1. Food PodCasts

When the federal government redid the nation's Food Pyramid, the goal was to reduce the number of children and adults who are overweight. Now the Web site HYPERLINK "http://www.MyPyramid.gov" www.MyPyramid.gov has added PodCasts to show kids and families how to make healthier food choices. These video presentations show how to make smart choices from every food group, how to find balance between food and physical activity and how to get the most out of your nutrition calories. As a class, discuss the Food Pyramid and the different food groups. Then use images and words from the newspaper to make a poster about healthy eating and exercise.

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.

2. Birds and Planes

Ever since people first flew in airplanes, they have faced dangers from collisions with birds. Now a group of students from the state of Massachusetts have traveled to Israel in the Middle East to study the risks of bird-plane collisions, which cause an estimated $1.2 billion in damage each year. The students from the Solomon Schechter School in Norwood will report on the findings of their study at a science fair this spring, and offer suggestions on how to reduce the number of accidents involving birds and planes. In the newspaper, find and study a story or photo about wildlife. Write a sentence or short paragraph describing risks that people could face from contact with the wildlife. Write a second sentence on the risks that wildlife could face from contact with humans.

Learning Standards: Explaining the impact of human interaction with the environment; engaging peers in constructive conversation about matters of public concern.

3. Rumors

Repeating rumors can cause a lot of trouble because rumors often are not true. To teach kids not to spread rumors, 12-year-old Michael Moorehead has written and illustrated a humor book "The Student From Zombie Island: Conquering the Rumor Monster." The book recently received the Reader Views Award for Best Children's Book for Ages 7 and Older. As a class, talk about ways you could respond when you hear people repeat rumors about others. Then think up a story you could write for the newspaper teaching students not to spread rumors. Draw or design a newspaper ad to promote your book.

Learning Standards: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about issues; representing creatively.

4. Space Station News

High above the Earth, the International Space Station is a great example of different nations working together. More than 16 countries are helping build the station, and every time a new section is added, history is made. This month, the space station marked another milestone when South Korea's first astronaut visited on a Russian spacecraft. The astronaut, a woman named Yi So-Yeon, is scheduled to return to Earth April 19 after 12 days in space. As a class, talk about reasons nations want to explore space. Then find a story in the newspaper about space exploration. Discuss the importance of the mission.

Learning Standards: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about issues; explaining how we learn about the universe.

5. The Word

On April 14, 1818, Noah Webster printed the first edition of Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language. This was the first dictionary of English as it is spoken in the United States. Here's a fun way to practice using the dictionary. Just answer the questions below.

Learning Standard: Determining the meaning of unfamiliar words and concepts in oral, visual and written texts by using a variety of resources, such as prior knowledge, context, glossaries and electronic sources.

Pick a number from 1 to 10.

Number from 1 to 10:________________________

Figure out the number of baby teeth you have lost since you started school this year.

Number of baby teeth lost:________________________

Add the first number and second numbers together.

Sum:________________________

Start at the front of the newspaper and count that number of pages. Look on your new page and find a word on that page you don't understand.

Word:________________________

Now use Noah Webster's invention to find out what it means. Write the meaning in your own words:

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Now teach the class your new word!