1. E.P.A. SAVES ENERGY PROGRAM

The Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has decided not to cancel the Energy Star program after all. Energy Star is the blue label you see on appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and computers that use less electricity. The program started more than 30 years ago and helps families and businesses save money on energy bills while protecting the environment. When the E.P.A. announced plans to end it, many people—including companies and leaders from both political parties—spoke out to keep it. Now, the agency says it will look for ways to keep Energy Star running so people can keep finding energy-efficient products easily. Imagine you are writing a short TV commercial for the Energy Star program. In 4–5 sentences, tell viewers what Energy Star is, why it’s important, and how choosing Energy Star products helps people and the planet. End your commercial with a catchy slogan—something like “Save Energy, Save the Earth!”

2. A NEW FUNGUS TRICK COULD HELP FIGHT MOSQUITOES

Scientists have discovered a new way to get rid of mosquitoes using a special fungus. Mosquitoes are tiny insects that can spread dangerous diseases like malaria and dengue, which make many people sick each year. The fungus, called Metarhizium, gives off a sweet smell that mosquitoes can’t resist—kind of like how flowers attract bees. When the mosquitoes land on it, the fungus infects them and eventually kills them. Researchers say this new method could be safer for people, animals, and the environment than using chemical sprays, and it might help protect communities from mosquito-borne illnesses. Imagine your class has been asked to come up with ideas for future inventions that use nature to solve problems. In 3–4 sentences, describe your own creative “nature-inspired invention.” It could fight pests, clean water, or help plants grow—anything that uses animals, plants, or fungi in a helpful way. Give your invention a name and explain how it works!

3. AIR POLLUTION MAY AFFECT OUR BRAINS

Scientists have found that breathing polluted air doesn’t just hurt our lungs—it might also harm our brains. Tiny bits of pollution from cars, factories, and smoke, called PM2.5, are so small that they can travel deep into the body and even reach the brain. In one study, people who lived in places with cleaner air had healthier brains and were less likely to get diseases like Alzheimer’s, which can cause memory loss. Researchers say this shows why it’s so important to keep the air clean by using less fossil fuel and more renewable energy. Clean air doesn’t just help us breathe better—it helps us think better, too! Brainstorm three everyday actions that could make the air cleaner where you live — for example, walking instead of driving, planting trees, or saving electricity. Then, write 3–4 sentences explaining which idea you think would make the biggest difference and why.

4. NOVEMBER’S SUPERMOON SHINES BRIGHTEST OF THE YEAR

Get ready to look up! On Wednesday night, people all over the world can see November’s supermoon—the biggest and brightest full moon of the year. A supermoon happens when the moon moves a little closer to Earth in its orbit, making it look larger and glow more brightly than usual. This one will be about 222,000 miles away, which is closer than most other full moons. Scientists say the moon may look up to 14% bigger and 30% brighter, though you might not notice the difference unless you compare photos. You don’t need a telescope—just clear skies and a good view of the night sky! Pretend you’re an astronomer writing a short weather-style report for your school morning announcements. In 3–4 sentences, tell students what a supermoon is, when to look for it, and what makes it special.

5. CHINA’S GOLDEN MONKEYS TRAVEL TO EUROPE

China has sent a group of rare golden snub-nosed monkeys to zoos in France and Belgium—the first time these colorful animals have ever lived outside Asia. The monkeys have bright orange fur, pale blue faces, and fluffy hands and feet to stay warm in China’s snowy mountains. Like China’s famous panda loans, the monkeys are part of a program meant to help people learn about and protect endangered animals. The zoos built special homes that look like traditional Chinese gardens, with red roofs and wooden bridges for the monkeys to climb. Scientists hope that by studying and caring for them, people in Europe will learn more about the species and help protect their wild cousins back in China. Pretend your local zoo just got a pair of golden snub-nosed monkeys! Write 3–4 sentences describing how you would design their new habitat to make them feel comfortable and happy. What would you include—trees, climbing ropes, cozy shelters? Then, draw a picture of your monkey habitat showing how it helps them play, rest, and stay safe.