1. TSUNAMI WARNING

A very strong earthquake happened near Alaska’s coast on Wednesday. It was so powerful it caused a tsunami warning, which told people to move to higher ground in case big waves came. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 and happened near a town called Sand Point. People in other towns, like Kodiak and Unalaska, also had to be careful. Thankfully, there wasn’t a big tsunami, and the warning was canceled a few hours later. Some bottles broke in a store and a few people had to evacuate in the rain, but no one was hurt. Alaska has lots of earthquakes, and this one is part of a group of big ones that scientists are watching closely. Write 3 to 5 sentences about what you would do if you heard a tsunami warning in your town. Why is it important to move to higher ground? What would you want to bring with you if you had to leave quickly? Then, draw a picture of what you think an earthquake or tsunami might look like—or what people do to stay safe.

2. MOON LANDING MILESTONE

Pope Leo XIV celebrated the 56th anniversary of the first moon landing by visiting the Vatican’s space observatory in Italy. After leading a prayer, the pope toured the observatory, where scientists study stars, planets, and even pieces of meteorites from space. He looked through telescopes and met with students learning about space. Later, the pope called astronaut Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to walk on the moon in 1969. The two talked about the moon landing and how amazing it is to explore space. Pope Leo gave Aldrin and his family a special blessing. The Vatican has been interested in space for a long time and even sent messages to astronauts during earlier missions. Think about why the pope might have wanted to visit the observatory and talk to an astronaut. Write a paragraph explaining how science and space exploration can connect with big ideas like faith, wonder, or curiosity. How do you think people feel when they learn something new about space? What would you want to ask an astronaut like Buzz Aldrin if you had the chance? Write at least three sentences about the topic and three questions you would ask an astronaut.

3. SHARK SPOTTED IN AUSTRALIAN LAKE

A drone photographer in Australia spotted something amazing — a young great white shark swimming in Lake Conjola! Great white sharks are usually found in the ocean, so seeing one in a lake surprised many people. At first, the photographer, Trent Micallef, thought everything looked normal. But later, when he looked at the video again, he noticed something strange: a fishing lure was stuck to the shark. That means someone may have tried to catch it. A shark scientist said the shark probably followed a group of salmon into the lake and left on its own a few days later. The photographer said it was an amazing moment but also a reminder that people’s actions, like fishing, can hurt animals if we’re not careful. After reading about the shark with a fishing lure stuck to it, think about what people can do to keep oceans and lakes clean and safe for animals. Write a paragraph explaining one way humans can help protect animals like sharks, fish, and turtles. Then, draw a poster showing your idea to teach others why it’s important to take care of nature.

4. TEAM NAME

President Donald Trump says he doesn’t like the names of two sports teams: the Washington Commanders football team and the Cleveland Guardians baseball team. He wants them to go back to their old names — the Redskins and the Indians — even though those names were changed because many people felt they were disrespectful to Native Americans. The teams say they are happy with their new names and are not changing them back. This is part of a bigger conversation about how we should treat people and what names are kind and fair. Sometimes people and teams change their names to be more respectful to others. Think about a time when someone’s feelings were hurt by something someone said. What could you say or do to be kind instead? Write a short paragraph about how we can use kind words and names to help everyone feel respected. Then, design a new, fun team name and logo that makes everyone feel included!

5. A STAR IS BORN

Scientists used powerful space telescopes to look at a baby star called HOPS-315, far away in space. Around this baby star, they saw tiny bits of rock beginning to form — the first steps in making planets! These little specks are like the ones that helped make Earth and the other planets in our solar system. This discovery helps us understand what it might have looked like when our solar system was just starting. The star is still very young and very far away, but watching it is like seeing the beginning of new planets being born! Imagine Earth didn’t exist yet and you could help design a brand-new planet. What would it look like? Would it have mountains, oceans, forests, or something totally different? Write a description of your new planet, including its name, what kinds of animals or people might live there, and what makes it special. Then, draw a picture of your planet to share with your class.