Your World Last Week - Issue 6

Issue No. 6

Week of December 21-27, 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• Article 1 - Canada's Youngest MPs Want to Speak for You
• Article 2 - NL Youth Ask for a Seat at the Table
• Article 3 - Earth's Thermostat Has a Strange Problem
• Article 4 - Year in Science — 2025’s Biggest Discoveries
• Article 5 - Seeing the World Through a Lens — 2025 in Pictures
• Article 6 - Alien World Beneath the Waves — New Species Found in Ocean's "Twilight Zone"
• Article 7 - A Sea of Golden Fur — 2,397 Dogs Break World Record in Argentina

Created for curious minds who want to understand the world

Prepared with the assistance of AI • All sources verified and cited

EDITOR'S CORNER

An Opinion Piece for You to Consider

As the Earth Completes Another Orbit

As the Earth has made yet another round around the sun, we find ourselves at that peculiar moment where one calendar year ends and another begins. With the Winter Solstice behind us, the days are getting longer in Canada—and there's something about the deep December light that invites reflection.

What a year it has been. Or has it?

A Canadian Dream, Still Waiting

In Issue 1, we talked about Jeremy Hansen, the Canadian astronaut from London, Ontario, who was selected to fly around the Moon on NASA's Artemis II mission. When we first wrote about him, the mission was scheduled for 2025. Now it's been pushed to 2026.

Space is hard. Rockets are complicated. These delays happen, and they happen for good reasons—no one wants to rush safety when lives are on the line.

But here's what strikes me: Hansen has been preparing for this moment for years. He was selected as an astronaut in 2009. That's sixteen years of training, waiting, preparing. He's watched other missions launch. He's done the simulations. He's studied every system on the Orion spacecraft. And still, he waits.

There's something profound about that kind of patience. In a world that wants everything instantly—next-day delivery, streaming on demand, answers in seconds—Hansen's story reminds us that some dreams require a longer timeline. Some achievements can't be rushed.

If you're working toward something big this year, remember: the waiting isn't wasted time. It's preparation.

When the Sky Becomes a River

In Issue 4, we wrote about atmospheric rivers—those long, narrow bands of moisture that flow through the sky like invisible rivers. At that time, we were talking about the devastating floods in British Columbia.

Now, as we write this, California is drowning.

An atmospheric river has been dumping extraordinary amounts of rain on Southern California. Flash floods have swept through Los Angeles. Mudslides have buried roads. Six counties declared states of emergency. People spent Christmas Eve evacuating their homes.

This is the same region that was devastated by wildfires just eleven months ago. The same hills that burned are now sliding. The vegetation that could have held the soil in place? Gone.

Climate scientists have a name for this whiplash between extremes: weather whiplash. Drought, then fire, then flood. Each extreme makes the next one worse. And as the planet warms, these extremes intensify.

I mention this not to frighten you, but because it connects to something we've explored in this issue—the article about Earth's "thermostat" and how natural systems can overcorrect. California's story is a reminder that when we push systems too far, they don't always return gently to normal. Sometimes they snap back violently.

The Year of AI Slop: A Continuation

In Issue 3, we talked about Word of the Year for 2025

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2025: slop. Not just any slop—AI slop. The dictionary defines it as "digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence."

Think about that for a moment. The word of the year—the term that best captured our collective experience—is about the flood of mediocre, machine-generated content washing over the internet. Fake images of cats playing violins. Invented quotes attributed to real people. News articles written by no one, about nothing, for nobody in particular.

This phenomenon goes by several names: AI slop for the low-quality output, AI fatigue for the exhaustion of wading through it, and what I'd call the AI avalanche—the sheer overwhelming volume of artificial content burying the human voices beneath.

But AI fatigue isn't just about the content. It's about the pace of change.

Think about it: In just three years, we've gone from ChatGPT's launch to AI writing half of all scientific papers, to AI generating images that can fool experts, to AI creating videos that look real. New models appear every few days! Each one is more powerful than the last. Features that seemed impossible a few days ago are standard today.

