1. CLIMATE SUPERCOMPUTER GETS NEW MANAGEMENT

A powerful climate supercomputer named Derecho helps more than 4,000 scientists study hurricanes, wildfires, air pollution and other weather events. It can perform nearly 20 quadrillion calculations every second, allowing researchers to analyze huge amounts of data and improve forecasts and disaster warnings. For years, it has been managed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Colorado. Now, the National Science Foundation says a new “third-party operator” will take over running the machine, but it has not said who that will be or when the change will happen. Some scientists are worried that changes could interrupt important research that helps communities prepare for storms and other emergencies. Officials say they plan to make sure the supercomputer continues operating smoothly. In 4 to 5 sentences, explain why a supercomputer like Derecho is important for keeping people safe during severe weather. Then imagine you are a scientist who uses this computer. Describe one kind of weather event you would study and how your research could help families in your community.

2. NEW ASTRONAUTS ARRIVE AT SPACE STATION

The International Space Station is back to full strength after four new astronauts arrived to replace crew members who had to return to Earth early because of a health emergency. SpaceX launched the new team from Florida, sending astronauts from the United States, France and Russia into orbit. When the spacecraft docked, the astronauts opened the hatch, hugged their teammates and prepared to begin months of research and maintenance. One astronaut who returned early had a serious medical issue, but NASA has kept that information private. The new crew members will live and work in space for eight to nine months, conducting experiments and helping keep the station running smoothly. Write 4 to 6 sentences describing what daily life might be like on the International Space Station. Include at least two challenges astronauts might face in space and one reason why their research is important for people on Earth.

3. HOW PRESIDENTS DAY CHANGED OVER TIME

Presidents Day began as a way to honor George Washington’s birthday, but the holiday has changed a lot over the years. After Washington died, people began collecting souvenirs and celebrating him with parades and festivals on his birthday. In 1971, the holiday was moved to a Monday to create a three-day weekend, which helped boost travel and shopping. Today, many people think more about sales at stores than about Washington’s life and leadership. Some historians believe it would be helpful to spend more time reflecting on what presidents have meant to the country. In 4 to 5 sentences, describe one way your class or family could make Presidents Day more meaningful. Explain what you might learn about George Washington or another president and why remembering history is important.

4. A STOAT BECOMES AN OLYMPIC STAR

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy introduced a new mascot: a stoat, a small animal related to a weasel. Stoats have brown fur in the summer and turn white in the winter, which helps them blend into snowy landscapes. The mascot named Tina represents the city of Cortina, while her sibling Milo represents Milan and the Paralympics. Milo is missing a paw and uses his tail to help him walk, showing that athletes can succeed in different ways. Olympic mascots have included many unusual characters over the years, including a snowball, an ice cube and even a red hat. Draw your own Olympic mascot based on an animal that lives in your state or region. In 3 to 5 sentences, describe what your mascot looks like, what special qualities it represents, and how it would inspire athletes during the Games.

5. A VIDEO GAME ABOUT RETURNING ART

A new video game called Relooted asks players to break into museums to retrieve artifacts that were taken from African countries long ago. In the game, a team of characters plans careful missions to return important cultural objects to their original homes. The creators say they want players to think about whether items that were removed during colonial times should be given back. The game does not name real museums directly, but it includes real artifacts and historical details. Some people have praised the game for encouraging conversations about history and fairness, while others have questioned its approach. Write a paragraph to explain why cultural artifacts are important to the countries and communities they come from. Then describe one peaceful way countries could work together to decide where important historical objects should be kept and displayed.