1. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN’S MUSIC CENTER

Bruce Springsteen has opened a new music center in New Jersey. The center will teach visitors about American music and show objects from many famous musicians, not just Springsteen. People can see guitars, clothing, instruments, and exhibits about different kinds of music, including rock, jazz, soul, hip-hop, and protest songs. Springsteen said he wants young people to learn how music can inspire people and help tell the story of America. Design your own music museum room. Choose one kind of music you enjoy and draw three things you would put on display, such as an instrument, costume, photo, or song lyric. Then write 4–5 sentences explaining what visitors would learn in your room and why music matters to people.

The University of Texas softball team won its second national championship in a row. The Longhorns beat Texas Tech 4-1 in the final game of the Women’s College World Series. Pitcher Teagan Kavan helped lead the team and won a special award for being one of the best players in the tournament. Her calm focus showed that athletes can be strong leaders in different ways. Make a “teamwork trophy” for the Texas softball team. Draw the trophy and add three words that describe a championship team, such as practice, courage, or trust. Then write a short paragraph explaining how those qualities help players succeed during a big game.

A new museum called Dataland is opening in Los Angeles. It uses artificial intelligence, or A.I., to help create moving art with lights, sounds, colors, and data from nature. One exhibit is inspired by the Amazon rainforest and includes butterflies, birds, flowers, and trees. Some parts of the museum can even respond to visitors, such as by using bracelets that notice movement or feelings. Create your own A.I. nature artwork idea. Pick one place in nature, such as a forest, ocean, desert, or garden. Draw what visitors would see, hear, or feel in your exhibit. Then write 4 sentences explaining what information the A.I. would use and what your artwork would teach people about nature.

Some people in Albania are protesting a large resort project planned near the coast. Supporters say the project could bring tourists, jobs, and money to the country. Opponents worry it could harm a nature reserve where birds and other animals live. Protesters have used flamingo signs to show that they want leaders to protect wildlife while making decisions about building. Imagine your town is deciding whether to build something big near an animal habitat. Make a two-column chart. On one side, list two reasons people might support the project. On the other side, list two reasons people might worry about it. Then write one sentence explaining how leaders could listen to both sides.

The Tony Awards celebrated plays and musicals in New York City. A play called “Liberation” won best play, and John Lithgow won an acting award for his role in “Giant.” Another show, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball,” won an award for its creative direction. The night honored actors, writers, singers, dancers, and many other people who help bring theater stories to life. Plan a mini awards show for your classroom. Create three award categories, such as best storyteller, best costume idea, or best teamwork. For each award, write one sentence explaining what a person would need to do to win it.