1. COULD THE UNITED KINGDOM BREAK APART?

The United Kingdom is made up of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but some leaders are questioning whether their countries should remain together. The leaders of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland signed an agreement saying their people should have the right to choose a different future. Scotland and Northern Ireland may eventually hold votes about leaving the United Kingdom or, in Northern Ireland’s case, joining Ireland. The U.K. government wants the countries to remain united and says it is focused on problems such as the cost of living. The agreement does not change the countries’ status right away, but it has brought new attention to an important debate about who should make decisions about their future. Create a simple diagram showing the four parts of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Under each name, write one fact you learned about the country or its relationship with the United Kingdom. Then add two sentences explaining why people in the same country might have different ideas about whether their country should stay together.

2. A SMALL OHIO TOWN WELCOMES NEW NEIGHBORS

Thousands of people from Mauritania, a country in West Africa, have traveled to the United States seeking safety. Many settled in and around Lockland, Ohio, after leaving their homeland because they said they faced unfair treatment and danger there. Adjusting to life in America was difficult because many arrived with little money and did not speak English. Local residents helped by offering food, English lessons, assistance with paperwork, and donated bicycles that made it easier for newcomers to get around. Many of the immigrants eventually found jobs, while a bicycle shop called Bikes and Stuff became an important gathering place where people could help one another. Their experiences show how a community can change when people from different backgrounds become neighbors. Think about a family that has just moved to your community from another country and does not know much about the area yet. Make a one-page guide that would help welcome them to the community. Include at least four useful things they should know, such as where to find food, transportation, schools, parks, or people who can help. Add a picture or map that would make your guide easier to understand.

3. CHANGES AT AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARKS

The National Park Service takes care of hundreds of special places across the United States, including famous parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. Recently, the Trump administration has reduced staffing at some parks and directed money and workers toward projects in Washington, D.C. Critics say parks around the country need that money for repairs, safety projects, and employees who help visitors. The administration says it is protecting America’s natural and historic places while also making changes to how the country’s history is presented. This has created disagreements about how limited money and workers should be used. National parks attract millions of visitors, so decisions about their care can affect people, wildlife, historic sites, and the environment. Imagine your class has been given an imaginary $10,000 to improve a national park. Decide how you would divide the money among three needs: repairing trails and buildings, protecting plants and animals, and helping visitors learn about the park. Draw three boxes showing what you would spend money on and write the amount in each box. Then explain why you chose to spend the money that way.

4. PEOPLE RALLY AROUND THE KENNEDY CENTER

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., to show their support for the famous performing arts center. The building hosts music, theater, dance, and other performances and was named in honor of President John F. Kennedy. The protest occurred after the center closed temporarily because of safety concerns and photos showed President Trump looking at a poster that appeared to suggest the building could be demolished. Performers and other supporters formed a human chain around the center, sang songs, and played music. A legal dispute is also underway over changes to the center, and a federal judge has required advance notice before major changes are made. Think about a theater, museum, library, playground, or another public place that matters to your community. Design a sign showing why you think the place is important. Include its name, an illustration, and three short reasons people might want to protect or support it. Finish with a slogan that encourages people to care about community spaces.

5. SCIENTISTS DISCOVER A NEW WILDCAT

Scientists have identified a new species of wildcat living in the cloud forests of Bolivia. The species is called the tilcayo, and it is smaller than a typical house cat, with dark spots covering its fur. Scientists first became curious after studying a tiny wildcat named Tigrino that had been brought to a wildlife sanctuary. They compared its appearance and DNA with other wildcats and discovered that it belonged to a different species. Scientists still have many questions, including how many tilcayos live in the wild and how they behave. Learning more about the animal could help people protect the forests where it lives and the other creatures that share its habitat. Become a wildlife scientist and create a “Tilcayo Field Notebook” page. Draw the tilcayo in its forest habitat and label at least three details you would observe, such as its size, spots, food, or surroundings. At the bottom of your page, write three questions you would investigate if you traveled to Bolivia to study this newly identified cat.