For you—growing up with this technology—it might feel normal. But imagine what this feels like for someone who's 70 years old.

The Generation Gap: When the World Changes Too Fast

Let's talk about something we don't discuss enough: empathy for older generations.

Imagine you're 65 years old. You grew up with rotary phones. You learned to type on a typewriter. You got your first email address in your 40s. You bought your first smartphone in your 50s.

Now, suddenly, there's AI that can write essays, create art, generate videos, and have conversations that feel almost human. Every few months, there's a new tool, a new app, a new way of doing things that you're supposed to learn.

It's not just about being "bad at technology." It's about the mental load of constant change. It's about the exhaustion of feeling like the world is moving forward without you. It's about the fear that your skills, your knowledge, your way of doing things are becoming obsolete.

You may have noticed this with your grandparents. They're smart, capable people. But when you try to explain how to use a new AI tool, you can see the frustration in their eyes. Not because they can't understand it—but because they're tired of having to learn yet another thing.

Here's what I want you to think about: Inclusivity isn't just about race, gender, or ability. It's also about age.

When we design technology, when we talk about the future, when we imagine what's possible—we need to remember that not everyone is moving at the same speed. We need to create systems that don't leave people behind. We need to have patience for those who are struggling to keep up.

And we need to recognize that wisdom isn't the same as technical skill. Your grandparents might not know how to use ChatGPT, but they might know things about life, about relationships, about resilience that no AI can ever teach you.

Transparency: How We Use AI

I'll be honest with you: Your World Last Week uses AI extensively in its production. I've told you this from the beginning and I'll keep telling you, because transparency matters.

AI helps with research, writing, and editing. But here's the crucial difference: there's a human—we—making choices about what to include, what to say, and how to say it. There's a human checking the facts. There's a human deciding that this story matters for you.

The problem with AI slop isn't the technology. It's when the technology runs without human judgment. It's when content exists only because it's cheap to produce, not because anyone needed to read it. It's when machines write things that machines will read, and humans are left out entirely.

As you navigate 2026 and beyond, this is perhaps the most important skill you can develop: the ability to tell the difference. Not just between true and false, but between content that was made for you by someone who cared, and content that was generated at you by a machine filling space.

Ask yourself: Is there a human behind this? Did someone think about whether I needed to know this? Does this make me smarter, or just more distracted?

The answers matter more than ever.

Your Turn: A Year in Pictures

In Article 5 of this issue, we will explore "2025 in Pictures"—the powerful photographs that captured this year's most important moments. And we have an assignment for you: choose one photo from a major news organization's collection, and write about why it moves you.

But let me expand that invitation.

What picture would capture YOUR 2025?

Not a photo from the news—a photo from your life. Real or imagined. If a photographer had followed you around all year, what single image would tell the story of who you were in 2025?

Maybe it's you bent over a book, finally understanding something that had confused you. Maybe it's you laughing with friends, or scoring a goal, or staring out a window thinking about something you can't quite name. Maybe it's your hands, dirty from building something. Maybe it's a door you walked through—into a new school, a new team, a new chapter.

What would your "decisive moment" be?

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Before you put down this issue, I have two questions for you:

First: What did you accomplish this year that you're proud of?

It doesn't have to be big. It doesn't have to be something anyone else noticed. Maybe you learned to do something that scared you. Maybe you helped someone who needed it. Maybe you just got through a hard time and came out the other side. That counts. That all counts.

Second: What are you hoping for in 2026?

Not resolutions—those rarely stick. But hopes. Curiosities. Things you want to try, places you want to go (even if just in your imagination), questions you want answered.

Write them down somewhere. Tuck them away. Look at them next December and see how you've changed.

A Final Thought

Here's something I've been thinking about as this year ends:

We live in a time when machines can write essays, create art, and generate content faster than humans ever could. Some people worry that this makes human effort pointless. Why bother writing if a computer can do it instantly? Why draw if AI can generate images in seconds?

But I think they have it backwards.

The more content machines produce, the more valuable human creation becomes. Not because humans are always better—sometimes we're not—but because human creation means something that machine generation never can. When you draw something, you're not just making an image. You're making a choice. When you write something, you're not just arranging words. You're saying: this matters to me.

