1. REMOTE CONTROL CARS

Self-driving cars, like those in cities such as San Francisco, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, can drive without a human inside, but they still need help from people far away. In places like Zoox's control center in California, workers step in when the cars face challenges they can't handle, like navigating construction or getting around emergency vehicles. For example, if a Zoox car sees something it doesn’t know how to handle, a remote technician can use a computer to draw a new path for the car. The car then follows this new route until it can drive by itself again. Though these cars can handle normal situations, like making turns or stopping for people, they often struggle with unusual things, such as recognizing emergency vehicles. That’s why human workers still play an important role in making sure the cars drive safely. Even though the technology is improving, self-driving cars aren’t ready to fully replace human drivers yet. Companies like Zoox are still figuring out the best way to balance between computers and human help. Write a summary that includes at least five facts from this story.

2. A RARE FLOWER

In North Dakota, researchers are studying a rare flower called the western prairie fringed orchid. This orchid is special because it only grows in a few places and is protected because it's in danger of disappearing. The researchers are trying to understand how it survives and what helps it grow. The orchid's blooms are white and pretty, but finding them can be tough because they blend into the prairie. Researchers are looking at how insects, like moths, help pollinate the flowers and are tracking them using GPS. They’re also gathering soil and plant data to see what helps the orchid grow. These scientists are working hard, even at night, to learn more about the orchid and how it fits into its environment. Their work is important because it helps protect this unique plant and the prairie where it lives. What is a prairie? Use books or other resources in your classroom or online to look up what makes a prairie different from other kinds of land. Then, write a summary of what makes the western prairie fringed orchid special.

3. MORE ON THE MOON

Scientists have found tiny glass beads on the moon that suggest volcanoes were active there much more recently than previously thought. The beads were collected by a Chinese spacecraft in 2020, and their chemical makeup shows that volcanoes on the moon were still erupting around 120 million years ago, which was when dinosaurs were living on Earth. Before this discovery, scientists believed lunar volcanoes stopped about 2 billion years ago. These glass beads are important because they are the first real evidence that volcanoes were active much later on the moon. More research is needed to understand how this could be. What do you know about the moon? How do you think that information was discovered? Write down any facts you know and ideas about how people may have first figured out that they were true. Then, share your ideas with your classmates.

4. END OF A ROYAL ERA

In New Zealand, the Maori king, Tuheitia Potatau Te Wherowhero VII, passed away recently. (The Maori are native people whose ancestors lived in New Zealand before European settlers arrived, like Native American tribes in the United States.) Many people came to say goodbye and honor him in a special ceremony. He was a leader who worked hard to bring people together and protect Maori traditions. During the ceremony, his daughter, Nga wai hono i te po, was named the new Maori queen. The 27-year-old is only the second woman to hold this title over hundreds of years of the monarchy. People watched as she was officially made queen, and the late king's body was carried in a traditional canoe along a sacred river to be buried on a mountain. Tuheitia was known for his quiet strength and his push for unity among Maori people. His daughter is now taking on this important role, and her appointment is seen as a new beginning for Maori culture in New Zealand. Why is it important for us to learn about different cultures and customs from around the world? Write at least 5 sentences about why you think it’s important and share your answers with your classmates.

5. WIN FOR THE WORST TEAM

San Marino's soccer team just won their first game in 20 years! They beat Liechtenstein 1-0 in a UEFA Nations League match on September 5, 2024. The only goal was scored by a 19-year-old player named Nicko Sensoli. He kicked the ball into the net after a mistake by a Liechtenstein player. This was a big deal because San Marino had only won one game before, and that was in a friendly match in 2004. They had lost many games and were at the very bottom of the FIFA rankings out of 210 teams. The win means they are now at the top of their group in the Nations League, but they still have more games to play. Fans in San Marino were very excited and celebrated the big win! Create a comic strip with at least 3 panels about the game between San Marino and Liechtenstein and San Marino’s big win.