1. THE PERFECT FIELD

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played in 16 stadiums across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA wants every soccer field to feel as similar as possible, even though the stadiums are in places with very different weather. Scientists have spent years studying different kinds of grass and testing how players and soccer balls move on them. Some fields will use Bermuda grass, while others will use a special mix of Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass. Workers are also using special lights, fans, and watering systems to keep the grass healthy. Their goal is to make sure every team plays on a safe, high-quality field. Imagine you are in charge of designing a soccer field for a big tournament. Draw a picture of your field and label at least three features that would help players perform their best. Then write a short paragraph explaining why each feature is important and how it would help keep the game fair and fun.

2. VANDALS DAMAGE ARTWORK

A painting by artist Clarence Heyward was damaged at the Houston Museum of African American Culture when two visitors intentionally scraped it and made a hole in the canvas. The artwork was part of an exhibition that explored identity and self-expression through colorful portraits. Museum leaders said the damage was upsetting, but they chose to display the painting with the damage still visible. They wanted visitors to understand what happened and think about the importance of respecting art and different viewpoints. Police are investigating the incident. Art can help people share ideas and tell stories. Think about a piece of art that you would create to teach others about something important to you. Draw your artwork and write a few sentences explaining its message. Then explain why it is important to treat other people’s artwork with care and respect.

3. MYSTERY POTATO OVER COLORADO

Newly released government documents describe a strange object that several Army personnel reported seeing over a mountain in Colorado in 2022. Witnesses said the object looked a little like a giant potato and appeared to hover in the sky before disappearing. Scientists and government investigators have considered different explanations, including unusual reflections of sunlight on clouds or snow. So far, no one knows exactly what the object was. The report is one of many cases that people continue to study when unusual things are spotted in the sky. Pretend you are a scientist investigating a mystery in the sky. Write a short report describing what you observed, what questions you would ask, and two possible explanations for what you saw. Finish by explaining what evidence you would need to solve the mystery.

4. INDIAN OCEAN WHALE GRAVEYARD

Scientists discovered an ancient whale graveyard deep in the Indian Ocean. Over millions of years, whale skeletons settled on the ocean floor and created habitats for many different sea creatures. Researchers found animals such as jellyfish, tubeworms, sea cucumbers, and brittle stars living around the bones. Some of the creatures may even be species that scientists have never seen before. The discovery helps researchers learn how life survives in dark, deep parts of the ocean where conditions can be very challenging. Create a “Deep-Sea Neighborhood” poster. Draw a whale skeleton on the ocean floor and add at least four animals that might live nearby. Label each creature and write a few sentences explaining how the whale bones help support life in this underwater community.

5. PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE

Thousands of people gathered in New York City for the National Puerto Rican Day Parade. Marchers filled Fifth Avenue with music, dancing, colorful clothing, and Puerto Rican flags. The annual event celebrates Puerto Rican culture and honors the contributions of Puerto Rican people in the United States and around the world. This year’s parade featured well-known guests, including singer Daddy Yankee and actor Anthony Ramos. The celebration also recognized students and community leaders for their achievements. Many communities celebrate their culture with festivals, parades, or special events. Think about a tradition, holiday, or celebration that is important to you or your family. Draw a scene from that celebration and write a paragraph describing what people do, why it is meaningful, and what others could learn by taking part in it.