That's why Skanda draws our comic strip now instead of AI. Not because his drawings are technically perfect—they're not—but because every line comes from a real kid thinking real thoughts. That makes them worth more than a million machine-generated images.

And that's why your essay about 2025 matters more than any AI-generated summary ever could. Because you lived it. You were there. You're the only one who can tell your story.

So tell it.

Happy New Year, readers.

The Earth keeps spinning (revolve and rotate). The sun keeps spinning. And I'll see you in 2026 to spin more. ; )

Remember: You don't have to read everything at once! Take your time and read one or two articles per day this week.

P.S. — If you want to submit your Year in Pictures essay or your answer to "What picture would capture YOUR 2025?" send it to [email protected]. The best responses may appear in Issue 7. Include your first name, grade, and the city you're writing from.

ARTICLE 1: Canada's Youngest MPs Want to Speak for You

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What is Representation in Government?

Imagine your class is voting on where to go for a field trip, but only the teachers get to decide. They might pick a museum they think is educational, when students would have loved the science centre with the hands-on exhibits! That's why representation matters—having people who understand your life help make the rules.

In Canada's government, the same thing can happen. Most Members of Parliament (MPs) are older adults. They might not always think about what life is like for young people today. That's why some people believe it's important to have younger MPs who can share a youth perspective.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Meet Canada's Youngest MPs

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. According to the infographic, which MP chairs the youth caucus?
2. Using the infographic, how many of the four MPs are from Ontario?
3. Looking at the infographic, what special achievement is noted for Tatiana Auguste?

🏛️ Canada's First MPs Born in the 2000s Launch "Youth Caucus" to Give Young Canadians a Voice in Parliament

For the first time ever, Canada has elected Members of Parliament who were born in the 2000s. These four young MPs—all in their early twenties—are working together to make sure the government doesn't forget about young Canadians.

Jake Sawatzky, Amandeep Sodhi, Tatiana Auguste, and Fares Al Soud were all elected in the spring 2025 federal election. They represent different parts of the country: British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. But they share one big goal—being a voice for Canada's youth.

💡 Did You Know?
An MP (Member of Parliament) is a person elected by voters to represent their community in Canada's government. Canada has 338 MPs who meet in Ottawa to debate issues and make laws. Think of them as your neighbourhood's voice in the national conversation!

💡 Did You Know?
The average age of Members of Parliament in Canada is about 50 years old. These four new MPs are less than half that age!

A New "Youth Caucus" Takes Shape

Eight months into their jobs, these young MPs have created something called a youth caucus. A caucus is a group of politicians who work together on shared interests. This youth caucus focuses on issues that matter most to young Canadians:

• Mental health challenges facing youth
• Unemployment and finding good jobs
• The impact of AI (artificial intelligence) on young people's futures

"When we look at youth in particular, we see that sometimes they're a little bit forgotten about," said Sodhi, who represents Brampton Centre in Ontario. She explained that Parliament often focuses on big topics like trade and the economy. "But we don't look at it from a youth lens and how that's going to affect our youth."

💡 Did You Know?
Amandeep Sodhi started going to Liberal Party events with her dad when she was just 11 years old—around the same age as many readers of this publication!

Different Paths to Parliament

Each MP took a different path to get here. Sawatzky, who chairs the youth caucus, wasn't even planning to run! He was studying neuroscience and getting ready to start a master's degree in counselling psychology. Then, just two weeks before the election, someone asked if he'd consider running.

"I figured, well, this is a great way to make an impact on a scale much larger than I would be able to as solely an individual," Sawatzky said.

He still sometimes can't believe he's an MP. "You walk into the front doors, and it sometimes feels like it's Hogwarts or something out of a movie," he said, comparing Parliament to the magical school from the Harry Potter series.

💡 Did You Know?
Jake Sawatzky was asked to run for Parliament just TWO WEEKS before election day. Talk about a fast decision!

