Good current event topic for a 5th grader?

[NewJeffCT]

OK people, what is a good current event topic for a 5th grader? My daughter did the presidential election in November, the Sandy Hook tragedy in December and I forgot what last month. I don't think the sequester and other manufactured crises are interesting to a 5th grader - any ideas/suggestions?

Thanks

[Neoma]

1. It could be environmental...

[htuttle]

3. I second that

The changing environment is going to be the biggest issue of their lifetimes. They're going to end up being the ones that have to adapt to it or perish.

[NewJeffCT]

4. that's a good idea

thanks

[dembotoz]

5. things a 5th grader could do to reduce their carbon footprint

[NewJeffCT]

6. good suggestion

thanks

[dembotoz]

2. hunger in america

a place at the table documentary is getting lots of play

not sure how the release date matches the assignment due date

[NewJeffCT]

7. that's a good idea, too

thanks

[rurallib]

8. Electing a new pope; the sequestration; wealth inequalities in the US

each of which could go many different ways.

[NewJeffCT]

23. the pope is pretty current

though, my wife & I are atheists.

[rgbecker]

9. A research look into all the ways people are trying to cut use of Fossil fuels to make and save

Electricity. Its the one bright star in the current picture of civilization. A lot is going on, but it gets little attention.

[LeftinOH]

10. North Korea and the cult of personality; the Kim family

are gods as far as North Korean culture is concerned. Pretty interesting stuff to me (still a kid in an grown up's body).

[Neoma]

11. I wouldn't let an 11 year old read Escape from Camp 41 though.

[NewJeffCT]

12. it won't involve book reading

it's more of what she can glean from various current articles, be it the local newspaper or various news websites

[Neoma]

13. Fracking.

Loads of articles about that out there.

[stlsaxman]

14. Fillibuster Reform or Fracking... nt

[Robb]

15. McDonald's strikes, maybe.

5th graders all know what McDonald's is, and could learn about organized labor.

[NewJeffCT]

16. that's an idea

didn't even know there was a strike, but I guess I don't really go there very often.

[slackmaster]

17. Our ongoing failure to fully adopt and embrace the Metric System

[NewJeffCT]

18. interesting idea

but, not sure it's "current" and in the news now.

[slackmaster]

21. The recent TSA rule changes specify a maximum length for knife blades on planes as 2.36 inches.

The reason for that odd size is that it's the closest hundredth of an inch that is less than six centimeters.

That's current, and it provides a segue for discussion of how our continued use of the obsolescent English system of measurements is causing an increase in confusion.

Very few people have any kind of measuring instrument that can distinguish between the benign blade of 2.36 inches and the deadly 2.37 inch blade. But with a simple rule calibrated in millimeters, it's easy to tell whether something is more or less than six centimeters long.

[Jamastiene]

19. How sinkholes form and how to spot signs of possible sinkholes forming

underneath structures?

I, personally, cannot get that event out of my head. I have looked at a lot of explanations and understand physically and scientifically how they form and what happens when they form, but knowing that the Earth can just swallow a person up like that, and the frustration of that brother for not being allowed to try to dig his brother out, that whole thing has affected me. I feel for that family. I'd hate to see anyone else go through it. If they can spot some signs beforehand, maybe more people can be saved from that kind of tragedy. Maybe?

That might be a better subject for someone not as sensitive (as I am). So, it may not be the best idea, unless she can just provide the scientific explanation of why and how sinkholes form and what signs to look for. Then again, she might be tougher than I am when it comes that news story. I do not know.

The only other thoughts I had was maybe she could do a story on new species of animals that are being discovered. A new species of owl was recently discovered. It was once thought to be the same as another species, but it turns out, it is really a different species.

Also, recent winners of macro photography contests, the pictures they took, and the runners up are always fascinating. Kids would probably love that if she is allowed to display the pictures and explain what macro photography is.

There are probably zillions of current events that kids would like in National Geographic articles. I don't think I ever grew past about 5th grade when it comes to being fascinated by things regarding animals/science. Does she like animals?

Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. I don't know if any of them are good ideas. Please ignore them if they are not good ideas. I will go squeal like a little girl with lots of ooohs, and aaahs, while I watch the bird feeders now, lol.

[JPZenger]

20. How cutbacks in school funding are hurting education.

that should earn him an A from his teacher

[NewJeffCT]

22. good one

i'll run that one (and a few others) by her.