1. INFINITE MONKEY THEOREM

A study concluded that monkeys could never randomly type out the works of Shakespeare, even if they had infinite time. The idea, known as the “infinite monkey theorem,” suggests that with endless time, monkeys typing randomly would eventually produce Shakespeare’s plays. However, the odds of this happening are so small that it’s nearly impossible, even if the universe lasted far longer than expected. The study showed that while monkeys might accidentally type simple words like “banana,” typing something much more complex, like a Shakespeare play, is beyond any realistic chance. This study highlights how even with infinite time, the resources of our universe are limited. While this might seem like a silly idea, it’s a way to think about really big concepts. Can you think of another example like this, where a silly way to think about something has made it easier to remember or understand? Write at least 3 sentences about an example you can think of from your own life.

2. ASTRONAUT TEACHER

Christa McAuliffe was a teacher from New Hampshire who became famous for being the first teacher in space. Before that, she was a passionate teacher who wanted her students to know that regular people, especially women, could make a big impact on history. A new documentary called “Christa: From Ordinary to Extraordinary” shows how McAuliffe continues to inspire others even though she passed away in 1986 when the space shuttle Challenger tragically exploded. The documentary focuses more on McAuliffe’s life and teaching than her death. It talks about how she loved teaching and learning, and how her students felt like they were going to space with her. The documentary also highlights how people in New Hampshire still remember her and are proud of her. There’s a statue of McAuliffe at the Statehouse, and her memory lives on through the lessons she taught and the history she made. If you could talk to McAuliffe, what would you want to ask her or talk to her about? Write at least five sentences about what you’d ask and hope to learn.

3. “THOMAS” CREATOR HONORED

Britt Allcroft, the woman who brought Thomas the Tank Engine to TV, passed away at 81. She turned the beloved train character from books into a TV show called Thomas & Friends, which became very popular. It led to movies, toys, and even theme parks! Britt worked hard to make the show happen. She even used her own money to start it and chose famous people, like Ringo Starr, to narrate. The show taught important lessons in a gentle, fun way, which kids loved. It became a huge hit, airing for over 30 years and spreading around the world. Britt wanted Thomas & Friends to be a comforting and inspiring escape for children, and she succeeded in making it one of the most loved shows ever! If you’re familiar with Thomas the Tank Engine, did you know who created it? Do you like learning about the people who create your favorite characters? Write 3 to 5 sentences about why or why not.

4. EYE ON THE SKY

In 2025, the sky will be full of exciting events! While there won’t be a big solar eclipse this year, there will be two lunar eclipses. The first one will happen in March and the second in September, both making the moon disappear for more than an hour. There will also be some partial solar eclipses in different parts of the world. In January, six planets will line up in the sky, and in February, tiny Mercury will join to make it seven! You can see most of these planets without a telescope. There will also be three supermoons in October, November, and December, where the moon will look extra big and bright. We might also see beautiful northern and southern lights because the sun is very active right now. Plus, there will be several meteor showers, like the Perseids in August and the Geminids in December, where you can see lots of shooting stars. Choose one of the celestial events talked about here and look up more about it with resources in your classroom. Write down at least 3 facts you learn.

5. BIDEN AWARDS MEDALS

President Joe Biden gave the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest award for civilians in the U.S., to 19 famous people from different areas like politics, sports, entertainment, civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and science. Some of the people who received the award were Hillary Clinton, who got a big round of applause, philanthropist George Soros, and actor Denzel Washington. Biden, as one of his last acts as president, thanked these people for their important work. Some medals were given to people who had already passed away, like former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer. The people who received the medals have made a big difference in America’s success and values. Other winners included soccer star Lionel Messi, chef José Andrés, actor Michael J. Fox, and conservationist Jane Goodall. This ceremony was part of a long tradition of honoring people who have made a lasting impact on the country. Choose one of the people who received the nineteen Presidential Medal of Freedom recently. Using resources in your classroom or a quick class discussion, find out what the person is famous for and how their work has helped society. Write a short summary of what you learned.