1. FULFILLING A FASHION NEED

Kiandra Browne, a college basketball player at Duquesne University, wanted to dress modestly while playing basketball, but she struggled to find sportswear that met her needs. As a Muslim athlete, she chose to wear a hijab, long sleeves, and loose-fitting pants instead of the usual basketball uniform of shorts and a tank top. However, most of the available options were uncomfortable, expensive, or made for men. Instead of giving up, Kiandra decided to start her own business selling modest athletic wear. She works with a small family business in Pakistan to create sportswear that is comfortable, affordable, and designed for Muslim women who want to exercise while dressing modestly. Right now, she sells about a dozen outfits a month through Instagram and hopes to expand her business after she finishes college. Kiandra also inspires young Muslim girls who want to play sports but struggle to find the right clothing. Even though she has faced some challenges, including negative comments from other players and fans, she stays focused on her goals and hopes to help more athletes in the future. Everyone should feel comfortable and confident when playing sports, no matter what they choose to wear. Some athletes need special shoes, protective gear, or different uniforms to play their best. Think about a time when clothing or equipment made a difference in your ability to move or feel good in an activity. Design a new piece of sportswear that could help athletes feel more comfortable. It could be modest sportswear like Kiandra’s, special shoes for running, or a better jersey for a certain sport. On a piece of paper, draw your design and write 3-5 sentences explaining what sport it’s for, why it would help athletes, and what makes it better than regular sportswear.

2. FAME GAME

The World Video Game Hall of Fame has announced its 12 finalists for 2025, and some of the most famous and influential video games are on the list! These games have shaped pop culture, introduced new technology, or changed how people play video games. This year’s finalists include classics like Frogger, Tamagotchi, and Angry Birds, as well as games that helped build esports and online gaming, like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and NBA 2K. The Hall of Fame is located at The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. Every year, they choose a few games that have made a big impact on the gaming industry. Some, like Mattel Football (1977), were among the first handheld electronic games and helped inspire today’s mobile gaming. Others, like Tamagotchi (1996), introduced digital pets, while Angry Birds (2009) became one of the most downloaded games ever, even inspiring movies and toys! Fans can vote online for their favorites, and the winners will be announced on May 8, 2025. Think about your favorite video game, board game, or phone app. What makes it special? The World Video Game Hall of Fame chooses games based on their popularity, influence, and long-term impact. Pick a game you love and write 3-5 sentences explaining why it should be in the Hall of Fame. Does it have fun gameplay, cool graphics, or an important place in history? If your game was nominated, how would you convince people to vote for it? After writing, share your choice with the class and see which games your classmates think are Hall of Fame worthy!

3. GRAMMAR MOVIE

A new movie called “Rebel With a Clause” tells the story of Ellen Jovin, a woman who traveled to all 50 states with a grammar table to answer people’s questions about punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure. She didn’t just teach grammar—she started conversations with strangers, bringing people together through language. The film was directed by her husband, Brandt Johnson, who wanted to share the fun and connections he saw at her grammar table. At the movie’s premiere, hundreds of grammar fans gathered to watch and discuss topics like the Oxford comma and tricky grammar rules. Some even wore funny shirts with grammar jokes! Ellen gave the audience a nonmandatory grammar quiz and talked about how much she loves helping people learn. The movie shows her road trip across the country, where she met all kinds of people—including some who had never thought about grammar before. The film is full of humor and surprises, proving that grammar can be fun and exciting for everyone! Grammar helps us communicate clearly, but it can also be fun and creative! Think about a funny grammar mistake you’ve seen (like a missing comma that changes a sentence’s meaning). If you can’t think of one, make one up! draw a comic strip or write a short joke about a grammar mistake and how to fix it. For example, the sentence “Let’s eat, Grandma!” means something very different without the comma (“Let’s eat Grandma!”). After you finish, share your comic or joke with the class, and see if your classmates can spot the mistake!

4. CRAVEWORTHY OR ADDICTIVE?

Scientists have been studying why people tend to overeat ultraprocessed foods—like chips, cookies, and fast food—even when they know it’s not healthy. Some researchers believe these foods might be addictive, meaning people have a hard time stopping even when they try. They think ultraprocessed foods might trigger the brain’s reward system in a way similar to addictive drugs, making people crave more. In a new study, scientists looked at how the brain reacts when people drink an ultraprocessed, high-fat milkshake. They expected to see a big release of dopamine, a brain chemical that makes people feel happy and want more. But the results were mixed—some people had a small dopamine increase, while others had no change. Even though the results weren’t clear, the study showed that some people may be more sensitive to these foods and feel stronger cravings. Experts disagree on whether ultraprocessed foods should be called addictive. Some say that just because people overeat them doesn’t mean they are like drugs. Others argue that these foods are made with high sugar, fat, and artificial flavors that make people want more, even when they aren’t hungry. While the debate continues, one thing is clear—ultraprocessed foods are easy to overeat, and it can be hard to stop once you start. Everyone has foods they love to eat, but some foods are harder to stop eating than others. Think about a time when you ate a snack or treat and wanted just one more bite. Some foods are made to taste extra good, so people eat more than they planned. Write 3-5 sentences about a food you find hard to stop eating and explain why. Is it sweet, salty, crunchy, or creamy? How do you feel when you eat it? Then, think of a healthy food you enjoy and compare the two. Which one do you eat more of, and why? Do you think some foods are made to be extra tempting? What helps people make healthy food choices?

5. VIENNA WALTZ

In Vienna, Austria, there is a special tradition of elegant ballroom dances that has been happening for hundreds of years. These events, called balls, started in the 18th century when royals and aristocrats gathered to dance the waltz. Today, more than 450 balls take place in Vienna every year, and young people still take part—but now they often learn their dance moves online! The balls have strict dress codes. Men must wear tuxedos or tailcoats, and women must wear long evening gowns. Some guests even rent their outfits from special costume shops. Before the dancing begins, there is usually an opening ceremony, where young dancers perform traditional routines. After the host announces “Alles Walzer!” (which means “Let the waltz begin!” in German), everyone is invited to the dance floor. Even though the balls still include historic dances and music, modern changes have happened. Some events now play disco and pop music, and many dancers learn their steps by watching YouTube videos instead of attending formal dance schools. However, some Austrians believe that changing the balls too much could take away their cultural meaning. Whether old-fashioned or modern, Vienna’s ball season remains a magical part of the city’s traditions! Vienna’s famous balls are known for their elegant dances, beautiful outfits, and long-standing traditions, but what if you could create your own special ball? Imagine hosting a ball in your town or school and think about what would make it unique. First, decide on a theme—would it be a Fairy Tale Ball, a Space Ball, or something completely new? Next, consider the music and dances that would be part of the event. Would guests waltz like they do in Vienna, or would there be modern music and freestyle dancing? Think about the dress code—would guests wear fancy gowns and tuxedos, or would costumes and fun accessories be encouraged? Lastly, create special traditions for your ball, such as a unique opening ceremony, a special way to start the dancing, or a fun activity at the end of the night. Write 3-5 sentences describing your ball, including its theme, music, outfits, and special traditions. Then, draw a picture of what it would look like.