1. HALIBUT OLYMPIA

During the recent Alaska summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, one surprising detail caught people’s attention: the lunch menu included a local dish called halibut Olympia. This classic Alaskan meal, usually made with fish, mayonnaise sauce, onions, and cracker crumbs, is a comforting but simple recipe that many families in Alaska grew up eating. Some Alaskans love it, while others remember it less fondly, comparing it to tuna casserole. Although the leaders never actually ate the dish because lunch was canceled, the menu made Alaskans reflect on their history with halibut, which used to be abundant and cheap but is now rarer and more expensive. Today, some chefs are creating fancier versions of halibut Olympia to bring the tradition back in new ways. Think about a food that is special to your family or community. Write a short paragraph describing what the food is, how it’s made, and why people enjoy it (or don’t!). Would you serve this food to important visitors to represent where you are from? Why or why not?

2. THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SIESTA

In Seville, Spain, people are used to very hot summers and have learned special ways to stay cool. Families keep their blinds closed during the day, use awnings that stretch across streets for shade, and even take naps, called siestas, when it’s hottest outside. Some of these ideas come from old traditions, like cooling buildings with underground water systems. Hospitals use modern versions of these systems to help patients and workers stay comfortable. Farmers and construction workers start earlier in the day to avoid the strongest sun, and kids often play outside at night when it’s cooler. While tourists sometimes struggle with the heat, locals know that slowing down and using smart tricks helps them get through the hottest days. Think about a very hot summer day where you live. Write a few sentences about what you and your family do to stay cool. Would you use fans, air-conditioning, swimming, or maybe make up a new idea like the people of Seville?

3. SWEET SOUVENIRS FROM THE LITTLE LEAGUE WORLD SERIES

At the Little League World Series, one of the coolest things kids are talking about isn’t just the games — it’s the colorful new bats! The Easton Hype Fire USA Bat, with neon green, pink, and yellow colors, looks like sour gummy worms, and players love them. When teams arrive in Williamsport, they get lots of free gear, including gloves, helmets, and these special bats. Coaches said the kids were as excited as if they were in a candy store. The bats are lighter and easier to swing than wooden ones, and while they don’t hit as many home runs as before, the players are just happy to show them off and use them. Think about what kind of sports gear you would design if you could make it fun and colorful, like the gummy worm bat. Write a few sentences or draw a picture showing what it would look like and why kids would love it.

4. POLLUTION-POSITIVE DRAGONFLY

Most dragonflies need clean water to survive, but the blue dasher dragonfly is different. This little insect is tough enough to live in polluted places like city ponds and even storm drains. Scientists found that blue dashers have special genes that help them fight off pollution and bacteria, which gives them an advantage over other dragonflies. They’ve been spotted all over U.S. cities, including New York’s Central Park, and seem to thrive where other dragonflies can’t. Even though their survival skills are impressive, scientists say people should still work on keeping environments healthy so that all creatures—not just the toughest—can thrive. Imagine you are a scientist studying blue dashers in your own town. Where might you look for them—by a pond, in a park, or even in a storm drain? Draw a picture or write a few sentences about what you think you would see if you found one. Would it be living in a clean spot, or somewhere a little “crummier”?

5. PUZZLE PARTIES

Jerry Slocum, 94, has loved puzzles since he was a kid and now owns more than 46,000 of them! His favorite is the “T puzzle,” where you try to fit four pieces back together to make a big T. In 1978, he started the first International Puzzle Party in his living room with just 10 friends. Today, the event happens around the world with hundreds of puzzle lovers. At these parties, people trade new puzzles, join contests, and even buy special puzzle creations. For Jerry, puzzles aren’t just fun—they bring people together, spark curiosity, and keep everyone thinking. Imagine you’re designing your own puzzle for a puzzle party. Would it be made of wood, plastic, or paper? Would it be a shape puzzle, a riddle, or maybe a maze? Draw your idea or write a few sentences describing how someone would try to solve it.