1. YOUTH ACTIVISTS TRY TO PROTECT A CLIMATE WIN

A group of young people in Montana went to court because they believed state laws were harming the environment and their future. In 2023, a judge agreed that the state must think about climate change when approving fossil fuel projects. After the court win, state leaders passed new laws that limit how much the government can consider pollution and climate effects. The young activists say these new laws ignore the court’s decision and could make climate change worse. They are now asking Montana’s highest court to stop the new laws and protect their right to a safe environment. Think about a place in nature that you care about, such as a park, river, forest, or backyard. Draw a picture showing what that place looks like when it is healthy and protected. Then write 3–4 sentences explaining why it is important to take care of this place and what kids and adults could do to help keep it safe.

2. DISNEY INVESTS TO BRING CHARACTERS TO A.I. VIDEOS

Disney announced it is investing $1 billion in a company called OpenAI, which makes artificial intelligence tools. One of these tools, called Sora, can create short videos using words typed by a person. Soon, people may be able to make videos featuring famous characters like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Star Wars heroes. Disney says it wants to protect its characters while using new technology in a responsible way. Some adults worry that using favorite characters with AI could confuse or attract young kids in unsafe ways. Choose one fictional character you know well from a book, movie, or show. Write 3–5 sentences explaining what makes that character special and how you think creators should protect them so they are used in kind, safe, and fair ways. End by explaining one rule you would make about using characters in new technology.

3. “COLOR OF THE YEAR”

Pantone is a company that chooses a “Color of the Year” to inspire artists and designers around the world. For 2026, Pantone chose a soft white color called “Cloud Dancer.” Some people criticized the choice and said it had political or social meaning. Pantone explained that the color was chosen because it feels calm, peaceful, and creative, not because of politics. The company said colors can make people feel different emotions and help spark imagination. Think about a color that makes you feel calm, happy, excited, or creative. Write 3 sentences describing that color and how it makes you feel. Then draw something using that color and explain in one sentence why it would be a good “Color of the Year” for kids.

4. HELPFUL HUNTERS

Scientists discovered that killer whales and Pacific white-sided dolphins sometimes work together to find food. The dolphins help lead the whales to salmon, and the whales may share bits of fish with them. This teamwork surprised scientists, who once thought dolphins were stealing food. Using drones and underwater cameras, researchers saw that both animals benefit from hunting together. The study shows that animals can form helpful partnerships in nature. Imagine two different animals working together to solve a problem, like finding food or staying safe. Design a comic strip or write a short story (4–5 sentences) about how they help each other and what each animal does best. Finish by explaining what this story teaches about teamwork.

5. READING RATES DROPPING

Many students today read fewer whole books in school than students did in the past. Teachers often assign short stories or parts of books instead of full novels. Some people think this is because of testing, technology, and limited class time. Others worry that students are losing the ability to focus on long stories. Some teachers still believe kids enjoy and benefit from reading entire books together. Think about a book you have read or listened to from beginning to end. Write 4 sentences explaining what the book was about and why you liked or remembered it. Then write one sentence explaining why reading a whole book can be different from reading just a short part.