1. Hello, Spring!

Thursday, March 20 is the first day of spring. As a class talk about things you like to do with your friends in spring as the weather gets warmer. Then talk about things you like to do with members of your family at this time of year. Finish by searching the newspaper and cutting out 10 things that tell you that spring is coming. Put your items together in an art poster titled "Hello, Spring!" Display posters in class.

Learning Standard: Reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.

2. Let There Be Light!

The first day of spring is also the Spring Equinox, a day when day and night are equal in length in countries north of the Earth's equator. In the language known as Latin, "equi" means "equal" and "nox" means "night." From now until the first day of summer, days will be getting longer, with more daylight in the morning and evening. As a class, discuss how longer days affect families, schools, government and the community. Then draw a comic strip for the newspaper showing something you or your family could do when there is still daylight in the evening.

Learning Standards: Generating questions about issues that affect students or topics about which they are curious; using the craft of the illustrator to formulate and express ideas artistically.

3. Spacebot

The space shuttle Endeavour is making the United States' longest trip to the international space station. One of the highlights of the trip is assembling a giant, two-armed space station robot named Dextre. The robot, which will be attached to the outside of the space station, will assist astronauts on spacewalks and eventually take over some of their more dangerous jobs. Robots are being used more and more to assist people in factories, in businesses and even at home. As a class, search for ads and news about robots in the newspaper or online. Then design a robot to do something that would be helpful for your class or teacher at school.

Learning Standards: Showing how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expressions such as language arts and fine arts.

4. That's Honesty!

In Southern California, a worker at a thrift shop made an amazing discovery while sorting clothes that had been donated. Inside a bundle of clothes was a small box that contained a bulging envelope. Inside the envelope was $30,000 in cash! The worker returned the money to the family that donated the clothes and received a reward for her honesty. As a class, talk about the rewards other than cash that people can get for being honest. Then work in teams to find a story in the newspaper about a person being honest in some way. Tell your class what the person did and why it was good for him or her and for the community.

Learning Standards: Identifying and explaining how individuals demonstrate good character and personal virtue; engaging each other in conversations to explore issues.

5. Make a Ruckus

In recent years, more and more children have become overweight in the United States. As a result, health organizations and the government are looking for ways to get kids to eat healthier meals and get more exercise. A nonprofit group called HopeLab sponsored a contest called the Ruckus Nation Competition asking people for ideas to get kids active and more physically fit. This week, a $50,000 prize will be awarded for the top idea. With a partner, brainstorm a way you could get kids your age to be more active and physically fit. Design a poster urging students to follow your idea. Give your poster a fun, eye-catching title!

Learning Standards: Comprehending what constitutes good health and fitness; showing how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expressions such as language arts and fine arts.