1. LESSONS FROM WILDFIRES

Last year, a huge wildfire burned much of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. The fire was so strong that it ripped up trees, turned the ground black, and forced 20,000 people to leave their homes. Now, scientists are studying the burned land to learn how to stop fires like this in the future. They are looking at tree rings, soil, and leftover plants to understand how the fire moved and how hot it got. Some areas of the forest that were treated with special fire safety steps didn’t burn as badly. Scientists hope their research will help protect people, animals, and forests from wildfires in the years ahead. Make a list of three ways people can help prevent wildfires or keep forests safe. For each one, write one sentence explaining why it is helpful. Then, draw a picture of a healthy forest with signs showing how people can protect it from fire.

2. CLIMBING MOUNTAINS AND BREAKING RECORDS

Kilian Jornet is a mountain runner from Spain who loves big adventures. This year, he wants to climb over 60 of the tallest mountains in the U.S., all higher than 14,000 feet. But he’s not just climbing—he’ll also ride his bike over 2,000 miles between the mountains! He plans to do all of this in just one month. Kilian has climbed some of the biggest mountains in the world, like Mount Everest, and even ran races that are 100 miles long. He says he doesn’t do it to win trophies—he just loves moving, exploring nature, and finding out what people can do when they try their hardest. Think about something that would be a big adventure for you—like hiking, biking, exploring a forest, or doing something new. Write 3 to 5 sentences about your adventure. Where would you go? What would you need to bring? How would you stay safe and have fun?

3. ROBOT RABBITS

In Florida’s Everglades, giant snakes called Burmese pythons are causing big problems. These snakes are not from Florida, and they eat too many animals like rabbits and birds. To help stop them, scientists are now using robot rabbits! The robot bunnies look, move, and even smell like real rabbits to trick the snakes. When a python gets close, a camera sends a signal so someone can come and remove the snake. The goal is to protect Florida’s native animals by finding and catching more of these sneaky snakes. Scientists hope the robot rabbits will be a big help in saving the Everglades. Draw a scene showing the robot rabbits in action in the Florida Everglades. Include details like trees, water, animals, and a python hiding nearby. Show how the robot rabbit helps scientists find the snake. Then, write 1 or 2 sentences to explain what’s happening in your picture.

4. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

In New York City, a man named Karl Scholz is using giant pink speakers to help people enjoy music and have fun together. He brings his sound system, called the Karlala Soundsystem, to parks, block parties, and special events. Sometimes people dance to loud music, and other times they listen to quiet, relaxing sounds. Karl started this project to help his community feel happy, healthy, and connected through music. He even builds the speakers himself and shares them with others who want to make music outside. Whether it’s a dance party or a calm music day in the park, Karl’s pink speakers are helping New Yorkers enjoy music together. Make a list of three ways music can bring people together, based on what you learned in the article. For each one, write one sentence explaining how it helps a neighborhood or community. Then, draw a picture of your own music party—where would it be, what kind of music would you play, and who would be there?

5. AUSTRALIA TACKLES PLASTIC WASTE

In South Australia, the government is banning the tiny plastic soy sauce bottles shaped like fish. These bottles are used at many sushi restaurants, but they are bad for the environment. Even though they’re made of recyclable plastic, they are too small for recycling machines to handle. That means they often end up as litter, hurting animals and polluting the ocean. People will still be able to get soy sauce in other ways, like from big bottles or packets. The goal of the ban is to keep plastic out of the ocean and help protect the Earth. Write 3 to 5 sentences about why South Australia is banning the little fish-shaped soy sauce bottles. Then, think of another small plastic item people use once and throw away. What could we use instead that would be better for the Earth? Write your idea and draw a picture of it.