1. Less Anxious Fish

Be careful what you’re flushing. The chemicals of modern civilization, when washed into bodies of water, may have serious effects on wildlife. Sewage treatment plants are designed to deal with what materials should be flushed, but nitrogen fertilizers, artificial sweeteners and prescription drugs are another matter. Scientists in the European country of Sweden, for example, were curious about what effect the anti-anxiety drug Oxazepam might have on the wild European perch, and found that the fish became more active, less anxious and ate faster. In the wild, the researchers speculated, less anxious fish might boldly venture out and be eaten by a predator. On a large scale, this could alter the ecological balance. In the newspaper or online, find a story involving the effect of human behavior on wildlife or the environment. Write a summary of the effect and if that is good or bad for the environment.

Common Core/National Standard: Integrating information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

2. March Madness

Men's and women's college basketball teams are now competing in the national NCAA tournaments known as March Madness. Read an account or statistics of a game in this week's newspapers, and create two graphs based on what you read. The first graph should compare each team’s score at the end of each quarter. The second graph should compare each team's final score.

Common Core/National Standard: Organizing data using tables, charts, graphs, spreadsheets and databases.

3. Texting & Driving

Despite warnings that it can be a “fatal distraction,” more than two-thirds of Americans have admitted they have sent text messages on their cellphones while driving. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 3,331 people were killed in 2011 in crashes involving distracted drivers, and 3,267 the previous year. Far more Americans than Europeans admit to reading or sending text messages while driving. These statistics have been disclosed by the CDC after a survey comparing the U.S. and seven European countries. As a class, talk about ways people can stay safe while driving or riding in a car. Then use the newspaper or the Internet to find a photo of a street or outdoor place where people could drive a car. Study the photo and make a list of things a driver should pay attention to if driving in the place in the picture. Write a paragraph describing the biggest risks and how to avoid them.

Common Core/National Standards: Integrating information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue; producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

4. Bones Under a Rail Station

Workers on a big public transportation project in the European city of London have uncovered what appears to be a burial ground for victims of the Black Plague that struck in 1349. Archaeologists summoned by the Crossrail system found a cache of neatly laid out skeletons on the site, which soon will become a ticketing hall in the Charterhouse Square section of the English city. They believe the site may have been the final resting place for as many as 50,000 Londoners who died in the plague, which decimated the city in a period of three years. Archaeologists study artifacts and remains from the past to determine how people lived in previous times. Pretend you are an archaeologist from the future and have uncovered a collection of the ads in today’s newspaper. Using only the ads (no stories or photos), write a paragraph detailing what you could conclude about America’s lifestyle, interests or attitudes in the year 2013. Share with the class and discuss.

Common Core/National Standards: Integrating information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue; responding thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarizing points of agreement engaging and disagreement; engaging effectively in a range of collaborative discussions.

5. Sleep Less, Weigh More

People concerned about their weight should make sure they get a good night’s sleep. A new study concludes that losing just a few hours of sleep a few nights in a row can lead to immediate weight gain. The goal of the study was to determine how inadequate sleep affects weight, behavior and psychology. Sleep deprivation apparently increases appetite, and light sleepers eat far more, researchers found, particularly carbohydrates. Earlier research has found that lack of sleep alters the biology of fat cells. The new findings leave undetermined how long-term sleep deprivation affects weight and whether the body adjusts to less sleep. As a class, talk about the importance of getting enough sleep. Then find stories or photos in the newspaper involving people who work in three different careers. Write a paragraph for each, describing how their job performance might be affected if they did not get enough sleep.

Common Core/National Standards: Producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience; integrating information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.