1. Sunscreen Sales Up — So Is Skin Cancer

Sunscreen sales are skyrocketing, but so is the skin cancer rate. Melanoma diagnoses have risen nearly 2 percent a year since 2000. Some experts blame inappropriate use of sunscreen (they recommend a golfball-size portion) and failure to apply it frequently enough (every two hours is advised). At the same time, many sunscreens designed to protect you from Ultraviolet B rays, the main cause of sunburn, do not necessarily protect you from Ultraviolet A, which has been linked in recent research to cancer. Instead of relying exclusively on sunscreen, experts suggest, you should limit your time in the sun, especially at midday, and protect your skin with hats, shirts and cover-ups. Health issues are often in the news. Find a story about a health issue in the newspaper, read it and write a summary. Present your summary to the class.

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge about a topic; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; writing informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

2. Thrill of the Ride

If you like the thrill of roller coasters, you can thank LaMarcus Thompson. It was his idea that created the first coaster in the United States. It opened on June 16, 1884, at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. It cost a nickel to ride and traveled on its track at around six miles per hour. When this coaster made its debut 129 years ago, it probably seemed cutting edge. Find a photo in the newspaper of something that has the latest technology, such as the newest iPhone. On paper or a computer, create an image and write a description of a similar product your parents may have had that was “cutting edge” in its day. Next, create an image and description of a similar product you envision your kids having. Share your concepts with the class.

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge about a topic; integrating information presented in different media or formats to develop a coherent understanding of a topic; using drawings or visual displays when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or points.

3. Storm Chasing is Perilous

Interest in storm chasing has surged, as amateurs with video cameras jockey with seasoned professionals to see who can get the closest and most dramatic images of tornadoes and other churning storms. But storm chasing is not a sport — it’s dangerous. In the recent Oklahoma tornadoes, it proved fatal for Tim Samaras, his son and a colleague. The elder Samaras was a scientist well known for his appearances on the Discovery Channel’s “Storm Chasers.” He also had founded an organization that studied tornadoes and had contributed research to professional journals. Violent weather makes news throughout the summer months. Find a story about a tornado, thunderstorm or other severe weather event in the newspaper. Write a paragraph or short essay describing the risks posed by this weather, and ways to keep safe.

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge about a topic; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; writing informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.

4. This Yacht’s a Pain in Spain

As an “austerity measure,” Spain’s King Juan Carlos offered to hand over to the Spanish government the $27 million, 136-foot yacht he received as a gift 13 years ago. But the businesspeople who paid for the yacht declared they wanted it back if he was going to do that because the gift had stipulated that it was only for the royal family of the European nation. The yacht is anchored off the island of Majorca, where the royal family has a palace and vacations every summer. Those contributing to its purchase included hotel owners and bankers with links to Majorca and other islands who were grateful for the king’s help promoting the island resorts. The king’s yacht was an extravagant gift. Pretend you had unlimited money and wanted to buy an amazing gift for someone. Search the newspaper and Internet and pick an item that would make an extravagant gift. Write a poem, rap or rhyme explaining why you like the item and to whom you’d like to give it as a gift. Name the person you’d like to give it to in your title.

Common Core/National Standards: Producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience; demonstrating understanding of figurative language, word relationships and word meaning; writing narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events.

5. Mom’s the Breadwinner

In four out of 10 American households with children under 18, Mom is not only the primary caregiver, she’s the primary breadwinner, too. In these families, according to a Pew Research Center analysis, the mother is either the sole or primary earner ¬— a ratio that has quadrupled since 1960. It’s become more acceptable and expected for married women to join the work force and more common for single women to raise children on their own, the survey notes, and as a result women’s attitudes toward working have changed. In the newspaper, find a story about a working woman. Write a paragraph explaining the challenges she faces in her job. Write a second paragraph, detailing additional challenges she would face if she were the prime caregiver for a family as well.

Common Core/National Standards: Conducting short research projects that build knowledge about a topic; citing specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions; writing informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.