One Vote Made the Difference

Auguste's story shows how every vote truly matters. She won her seat in Terrebonne, Quebec by just ONE vote! Before becoming an MP, she worked on a youth caucus in her local municipality (her city's government). That experience inspired her to "be part of the change" she wanted to see.

She has already taken action. Auguste sponsored a bill—a proposed new law—to create a national strategy for floods and droughts across Canada.

"If we put ourselves in a corner, I don't think we're going to go very far," Auguste said. "We need to have a youth perspective on every issue that is on the table."

💡 Did You Know?
If just ONE more person had voted for Auguste's opponent, she wouldn't be an MP today. Your vote really does count!

Why Youth Representation Matters

Sawatzky believes that if young people don't run for office, their voices won't be heard. "If no young people run in politics, the problem there is there's no youth representation," he explained.

The youth caucus has been getting attention from other MPs too. Many are interested in learning how to connect with young voters in their own communities.

For these four young MPs, being together in Parliament means a lot. "Having three other members of Parliament that are 25 and under that can understand what I'm going through... it's great to have that support from them," said Auguste.

💡 Did You Know?
In Canada, you can vote in federal elections when you turn 18. You can also run for Parliament when you turn 18, as long as you're a Canadian citizen!

Looking Ahead

These young MPs want other young Canadians to know that getting involved in politics is possible—and important. Whether it's voting, volunteering, or even running for office someday, young voices matter in shaping Canada's future.

📰 Sources

This article was researched using the following sources:

1. The Canadian Press (via Yahoo News Canada). "Four young MPs born in the 2000s say they want to be a voice for Canada's youth." December 21, 2025. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/four-young-mps-born-2000s-110119957.html

• Used for: Main story details, quotes from MPs, background information

2. CP24. "Four young MPs born in the 2000s say they want to be a voice for Canada's youth." December 21, 2025. https://www.cp24.com/politics/2025/12/21/four-young-mps-born-in-the-2000s-say-they-want-to-be-a-voice-for-canadas-youth/

• Used for: Additional details about MP backgrounds

3. 620 CKRM. "Four young MPs born in the 2000s say they want to be a voice for Canada's youth." December 21, 2025. https://www.620ckrm.com/2025/12/21/four-young-mps-born-in-the-2000s-say-they-want-to-be-a-voice-for-canadas-youth/

• Used for: Verification of facts and quotes

4. Eawaz. "Young MPs born in the 2000s want to be a voice for Canada's youth." December 2025. https://eawaz.com/youth-zone/young-mp-want-to-be-voice-for-canada-youth/

• Used for: Additional context about Auguste's bill and Sawatzky's background

5. Toronto CityNews. "Four young MPs born in the 2000s say they want to be a voice for Canada's youth." December 21, 2025. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/12/21/four-young-mps-born-in-the-2000s-say-they-want-to-be-a-voice-for-canadas-youth/

• Used for: Photo reference and additional context

📚 Background Information

Historical Context

Canada's Parliament has existed since 1867—that's over 150 years! Throughout that time, MPs have usually been middle-aged or older adults. It wasn't until the spring 2025 federal election that Canada elected its first MPs who were born in the 2000s.

Young people have long felt underrepresented in government. Studies show that people under 30 are less likely to vote than older Canadians. Some believe this is because young people don't feel politicians understand their concerns.

Key Terms

Member of Parliament (MP) (mem-ber of PAR-luh-ment): A person elected by voters to represent their area (called a "riding") in Canada's House of Commons. Canada has 338 MPs.

Caucus (KAW-kus): A group of politicians who meet to work together on shared interests or goals. There are party caucuses (all MPs from one party) and issue-based caucuses (MPs from different parties who care about the same topic).

Youth Caucus: A group focused specifically on issues affecting young people.

Municipality (myoo-nih-sih-PAL-ih-tee): A city, town, or local area with its own government. Municipal governments handle local issues like parks, roads, and garbage collection.

Bill: A proposed law that MPs debate and vote on. If enough MPs vote "yes," it can become a law.

Representation (rep-rih-zen-TAY-shun): Having someone speak and act on your behalf. In government, this means having people who understand your experiences help make decisions.

