1. COLD WATER CATASTROPHE

Every year, cold water rises up from the deep ocean in the Gulf of Panama between January and April. This cold water is full of nutrients and helps feed fish, dolphins, whales, and even protect coral reefs from getting too hot. But this year, scientists were surprised to find that the cold water never showed up. This has never happened before in 40 years of records. The cold water usually rises because of strong winds called trade winds. These winds help push warm water away and make room for the cold water to come up. But this year, the trade winds were much weaker than normal. Scientists are still trying to figure out why, but it may be because of changes in the air and ocean caused by climate change. If the cold water keeps disappearing, it could hurt sea animals and make it harder for coral reefs to survive. Draw a picture that shows the difference between what usually happens in the ocean near Panama and what happened this year. On one side, show the strong trade winds pushing warm water and cold water rising with lots of sea life. On the other side, show what it looked like this year with weaker winds and no cold water rising. Then write 2–3 sentences about why this cold water is important for sea animals.

2. ISLANDERS WORRY ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

The people who live on small islands in the Pacific Ocean are very worried about climate change. Rising sea levels are already covering the beaches and homes they’ve lived in for generations. Some islands might even disappear underwater in the future. Leaders from these islands met recently to talk about how to protect their communities. They hoped for help from big countries like the United States, but that help has not always come. Years ago, the U.S. promised to help with projects to fight climate change, but those promises were canceled or delayed. China has started offering help instead. Even though the islands are small and don’t have a lot of money, they are working hard to come up with their own ideas—like building climate funds and making their lands stronger. Many island communities in the Pacific are trying to protect their homes from rising ocean water. Some people are planting trees, building walls, or creating new ways to keep their villages safe. Write a summary of this story in your own words. Include 3 to 5 details you read that you think are important for sharing this story.

3. A STUDY IN THE AMAZON

Scientists studied the Amazon rainforest and found something amazing: when Indigenous people take care of the forest, people nearby get sick less often. That’s because healthy forests help clean the air and water, and they also stop some diseases from spreading. The study showed that areas with more trees had fewer cases of illnesses like asthma and malaria. Indigenous communities have known this for a long time—they believe the health of people and the land are connected. Now, scientists agree. This new information may help world leaders protect the Amazon rainforest and support Indigenous people who live there. Imagine you are part of a team that wants to help protect the rainforest. Draw a poster that shows how forests help people stay healthy. Include trees, animals, and people, and write a short message like “Healthy Forests = Healthy People!” or “Protect the Rainforest, Protect Our Health.” Be sure to include something you learned from the article in your drawing or message.

4. EXCITING FIND ON MARS

NASA scientists are very excited about a special rock that the Perseverance rover found on Mars. The rock, called Cheyava Falls, has tiny dark spots and strange patterns that look like things made by microbes, which are super small living creatures. On Earth, these same kinds of spots often show that life once lived there. This means the rock might be the best clue so far that life once existed on Mars! Even though this is exciting, the scientists say they can’t be totally sure yet. The signs might also be caused by natural chemical changes, not by living things. To find out for sure, they want to bring the rock back to Earth for more tests in better labs. But right now, NASA’s plan to bring the rocks home is on hold because it costs a lot of money. Even with the mystery still unsolved, this rock is giving scientists hope that Mars may have once had life. NASA wants to bring the special Mars rock back to Earth, but they aren’t sure how or when they can do it. Design your own space mission to bring the rock home! Draw a picture of your rocket or rover and label its parts. Then, write a short description explaining how your mission will travel to Mars, pick up the rock, and return safely to Earth.

5. MATERIALS MATTER

Paris is famous for its pretty rooftops made of shiny gray metal called zinc. These rooftops have been part of the city for a long time and are loved by artists and tourists. But now, they are causing a big problem. When there are heat waves—very hot days—the metal roofs get super hot, like a frying pan. This makes the top-floor apartments underneath them very uncomfortable and sometimes even dangerous. City leaders want to find ways to keep people safe from the heat while still keeping the city’s beautiful look. Some people think adding gardens or wood decks on top of the roofs might help cool them down. Others worry that changing the roofs would make Paris look different. Everyone is trying to find a solution that protects people and also protects the city’s charm. Imagine you are an architect in Paris. Draw or describe a new roof design that helps keep homes cool but still looks nice. What materials would you use? Would you add plants or shade? Write a few sentences explaining your ideas and how they would help people stay cool on hot days.