1. FUELING FIREFIGHTERS

In Los Angeles, wildfires have been raging, and many firefighters from different places, like Mexico and Canada, have come to help. They’re working hard to stop the fires from burning more homes and hurting people. Big camps called incident command posts are set up to support the firefighters, giving them food, supplies, and places to rest. Helicopters and water bombers also help by dropping water on the flames. One fire, the Palisades fire, has a huge command post by the beach where thousands of people are working together. There, they’ve set up mobile kitchens and laundry, tents where people can get medical aid or repair their gear, and anything else the firefighters need. They’re tired but keep going to protect homes and stop small fires from spreading. Even though it’s hard work, the firefighters support each other like a big family, helping wherever they can. This story talks about something people might not think of when talking about fighting wildfires—all the people who are helping behind-the-scenes so the firefighters can be the most helpful. What are some ways that you can think of that everyday people could help in emergencies like this?

2. VIKING WOMEN

In southwest Norway, archaeologists found a Viking-age graveyard with jewelry and items that show connections to other parts of Europe. The graveyard, located near a farm in a town called Fitjar, was discovered by people using metal detectors. They found things like a frying pan, textile tools, and jewelry that belonged to three high-status women. Some of the jewelry, like a brooch, might have been made from a book clasp from England or Ireland, suggesting the items were either taken during raids or traded. Most of the coins found were made by a ruler named Louis I from Charlemagne’s family. Interestingly, no human remains were found, so the archaeologists think the graves might be memorials rather than actual burials. One grave had a necklace wrapped in leather, and a big stone shaped like a boat with a symbol honoring women was also found. The farm near the site was probably a resting place for travelers and sailors in Viking times, and weaving was an important trade there. The discovery is exciting because it helps us learn more about Viking culture and their connections with other parts of the world. What can items like these tell us about people who lived long ago? What kind of items would people find from this time period if they were looking hundreds of years from now? Write down at least five items you think would tell the story of this time period, like a time capsule for the future, and why you chose these.

3. PROTECTING THE “ASIAN UNICORN”

The government of Laos has created Xesap National Park, a large protected area in the Annamite mountains, to help conserve the forests and wildlife there. This park, which covers over 202,000 hectares, is home to many rare and endangered animals, including the Saola, also known as the “Asian Unicorn.” The Saola was discovered in 1992 and is critically endangered, with only a few sightings ever reported. Xesap National Park is one of the few places where the Saola might recover. The park also protects other unique animals like Roosevelt’s muntjac, red-shanked douc, and Annamite striped rabbit. WWF-Laos and other organizations are working with the government to manage the park and protect its biodiversity. They hope this park will help preserve nature for future generations and support local communities living nearby. This effort is part of a global goal to protect more natural areas and ensure the survival of endangered species. In your own words, write a summary of this story in 3 to 5 sentences.

4. CHINA’S POPULATION

China’s population has been shrinking for three years in a row, even though more babies were born last year than the year before. The government is trying hard to get people to have more children, offering things like money and cheaper housing, but many young people are not interested. The drop in births is causing problems for the economy. Hospitals are closing their baby departments, fewer kids are going to kindergarten, and companies that make baby products are struggling. Fewer workers will be around to take care of older people in the future, which is making things even harder. The government used to have a one-child policy, but now it’s encouraging people to have up to three kids. However, many young people, especially women, don’t want to have children because it’s expensive, and they want to focus on their careers and personal lives. This problem is not just in China; it’s happening in other countries too as they get wealthier. But for China, it’s happening faster than expected. In 3 to 5 sentences, summarize the key points from this story, like reasons for not wanting larger families and how this has affected China.

5. ACCESSIBLE SCIENCE

Scientists with disabilities are working to make research and fieldwork more accessible to everyone. On a recent field trip, they showed how challenges, like tough terrain, can be overcome with creativity and support. For example, some used drones to bring the view of a lake to those who couldn’t make the hike. They also shared how important it is for research labs to be designed for people with disabilities, like having automatic doors or space for wheelchairs. These scientists believe that making science more accessible benefits everyone, as people with disabilities bring unique problem-solving skills. The goal is to make science open to all, regardless of physical ability. Sometimes, accessibility means thinking creatively about different ways to do things. Can you think of an example you’ve seen that used creative thinking to come up with a new solution? Write down your example story and explain what the problem was and how creative thinking solved it.