1. New Dinosaur Species

Plant-eating dinosaurs were among the biggest and most impressive species that roamed the Earth millions of years ago. And now scientists working at a dinosaur site in the state of Utah have discovered fossils of a previously unknown type of sauropod. Sauropods were "long-necks" that were some of the largest animals ever on Earth. The new discovery sheds new light on how sauropods ate, because it includes a complete unbroken skull of one and a complete but broken skull of another. Scientists who have studied the skulls say they indicate these sauropods didn't chew their food but "just grabbed it and swallowed it." As a class, talk about things scientists can learn by studying fossils. Then pretend you are a scientist who has just discovered a fossil. Draw a comic strip for the newspaper showing something you would do to find out what kind of fossil it is.

Learning Standards: Explaining how fossils provide evidence about the nature of ancient life; showing how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expression such as language arts and fine arts; using the craft of the illustrator to express ideas artistically.

2. Women's History Month

March is Women's History Month. All across America people are celebrating things women have done in the past and today. Find a woman or a girl in today's newspaper who is achieving success. Write a sentence stating what this woman is doing. Then write a second sentence stating what personal qualities she has that make her successful. Finish by writing what qualities you have that could make you successful.

Learning Standards: Identifying and explaining how individuals demonstrate good character and personal virtue; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

3. Rare Leopard

Nature is full of surprises, and some of the biggest surprises come from wild animals. On the Southeast Asian island of Borneo, for example, a newly identified species of big cat known as the Sundaland clouded leopard has been caught on video for the first time. The leopard, which is more than three feet long and weighs more than 90 pounds, was videotaped by an alert team of scientists during a night patrol at the Dermakot Forest Reserve. The Sundaland clouded leopard is rarely seen and was declared an endangered species in 2008. It was classified as a new species through genetic research several years ago. As a class talk about what things about wild animals are most important for scientists to study. Then find a wild animal in the newspaper. Make a list of what things you would study about this animal if you were a scientist, and write why they are important.

Learning Standards: Explaining ecosystem concepts and processes; describing positive and negative effects of humans on the environment; engaging peers in constructive conversation about topics of interest or importance.

4. Hot Dog

Hot dogs are popular foods for meals and snacks. But hot dogs can be dangerous for small children. Because they are smooth and round, they can get stuck in throats and cause small kids to choke, according to children's doctors. To reduce the risk of choking, the shape of hot dogs should be changed, and warning labels for parents be put on packages, according to a group that represents children's doctors in the United States. The doctors group is asking companies that make and sell foods to make the foods safer for small children, especially those under five years old. In addition to hot dogs, the doctors group said parents should be aware of choking risks from hard round candies and even from grapes. As a class, talk about issues that are important for kids your age and younger children. Then pick one and design an ad for the newspaper telling people why it is important, and what families should know about it. Be sure to give your ad an eye-catching headline.

Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively

5. A Record Diamond

Diamonds are among the hardest rocks in the world. They also are precious gems that are among the most valuable rocks. That was proved again last week when a huge diamond set a new world record at an auction sale in London, England. A 507-carat diamond discovered in South Africa by the Petra Diamonds company sold for $35.3 MILLION, a record price for a rough diamond that has not been "cut" to produce polished gems or jewelry. The diamond, which was discovered last September, was sold to a jewelry company in the Asian city of Hong Kong. The newspaper is a great place to study big numbers. With a partner, find four big numbers in today's news. Write out the numbers with all the zeroes in the right places (Example: $35.3 million = $35,300,000.) Make up two addition and two subtraction problems using your big numbers.

Learning Standards: Acquiring information from multiple sources; organizing, presenting and interpreting the information; using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to solve problems.