A) Bamboo stalks that “exploded” when heated in China
B) Gunpowder packed in paper tubes in Europe
C) Cannon firings during the American Revolutionary War
D) Skyrockets launched at July 4th celebrations

Answer: A

2. How did Chinese chemists improve fireworks between 600 and 900 A.D.?

A) They added steel dust or iron shavings to make them sparkle
B) They began launching them from cannons
C) They introduced fireworks in Europe
D) They used them for military purposes

Answer: A

3. Which of the following statements about fireworks in America is true according to the article?

A) Fireworks were invented on July 4, 1776
B) The first July 4th celebration in 1777 included fireworks
C) John Adams opposed using fireworks for Independence Day
D) Fireworks displays became popular in the U.S. only after 1900

Answer: B

Jupiter is the 5th planet from the Sun.

Jupiter can hold 1,300 Earth's in it.

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system.

? - Would they be able to survive in warmer temperatures if the ice melted?

** - I think it's cool that arctic foxes build their homes in the snow.

#BiggestcityLA

#1100milesofcoastline

#90%ofbroccoliproduced

I remember our launch on June 5, 2024, like it was yesterday: the roar, the lift‑off, the star-speckled sky welcoming us to the ISS. We came prepared for experiments floating test tubes and scientific gear but not for delay. Then came the news: we were stuck. So we adapted. We ran experiments, figured out daily routines on a floating lab, and leaned on one another as the days stretched, first to weeks, then to months.

March 16: a message crackled through. “SpaceX Crew Dragon is here,” mission control said. My heart leaped. Two days later, I was sitting in a capsule designed to fall through the atmosphere and land in the ocean. As we descended, I thought of home: sunsets, the smell of real air, my family.

Now? I’m soggy, thrilled, and forever changed by nine months off the planet. Welcome home indeed.

Suni Williams

"The Rubin Observatory will be the most important scientific tool of the decade."

Before Reading: Post a statement like the one above. Have students write or stand along a continuum line: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.

After Reading: Ask them to revisit their stance, then write a paragraph (like the example) using evidence from the article.

Share & Discuss: Encourage students to explain their views in small groups or whole-class discussion.

Student answers may look like:

I agree that the Rubin Observatory will be the most important tool of the decade. It uses the world’s largest digital camera to take pictures of the sky that are more detailed than ever before. It might help scientists finally understand dark matter and dark energy, which are still mysteries. Plus, it can scan huge parts of the sky every few nights, which means we’ll get constant updates about space. This could change how we understand the universe!

R = Role (Who are you as the writer?)
A = Audience (Who are you writing to?)
F = Format (What form will the writing take?)
T = Topic (What’s the subject or big idea?)

RAFT Example:

R (Role): A bald eagle

A (Audience): Lawmakers in the U.S. Congress

F (Format): Thank-you letter

T (Topic): How the Endangered Species Act saved my species

Dear Lawmakers,

I wanted to say thank you for passing the Endangered Species Act back in 1973. At one point, I was close to disappearing from the skies. There were so few of us left, and our homes were being destroyed. But because of this law, people protected our habitats and helped us grow strong again.

Now, I can soar above rivers and forests once more. My babies are safe, and my species is no longer endangered. Please continue to protect animals like me because every creature deserves a chance to survive.

Sincerely,
A Grateful Bald Eagle

What do you already know about 9/11 or the people who helped during that day?
What questions do you have before reading this article?

Example Student Response:

I know it was a big event in U.S. history and that planes hit buildings in New York.
I wonder how people helped and what it was like to be there.