour de France bicycle race was changed because of large wildfires in southwestern France. Firefighters, police officers, and other emergency workers were needed to protect people in the areas near the fires. Race organizers shortened the route and decided to keep the entire stage inside Paris. The riders will still pass famous places such as the Champs-Élysées and Montmartre. Changing the race allows more emergency workers to focus on fighting the fires and helping the 200,000 people who had to leave their homes. Draw a simple map showing the new bicycle race route inside Paris. Add symbols for cyclists, spectators, emergency workers, and a safe finish line. Under the map, write a short explanation of why changing a major sports event can be the responsible choice during an emergency.

3. AN ANCIENT INSTRUMENT RETURNS TO THE MOVIES

Composer Ludwig Göransson used an ancient Greek instrument called the aulos to create music for a scene in the new movie “The Odyssey.” The aulos looks a little like two recorders played at the same time. In the movie, its sound represents the mysterious song of the sirens, which tempt the hero Odysseus. The melody uses only four notes, but it creates feelings of sadness, longing, and tension. By using an instrument seen in ancient Greek art, the composer connected a modern movie to music from long ago. Choose four sounds you could use to create music for a scene in a story. You might select instruments, voices, clapping, tapping, or sounds made by everyday objects. Draw or name each sound, then explain what feeling it would create. Finish by describing the kind of scene your music would accompany.

4. A SCHOOL PAUSES ITS PLAN FOR AN A.I. ROBOT

A school district in New York planned to bring an artificial intelligence robot named Sally into its high school. Students helped choose Sally’s appearance and personality, and the robot was supposed to help with subjects such as math and science. Some parents, teachers, and state leaders worried about student privacy, safety, and whether a robot might take over work that belongs to human teachers. The district explained that Sally would only be a learning tool and would not replace teachers. After receiving strong criticism, school leaders put the program on hold while they study the concerns and improve privacy protections. Imagine your class is choosing a new learning tool for school. Design a poster that introduces your idea. It could be an A.I. robot, a computer program, or another invention that helps students learn. Include a drawing, give your invention a name, and label three ways it would help students while still working alongside teachers. Write 3–4 sentences explaining why your invention would make learning better.

5. GIRAFFES MOVE TO A SAFER HOME IN UGANDA

Wildlife workers in Uganda are moving 12 endangered Nubian giraffes to a new protected home. The giraffes are leaving Murchison Falls National Park, where oil drilling, heavy machinery, climate change, and other problems are reducing their habitat. Rangers and veterinarians carefully moved the tall animals about 65 miles in special trucks with tree branches for them to eat. Their new home, Ajai Wildlife Reserve, is being restored after many of its animals disappeared years ago. Wildlife officials hope the giraffes will grow into a healthy new population and attract visitors whose tourism money can help nearby communities. Pretend you are a wildlife ranger welcoming the giraffes to their new home. Write a friendly welcome speech of 5–6 sentences. Explain why the giraffes were moved, what makes their new home special, and how people can help protect endangered animals for the future.