1. The Race for President

The race for president has been going on for more than a year, but now it's down to the last two months. From now until Election Day on November 4, Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain will be trying to convince voters that they have "the right stuff" to be president. What qualities do you think give a person "the right stuff" to be president? Find words in the ads and headlines of the newspaper that show the qualities you think a president should have. Then draw a cartoon or comic strip for the paper showing a candidate with those qualities. Discuss choices as a class.

Learning Standard: Identifying and explaining how individuals in history demonstrate good character and personal virtue; using the craft of the illustrator to express ides artistically.

2. Barbie Goes Fishing

You can buy a lot of products to go with Barbie dolls these days. But a Barbie fishing rod got more amazing results than any other product over the last month. A North Carolina girl was fishing with her grandfather when she asked him to hold her Barbie rod while she took a bathroom break. While she was away, Grandpop landed a catfish that set a new state record! The channel catfish weighed more than 21 pounds and was 32 inches long. That was two inches longer than the Barbie rod! People love animal news, and for that reason newspapers run lots of animal stories and photos. Find one in the paper. Then write a paragraph describing what was making news and why it would be interesting to readers. Learning Standards: Responding to visual, written and electronic texts; generating questions about issues that affect students or topics about which they are curious.

3. Hydrogen Cars

With the price of gas as high as it is, people are looking for new ways to power the cars and trucks we use to get around. Everything from vegetable ethanol to cooking oils is getting attention, and this summer hydrogen has gotten the spotlight. The Hydrogen Road Tour traveled from city to city to show people examples of vehicles powered by hydrogen. Hydrogen, a gas that is part of water molecules, can be a clean and efficient fuel for cars and other vehicles, according to tour organizers, which include nine automakers, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Energy. As a class, find stories in the newspaper about efforts to address the nation's energy needs. With a partner, brainstorm a way to use a fuel other than gas, oil or coal. Draw a picture showing your idea and explain why it would be worth trying.

Learning Standard: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about matters of public concern by clarifying issues, considering opposing views, and working toward making decisions; representing creatively.

4. Buggy About Global Warming Everyone knows bugs can be pests, but did you know some bugs also contribute to global warming? That was one of the hot topics discussed recently at a world summit on insect pests in the Southeast Asian country of Thailand. Termites, for example, emit large amounts of the gas carbon dioxide, which they generate after eating wood, scientists said at this year's Pest Summit. Carbon dioxide is one of the most significant "greenhouse gases" that are responsible for warming the Earth's atmosphere. In politics, science and education, global warming is in the news a lot. Find a story in the newspaper this week and talk about the news as a class. Write a paragraph explaining whom the news affects most, and who might be in the best position to do something about it. Learning Standards: Understanding the nature of scientific inquiry; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

Sports Stars

Michael Phelps and the USA Basketball teams have made news recently for their wonderful accomplishments. Look in the sports section of today's newspaper to find out about other great athletes and teams.

Learning Standard: Gathering information from multiple sources, including newspapers.

1. What team is leading baseball's American League Central Division?

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2. Name a team that won a game yesterday in any sport.

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3. Name a person who plays golf whose name is in the sports section.

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4. Who is in the picture closest to the top of the front page of the sports section?

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5. Name a Detroit Lion who plays on offense. Then name a Lion who plays on defense.

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