1. A KENTUCKY DERBY FIRST

Cherie DeVaux made history when her horse, Golden Tempo, won the Kentucky Derby. She became the first female trainer ever to win the famous race. DeVaux did not always plan to train racehorses. She once studied to go to medical school, but later changed paths and began working with horses at a racetrack. With help from mentors, family, and years of hard work, she built a successful career. Golden Tempo was not expected to win, but the horse raced ahead near the end and gave DeVaux a victory she once never imagined. Write a short paragraph about a time when changing plans could lead to something good. Use Cherie DeVaux’s story as an example, and explain how hard work, help from others, and believing in yourself can make a big difference.

2. TIMMY THE WHALE SWIMS FREE

A humpback whale nicknamed Timmy was rescued after being stuck for weeks in shallow water near Germany. Timmy was about 40 feet long and weighed around 26,000 pounds, so moving him was not easy. Rescuers tried several ways to help, including removing fishing net from his body and digging a channel in the water. Finally, they guided him into a large water-filled barge and towed him to the North Sea, where he was released. The rescue showed how much people cared about one whale, while also reminding everyone that many sea animals are hurt by fishing nets and unsafe oceans. Create a rescue update for a classroom news board. In 4 to 6 sentences, explain what happened to Timmy, how rescuers helped him, and why ocean safety matters for whales and dolphins.

3. A TREASURE HUNT IN SAN FRANCISCO

People in San Francisco are searching for a buried treasure chest filled with 10,000 one-dollar coins. The chest weighs about 150 pounds and is hidden about one foot underground somewhere in the city. The treasure hunt began when mysterious clues were posted online in the form of a poem. Soon, people used maps, shovels, bikes, ferries, and lots of creative thinking to search parks and famous places around San Francisco. Some people tried using technology to solve the clues, while others believed local knowledge and careful observation would help more. Even if they do not find the money, many treasure hunters say the adventure itself is part of the fun. Write your own short treasure clue for a hidden object somewhere in your school or classroom. Then write 3 to 5 sentences explaining where your clue would lead, what details a good treasure hunter would need to notice, and why solving clues can be exciting.

4. CHONKERS THE SEA LION

A huge sea lion nicknamed Chonkers has become a surprise star at San Francisco’s Pier 39. Chonkers is a Steller sea lion, which is much bigger than the California sea lions that usually rest on the docks there. Experts think he may weigh between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds. Visitors have rushed to the pier to take pictures and watch him lounge near the smaller sea lions. Scientists say he may have traveled from farther north and found plenty of fish to eat in San Francisco Bay. Even though Chonkers stands out, people have enjoyed watching him try to fit in with the other sea lions. Pretend you are making an animal profile card for Chonkers. Write 5 sentences that describe what kind of animal he is, why people are excited to see him, and what makes Pier 39 a good place for sea lions to rest.

5. COWS ON SOLAR FARMS

A solar farm in Tennessee is testing a new idea: letting cattle graze under solar panels. The farm has rows of panels that make electricity from sunlight, but instead of gravel underneath, there is green pasture for cows and calves. Workers move the cattle from one area to another every few days so the animals can eat grass while the panels still make power. The shade from the panels may help cattle stay cooler, drink less water, and avoid heat stress. Supporters hope this kind of project can help farmers earn money, protect farmland, and create cleaner energy at the same time. Draw a picture of a farm that uses both animals and solar power. Under your drawing, write a short explanation of how the cows, grass, shade, and solar panels could all work together.