Federal Election: A vote held across all of Canada to choose MPs. Elections must happen at least every four years.

How Parliament Works

Canada's Parliament is where laws are made. It has two parts:

• House of Commons: 338 elected MPs who debate and vote on laws
• Senate: Appointed members who review laws passed by the House

The political party with the most MPs usually forms the government, and their leader becomes Prime Minister.

Canadian Perspective

These four MPs represent the diversity of Canada:

• Jake Sawatzky: British Columbia (West Coast)
• Amandeep Sodhi: Ontario (Brampton, near Toronto)
• Tatiana Auguste: Quebec (near Montreal)
• Fares Al Soud: Ontario (Mississauga, near Toronto)

Their ridings span three provinces, showing that young Canadians across the country want representation.

❓ Comprehension Questions

On-the-Line Questions (Finding Information in the Text)

1. How many MPs born in the 2000s were elected in the spring 2025 federal election?

2. What three main issues does the youth caucus focus on?

3. By how many votes did Tatiana Auguste win her seat in Terrebonne?

4. What was Jake Sawatzky studying before he decided to run for Parliament?

Between-the-Line Questions (Making Connections)

5. Why do you think Sawatzky compared walking into Parliament to entering "Hogwarts"? What might he have meant by this comparison?

6. What does Sodhi mean when she says Parliament doesn't always "look at it from a youth lens"? Give an example of a topic where a youth perspective might be different from an adult perspective.

7. How might Auguste's experience of winning by just one vote affect how she thinks about the importance of voting?

Beyond-the-Line Questions (Thinking Deeper)

8. Do you think it's important for young people to be represented in government? Why or why not? What perspectives might young MPs bring that older MPs might miss?

9. If you could suggest one issue for the youth caucus to focus on, what would it be? Explain why this issue matters to young Canadians.

10. These MPs took very different paths to Parliament. What does their story suggest about who can become a politician? Does anything about their journeys surprise you?

🗺️ Curriculum Connections

Social Studies (Grades 5-7):

• Levels of government in Canada (federal, provincial, municipal)
• How representatives are elected
• Citizenship and civic participation
• Rights and responsibilities in a democracy

Language Arts:

• Reading comprehension of informational text
• Analyzing quotes and perspectives
• Understanding persuasive language

Critical Thinking:

• Evaluating the importance of representation
• Considering multiple perspectives on youth issues
• Making personal connections to civic engagement

ARTICLE 2: N.L. Youth Ask for a Seat at the Table

December 21, 2025 — St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What is Youth Activism?

Imagine your school is planning to cut the lunch break by 15 minutes. You disagree with this decision, but you're "just a student"—you don't get to vote at school council meetings. What do you do?

Some students might complain to their friends and forget about it. But others might organize. They might write letters, start a petition, or ask to speak at the next council meeting. When young people take action to change things they care about, that's called youth activism. It's students saying: "We may not be adults yet, but this is our future you're deciding."

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Youth Climate Action Across Canada

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

4. According to the infographic, in what year did the Fridays for Future movement begin?
5. How many young Canadians presented climate recommendations to the Senate in September 2025?
6. Looking at the map, which provinces have had youth climate activities?

📰 ARTICLE

While most kids were writing Christmas wishlists for Santa Claus, a group of young people in Newfoundland and Labrador were writing a different kind of list—for their government.

On December 21, 2025, a coalition of youth-led groups sent a letter to every Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) in the province. Their request? A meeting to talk about their future.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? An MHA (Member of the House of Assembly) is what Newfoundland and Labrador calls its provincial politicians. Other provinces call them MPPs (Ontario), MLAs (most other provinces), or MNAs (Quebec). They all do the same job—representing their communities in the provincial government!

What Do They Want?

Megs Scott, co-president of Fridays for Future St. John's, said the youth have one big question for the government: "What are you going to do to ensure that Newfoundland and Labradorians have the best future possible for the coming generations?"

