1. MORE HEAVY RAIN FOR HAWAII

Hawaii’s Big Island is facing another round of dangerous weather after Hurricane Lala caused floods, mudslides, damaged roads, and power outages. Tropical Storm Moke is passing south of Hawaii and could bring up to 10 inches of rain to much of the Big Island, with even more possible in some places. Because the ground is already very wet, new rain could quickly cause flooding or mudslides. Local leaders told people to stay off the roads and shelter in place, and shelters have opened for anyone who needs a safe place to go. Residents were also encouraged to make sure they have enough food, medicine, and other important supplies. Create a “Ready for Heavy Rain” safety pamphlet or flyer that a family in Hawaii could keep on the refrigerator. Divide your card into three sections: Before the Rain, During the Storm, and After the Storm. In each section, draw or write two things a family should do to stay safe. Include at least one idea for dealing with a power outage and one rule about flooded roads.

2. A NEAR-TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE

People across much of North and South America will soon get an excellent view of a lunar eclipse. A lunar eclipse happens when Earth moves between the sun and the moon, causing Earth’s shadow to fall across the moon. During this eclipse, about 96% of the moon will be covered by Earth’s shadow, so it will be almost—but not completely—a total eclipse. The shadow can make the moon appear reddish-orange. The partial part of the eclipse will last more than three hours, giving millions of people plenty of time to look up and watch. Unlike a solar eclipse, a lunar eclipse can be viewed safely with your eyes. Use a flashlight, a ball, and a smaller round object to make your own eclipse model. The flashlight represents the sun, the ball represents Earth, and the smaller object represents the moon. Arrange them so Earth blocks the flashlight’s light from reaching the “moon.” Then draw a diagram showing where all three objects must be during a lunar eclipse and label sun, Earth, moon, and Earth’s shadow.

3. ROBOTS COMPETE IN SPORTS

More than 2,000 human-shaped robots are competing at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, China. The robots are taking part in events such as running, soccer, table tennis, weightlifting, and tug of war. Some robots showed just how quickly the technology is improving. One completed a 100-meter race in 9.39 seconds, while another reached 2.88 meters in a standing high jump. Even though robots can now perform some amazing physical tasks, experts say they are still mainly used for research, demonstrations, and performances rather than everyday jobs. The games give engineers a chance to show what their machines can do and learn how to make them better. Become a robot-event designer. Invent one new contest for the next World Humanoid Robot Games that would test a useful robot skill instead of simply testing speed or strength. Draw the course or challenge, give your event a name, and explain the rules. Then describe what engineers could learn about their robots by watching them compete.

4. GRAND PRIX TRANSFORMS WASHINGTON, D.C.

For the first time, IndyCar racecars are racing through streets in downtown Washington, D.C. Crews had to make many changes to turn ordinary city streets into a safe racetrack. They installed barriers, removed some traffic lights, and welded more than 200 manhole covers in place so speeding cars would not knock them loose. The event has attracted large crowds, but the preparations have also caused problems. Roads have been closed, flights have been changed, and museums have taken steps to protect artwork from possible vibrations. City leaders say big events can help hotels, restaurants, and workers by bringing visitors to Washington, while some residents are frustrated by the traffic and other disruptions. Create a newspaper front page for the day of the Washington Grand Prix. Give the race a headline, draw a picture of the event, and include three short sections: What’s Happening, What’s Exciting, and What’s Causing Problems. Make sure your front page shows both the fun of the event and the challenges it creates for the city.

5. STATUES COME TO THE WHITE HOUSE ROSE GARDEN

The White House Rose Garden looks different after President Donald Trump made several changes to the historic outdoor space. Its lawn was replaced with a white stone patio, and statues of important people from American history have been placed there. The sculptures include George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and Thomas Jefferson. The Jefferson statue shows him signing the Declaration of Independence and was given to the White House by a sculptor from Colorado. Trump says such projects improve the White House and celebrate American history, while some of his plans for statues elsewhere in Washington have faced objections and legal challenges. The White House has displayed artwork throughout its history, and different presidents and first ladies have chosen pieces that reflect people and stories they believe should be remembered. If your class could create a small “People Who Shaped America” exhibit, whom would you include? Choose one person from American history and create a museum-style display for that person. Include a drawing or portrait, three important facts, an object or symbol connected to the person, and a short explanation of why visitors should learn about them.