1. Warm, Warmer, Warmest

Scientists worry that the world is getting warmer. And they worry especially about what will happen to the wildlife and habitats of the North and South Poles. Just this month, scientists reported that sea ice is melting faster than expected in Arctic areas near the North Pole and a huge, melting ice shelf was about to break loose in Antarctica near the South Pole. As a class, talk about what could happen if the world gets warmer in your area. Then pair off in teams and find a photo of an outdoor scene in the newspaper. Brainstorm ways that warmer temperatures could change nature or the way wildlife live in the picture. Then write the start of a creative story set in the picture in a warmer time in the future. Learning Standards: Showing how science concepts can be interpreted through creative expression such as language arts and fine arts; reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.

2. Big Boost from Big Seals

All over the world, scientists are working to learn more about global warming and climate change. In Antarctica, they're getting some unusual help. Giant elephant seals have been fitted with scientific equipment and have been helping researchers measure how fast Antarctic ocean waters are warming. The seals are doing this as they migrate, breed and dive deep into a 1,000-mile stretch of ocean near the Fimbul ice shelf. The devices on the big-nosed, two-ton seals also are measuring the saltiness and depth of the ocean waters. As a class, talk about ways the movements of animals could teach scientists about changes on Earth. Then find a photo or story involving an animal in the newspaper. Write a paragraph telling how this animal could help scientists. Then draw a picture of the animal being helpful.

Learning Standards: Showing how common themes of science, mathematics and technology apply in real-world contexts; explaining how scientists decide what constitutes scientific knowledge; engaging peers in constructive conversation about topics of interest or importance; representing creatively.

3. Health Help

From pills and medicine to doctor's visits, health care is expensive. That's a big problem for families if a family member loses a job and loses the health insurance that companies offer as part of the pay for jobs. With more people out of work than a year ago, the Walgreens drugstore company is offering free health-clinic visits to people who have lost jobs and health insurance. The free care will be provided at walk-in clinics at Walgreens stores and include treatment for minor illnesses like infections, breathing problems, allergies or skin conditions. Patients still will have to pay for any drugs needed to treat illnesses. As a class, talk about the different places where people get care to stay healthy, and what kinds of care are provided most often. Then draw a comic strip for the newspaper showing a person getting care or doing something else to stay healthy. Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of oral, visual, written and electronic texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; comprehending what constitutes good health and nutrition; using the craft of the illustrator to convey ideas artistically.

4. Help for Crawly Creatures

Spring is a time when all sorts of wild creatures migrate or move around to find a mate. For amphibians like salamanders, frogs and newts, it can be a dangerous journey if it involves roads and traffic. To help such crawly creatures, nature lovers in the northeast state of Vermont are volunteering to help amphibians and other creatures get safely across roads to ponds or breeding grounds. They go out on wet nights, stop traffic and carry amphibians across highways. As a class, talk about ways humans can help wildlife survive in nature. Then find a wild animal or creature in the photos, ads or stories in the newspaper. Draw a poster showing how humans could help this animal. Learning Standards: Explaining ecosystem concepts and processes; describing positive and negative effects of humans on nature; responding to visual and written texts; representing creatively.

5. City Traffic

Traffic is a problem in a lot of cities. But now the General Motors car company is teaming up with the Segway scooter company to develop two-wheeled, two-seat electric vehicles that would ease traffic jams. The vehicles, which would run on batteries, would be less expensive to run and could replace cars and trucks on busy city streets. They also would reduce air pollution. As a class, talk about ways people get around in cities, in suburbs and in rural country areas. In teams or pairs, brainstorm ideas for new kinds of transportation for the future. Write a description of one idea in the style of a news story for the newspaper. Then design a newspaper ad to let people know about your idea.

Learning Standards: Showing how common themes of science, mathematics and technology apply in real-world contexts; explaining how science and technology affect society; reading and writing fluently; representing creatively.