The groups want to discuss several issues:

• Climate change and preparing for extreme weather
• Green jobs for young workers
• Anti-racism and decolonization
• Gender-inclusive healthcare for transgender youth

"We are the youth representatives of the community," said Scott, "and we want a chance to bring our ideas to you and also let you know our concerns."

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Fridays for Future is a global movement that started in August 2018, when a 15-year-old Swedish student named Greta Thunberg began sitting outside the Swedish parliament every Friday instead of going to school. She held a sign that said "Skolstrejk för klimatet" (School Strike for Climate). Within a year, millions of young people around the world had joined her!

Why Now?

The letter comes after a scary summer for Newfoundland and Labrador. Wildfires swept across the province, forcing communities to evacuate and filling the air with smoke. For many young people, it felt like climate change was no longer a distant problem—it was happening in their own backyard.

But during the provincial election campaign in October, Premier Tony Wakeham said something that disappointed climate activists: he said there was "no link" between N.L. wildfires and the oil industry.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Newfoundland and Labrador produces about 5% of Canada's oil, mostly from offshore platforms in the Atlantic Ocean. The province earns billions of dollars from oil each year—but burning oil and gas also releases greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Scott disagrees with the premier's statement. "There's a lot of climate catastrophes happening," they said. "We want to talk about what's the future for Newfoundland and Labrador, because it's not going to be oil and gas, and science tells us that."

Did Anyone Respond?

During the election, the youth groups sent surveys to all candidates from all political parties, asking about their climate plans. Scott says they received responses from the NDP (New Democratic Party) and the Liberals, but not from the Progressive Conservatives (PCs)—the party that won and now leads the government.

"Talking to the PCs now is our next step," said Scott.

The premier's office has not yet responded to the youth groups' request for a meeting.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Young people in other parts of Canada have made their voices heard on climate too! In September 2025, 36 young Canadians (ages 18-25) travelled to Ottawa for Canada's first-ever Youth Climate Assembly. They spent five days learning, debating, and writing recommendations that they presented directly to the Senate!

Why Should Young People Get a Say?

Some adults might wonder: why should politicians listen to teenagers who can't even vote yet?

But youth activists have a simple answer: climate change will affect young people more than anyone else. The decisions governments make today—about oil, energy, and the environment—will shape what the world looks like in 2050, 2075, and beyond. That's the world today's kids will inherit.

As one climate scientist put it: "The people making decisions about the climate won't be around to face the consequences. The young people protesting today will."

💡 DID YOU KNOW? In Canada, you can vote in federal and provincial elections when you turn 18. But some countries, like Austria and Brazil, let 16-year-olds vote! In 2023, Germany seriously debated lowering its voting age to 16 for European Parliament elections.

📚 SOURCES

1. Cole, Abby. "All these N.L. youth want for Christmas is to meet with provincial politicians." CBC News, December 21, 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/youth-meeting-province-9.7024447

2. Israel, Julia. "Protesters demand N.L. premier take climate change seriously in wake of wildfires." CBC News, November 15, 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tony-wake-up-climate-protest-9.6980410

3. Environmental Leadership Canada. "Press Release: Canadian Youth Climate Assembly." September 12, 2025. https://www.environmentalleadership.ca/post/press-release-canadian-youth-climate-assembly

4. Right Livelihood Foundation. "Greta Thunberg — The Change Makers." Accessed December 2025. https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/greta-thunberg/

5. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "2025-2030 Climate Change Action Plans." Environment and Climate Change, June 2025. https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/occ/action-plans/

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Understanding Youth Climate Activism

What is “Fridays for Future”? Fridays for Future is a global youth-led movement that began in 2018 when Greta Thunberg started protesting outside the Swedish parliament every Friday. The movement grew rapidly, with millions of young people around the world participating in "school strikes for climate."

What is a climate emergency? A climate emergency (or climate crisis) is when a government officially recognizes that climate change is a serious, urgent problem that needs immediate action. When a government declares a climate emergency, it usually promises to make fighting climate change a top priority.

