1. CITRUS ISSUES

Florida’s citrus growers are facing big challenges. Hurricanes, a deadly plant disease called citrus greening, and more people moving in have made it harder to grow oranges. Some farmers are giving up and selling their land to build houses, while others are trying to find ways to save their groves. Scientists are working on special bug-resistant trees that could help stop the disease, but it will take a few more years before they are ready. Until then, farmers are using creative solutions like protective screens and special injections to keep their trees healthy. Many people hope that one day, Florida’s orange groves will thrive again. Florida’s orange groves are disappearing, and farmers have to decide whether to sell their land or find ways to keep growing citrus. Think about the challenges they face—bad weather, disease, and more people moving in. If you were a farmer, what would you do? Would you sell your land and start a new business, or would you try to save your orange trees? Write a short letter to a fellow farmer explaining your decision and giving reasons for your choice.

2. SAVING THE SALMON

For a long time, dams blocked salmon from swimming up the Klamath River, a big river that flows between California and Oregon. This was a huge problem for the Native American tribes in the area, as well as for fishermen who depend on salmon. In the past, the Klamath River was filled with salmon, but because of dams, pollution, and farming, many salmon disappeared. Last year, four dams were removed, allowing salmon to return to the river for the first time in over 100 years. This was one of the largest dam removal projects in the world! Many people celebrated because this change helps restore the river’s health and supports the wildlife and communities that depend on it. Now, people have seen thousands of salmon swimming back upstream, bringing hope that the river can be saved. However, not everyone agrees on what should happen next. Some farmers worry that if wetlands (swampy areas) are brought back, they will lose land for growing crops. Meanwhile, the government has stopped funding for more restoration projects, making it harder to continue protecting the river. Still, many people believe that by working together, they can find a way to protect both the river and the people who live around it. Imagine you are in charge of making a plan to help both the salmon and the people who live near the Klamath River. First, think about how to protect the salmon by keeping the river clean and making sure they can swim freely. Then, consider how to support farmers who need water for their crops while also keeping enough water in the river for fish and wildlife. Finally, come up with ideas for making sure the river stays healthy for future generations. Create a colorful poster that illustrates your plan, using pictures, symbols, and words to explain your ideas. Once your poster is finished, share it with the class and describe how your plan balances the needs of nature and the people who depend on the river.

3. FLAG FAVORITE

Illinois recently held a public vote to decide whether to change its state flag, but in the end, people chose to keep the current design. The existing flag, which features the state seal with a bald eagle, won in a landslide with 43% of the vote, more than all six finalists combined. Even though some people call it “Seal on a Bedsheet” (SOB) and experts criticize it, most Illinois residents preferred to stick with tradition. The contest originally allowed residents to submit new designs, and while many people voted for a change, the current flag still came out on top. The Illinois General Assembly will make the final decision, but lawmakers believe they will follow the public’s choice. Even though the flag stayed the same, the competition helped build pride and interest in Illinois’ identity. Create your own state flag! Think about what symbols, animals, or colors best represent your state. Draw your design and write a short explanation about why you chose each element. If you don’t live in Illinois, you can design a new flag for your own state or even make one for a made-up place. If your flag were part of a public vote, what would you say to convince people to choose it?

4. SPACE RESCUE

Two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, have been on the International Space Station (ISS) since June, much longer than originally planned. Their return was delayed due to technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, which was supposed to bring them back. SpaceX is scheduled to bring them home in late March, but President Trump has asked Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, to speed up their return. NASA responded that it will bring the astronauts back “as soon as practical,” considering safety and the need to keep the ISS properly staffed. The extended stay is not unusual for astronauts, but changing the schedule too quickly could create challenges for the space station crew. Write a summary of this story and list some of the challenges you can think of or learned from the story that are involved with bringing Suni and Butch home.

5. RESPECT THE WOMBAT

Recently, an American influencer sparked outrage after picking up a baby wombat, highlighting the importance of respecting wildlife and not interfering with wild animals. Wombats are furry, nocturnal marsupials found only in Australia. They spend much of their time in underground burrows, which can have multiple entrances and stretch over 300 feet long. These animals, about the size of a medium dog, are herbivores that use their sharp claws for digging rather than defense. A mother wombat may leave her burrow to her young after raising them, allowing them to live in a safe space before they can dig their own. Wombats are also famous for producing cube-shaped poop, a unique trait linked to their intestinal muscles. There are three species of wombats, and one, the northern hairy-nosed wombat, is critically endangered. Wombat burrows have even been observed providing shelter for other animals during Australia’s wildfire season. Imagine you are a wildlife expert designing the perfect burrow for a family of wombats. Think about what they need: plenty of tunnels, cozy spaces to sleep, and protection from predators. On a piece of paper, draw a diagram of a wombat burrow, labeling its different parts. How many entrances will it have? Where will the wombats sleep? Will there be space for other animals seeking shelter? After drawing, write a short explanation of why your burrow is the perfect home for wombats.