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For
Grades 5-8
, week of
June 02, 2025
1. SWIFT WINS MUSIC RIGHTS
Taylor Swift now officially owns the original recordings of her first six albums. These albums were sold in 2019 without her permission, and Swift said that deal took away her life’s work. She promised to re-record them so she could control her music again, which she began doing with “Taylor’s Version” albums. On May 30, 2025, she announced that her successful Eras Tour helped her buy the master recordings back from an investment company. Now she owns all her music, videos, photos, and more. She thanked her fans for supporting her through the process and said this is a big moment in her career. Think about what it means to own your creative work. Write a paragraph explaining why Taylor Swift wanted to buy back her albums, how she did it, and what you think it means for other artists. Include at least one reason why owning your work can be important.
2. C.D.C. VS R.F.K.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.) has decided to keep COVID-19 vaccines available for children ages 6 months to 17 years, even though Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the shots would be removed from the official vaccine schedule. Instead of removing them completely, the C.D.C. said that children can still get the vaccine if they talk to their doctor first — a process called “shared decision-making.” This means parents will need to have a conversation with a healthcare provider to decide if the vaccine is right for their child. Some experts are worried that this change could make it harder for kids and pregnant women to get the vaccine. While the C.D.C. still recommends the shot for pregnant women, it’s unclear whether health insurance will cover the cost. Doctors and scientists are concerned that these new rules may reduce access to vaccines and create confusion for families. Write a short paragraph explaining what “shared decision-making” means in the context of vaccines. Then, discuss one reason why some experts are worried about the C.D.C.’s updated policy and how it could affect families.
3. CHECK YOUR SOURCES
A recent health report from the Trump administration raised concerns after it was discovered that it included fake citations—meaning it mentioned scientific studies that don’t actually exist. The report was supposed to focus on children’s health issues, like mental health and asthma, but experts say that some of the sources were made up or cited incorrectly. Some scientists believe artificial intelligence may have been used to write parts of the report. While some of the report’s points—such as concerns about unhealthy foods—are supported by real research, other parts, like suggestions that vaccines might be harmful, go against what scientists agree is true. Experts say that when writing about science, it’s important to double-check sources to make sure the information is accurate and trustworthy. Imagine you are helping a health reporter check a government report before it is published. Write a short paragraph explaining why it is important to use real sources when writing about science. In your paragraph, include an example of what could go wrong if someone uses fake or incorrect sources. Then, describe one way people can double-check that the information they are using is true.
4. IDENTITY THEFT
The U.S. government is investigating a cybersecurity incident where someone pretended to be Susie Wiles, President Trump’s chief of staff. Important people like governors and business leaders received fake texts and phone calls that seemed to come from her. Some even heard a voice that sounded like Wiles, possibly made using artificial intelligence (AI). The FBI says hackers are using AI to trick people by impersonating government officials. It’s unclear how the hacker got Wiles’ contact information, but the White House and FBI are taking the matter seriously. This is part of a bigger problem involving digital security and fake messages. Think about how technology can be used to both help and harm people. Write a short response explaining what artificial intelligence is and how it might be used to trick someone, like in this news story. Then, share one or two ideas for how people can stay safe from fake messages or phone calls online. Use your own words and include examples if you can.
5. A.I. JOB ISSUES
More college graduates are having trouble finding jobs, especially in fields like tech and finance, because companies are starting to use artificial intelligence (A.I.) instead of hiring entry-level workers. A recent report shows that unemployment for new graduates is higher than usual, and many businesses are now using A.I. tools to do jobs like writing code, analyzing data, or answering customer questions. Some companies even stopped hiring junior workers because A.I. can do the work faster and cheaper. Experts worry that this change will make it harder for young workers to get experience and grow in their careers. Still, some recent graduates are trying new paths, like starting their own businesses, to stay ahead in a world where A.I. is quickly changing how people work. Write a paragraph explaining how artificial intelligence is affecting job opportunities for recent college graduates. Use examples from the article and include your thoughts on what students today can do to prepare for a future with A.I. in the workplace.
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