What are green jobs? Green jobs are jobs that help protect the environment or fight climate change. Examples include:

• Building wind turbines or solar panels
• Installing insulation to make buildings more energy-efficient
• Developing electric vehicles
• Managing forests or protecting wildlife

Key vocabulary:

• Youth activism (YOUTH AK-tih-viz-um): When young people take organized action to create change
• Coalition (koh-uh-LIH-shun): A group of different organizations working together toward a shared goal
• MHA: Member of the House of Assembly (Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial politician)
• Decolonization (dee-kol-uh-nuh-ZAY-shun): The process of undoing the harmful effects of colonialism, especially for Indigenous peoples
• Gender-inclusive healthcare: Medical care that treats everyone fairly regardless of their gender identity
• Green jobs: Jobs that help the environment or fight climate change

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. What is the name of the youth climate organization that Megs Scott co-leads?

2. What major natural disaster affected Newfoundland and Labrador during the summer of 2025?

3. How many young Canadians participated in the Youth Climate Assembly in Ottawa in September 2025?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why do you think the youth groups were disappointed that Premier Wakeham said there was "no link" between wildfires and the oil industry?

5. The article says the youth groups received responses from some political parties but not from the Progressive Conservatives. What might this suggest about the different parties' views on climate issues?

6. How does Newfoundland and Labrador's economy make climate conversations complicated for the province?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. Do you think young people who can't vote yet should have a say in government decisions about climate change? Why or why not?

8. The youth activists want to talk about several different issues—climate change, anti-racism, and healthcare. Why might they see all of these issues as connected?

9. If you could write a letter to your own provincial government asking for a meeting, what issue would you want to discuss? Why is that issue important to you?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Social Studies:

• Civic engagement and democratic participation
• Provincial government structure (MHAs, premiers, political parties)
• Indigenous rights and decolonization

Science:

• Climate change and extreme weather events
• Fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions
• Renewable energy and "green" technology

Media Literacy:

• Analyzing how youth activists communicate their message
• Understanding different perspectives on environmental issues
• Evaluating political responses to citizen demands

Critical Thinking:

• Balancing economic interests (oil industry jobs) with environmental concerns
• Understanding why people disagree about climate science
• Evaluating the effectiveness of different forms of activism

ARTICLE 3: Earth's Thermostat Has a Strange Problem

December 21, 2025 — Riverside, California

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What is a Thermostat?

You probably have a thermostat in your home. When your house gets too cold, the thermostat turns on the heater. When it gets too warm, the heater shuts off. The goal is to keep the temperature just right.

Earth has its own "thermostat" too—a natural system that has kept our planet from getting too hot or too cold for billions of years. But scientists just discovered something surprising: Earth's thermostat doesn't always work smoothly. Sometimes, when trying to cool down after getting too warm, it overcorrects—meaning it tries too hard to fix the problem and goes way past the target. Imagine your house is a little too warm, so your thermostat turns on the air conditioning. But instead of stopping when the room is comfortable, it keeps going and going until your living room turns to ice and your dog turns into a popsicle!

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Earth's Carbon Thermostat

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. According to the infographic, what nutrient gets washed into the ocean during heavy rainfall?
2. What happens to plankton after they die?
3. Why does the "overshoot" happen—what keeps the cycle going instead of stopping?

📰 ARTICLE

Here's a riddle that sounds impossible: Could global warming actually cause an ice age?

According to new research from scientists in California, the answer is yes—though not in the way you might think.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? An ice age is a long period when Earth's temperature drops so much that huge sheets of ice cover large parts of the planet. The last major ice age ended about 11,700 years ago. During that period, ice covered most of Canada and reached as far south as New York City!

Earth's Natural Air Conditioner

For decades, scientists have understood that Earth has a built-in way to control its temperature. It works through something called the carbon cycle.

Here's how it usually works: When there's too much carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air, the planet warms up. But warmer temperatures mean more rain. That rain absorbs CO₂ from the air and washes it onto rocks. Over millions of years, the rocks break down, and rivers carry the dissolved carbon to the ocean. There, it gets locked away in seashells and limestone on the ocean floor.

Think of it like a very, very slow air conditioner. Too hot? The system removes CO₂ and cools things down. Too cold? Less rain means less carbon gets removed, so CO₂ builds up again. Balance restored!

💡 DID YOU KNOW? This process is incredibly slow. It takes about 100,000 to 200,000 years for Earth's "thermostat" to bring temperatures back to normal after a big change. That's why it can't save us from today's rapid climate change!

The Missing Piece

But geologist Andy Ridgwell and his colleague Dominik Hülse at the University of California, Riverside, noticed a problem. If Earth's thermostat was so gentle and reliable, why did some ancient ice ages get so extreme?

About 700 million years ago, during something called "Snowball Earth," ice and snow may have covered almost the entire planet—including the oceans! That seems like a pretty big overcorrection.

The researchers discovered a missing piece of the puzzle: plankton.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Plankton are tiny organisms that float in the ocean. Many are so small you need a microscope to see them. But don't let their size fool you—plankton produce about half of all the oxygen on Earth! Every other breath you take comes from the oxygen that plankton produces.

How Plankton Create a Feedback Loop

Here's what the scientists found: When Earth warms up, rain doesn't just wash carbon into the ocean—it also washes nutrients like phosphorus. Phosphorus is like fertilizer for plankton. More phosphorus means more plankton.

When plankton grow, they absorb CO₂ from the water (just like trees absorb CO₂ from the air). When they die, they sink to the ocean floor, taking all that carbon with them. This buries carbon even faster than the rock-weathering process.

But here's where it gets weird. In a warmer world with lots of plankton, the ocean starts running out of oxygen. With less oxygen, the phosphorus doesn't get buried—it gets recycled back into the water. This feeds even more plankton, which bury even more carbon, which removes even more CO₂ from the atmosphere.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Scientists call this kind of self-reinforcing process a feedback loop. It's like a snowball rolling downhill—once it starts, it keeps getting bigger and faster on its own.

The result? Instead of gently cooling Earth back to a comfortable temperature, the system overshoots. Way, way overshoots. In the researchers' computer simulations, this feedback loop was strong enough to trigger an ice age.

Should We Be Worried?

Here's the good news: This won't happen anytime soon.

The process takes tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years. And today's atmosphere has more oxygen than it did during ancient "Snowball Earth" events, which makes the feedback loop less extreme.

"At the end of the day, does it matter much if the start of the next ice age is 50, 100, or 200 thousand years into the future?" said Ridgwell. "We need to focus now on limiting ongoing warming."

In other words, this discovery won't save us from climate change. The planet will keep warming as long as humans keep adding CO₂ to the atmosphere. But it does help scientists understand why Earth's climate has swung to such extremes in the distant past.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The study was published in Science, one of the world's most respected scientific journals. To get published there, research must be reviewed by other scientists who check the work for errors. This process is called peer review.

📚 SOURCES

1. ScienceDaily. "Global warming could trigger the next ice age." December 21, 2025. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251221043231.htm

2. University of California, Riverside. "Carbon cycle flaw can plunge Earth into an ice age." UCR News, September 25, 2025. https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2025/09/25/carbon-cycle-flaw-can-plunge-earth-ice-age

3. Phys.org. "Carbon cycle flaw could push Earth into an ice age as planet overcorrects for warming." September 25, 2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-09-carbon-flaw-earth-ice-age.html

4. Cleantech Times. "Study finds warming oceans can lock away carbon long enough to freeze the planet." December 2025. https://cleantechtimes.com/plankton-driven-ocean-feedbacks-may-lock-away-carbon-and-cool-earth-too-much/

5. Hülse, D. & Ridgwell, A. "Instability in the geological regulation of Earth's climate." Science, December 2025. DOI: 10.1126/science.adh7730

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Understanding Earth's Climate System

What is the carbon cycle? The carbon cycle is the way carbon moves between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living things. Carbon dioxide in the air can be absorbed by plants, dissolved in ocean water, or locked away in rocks. It's a giant recycling system that keeps Earth's climate stable over millions of years.

What was "Snowball Earth"? Snowball Earth refers to periods in Earth's ancient history (about 700-600 million years ago) when ice may have covered nearly the entire planet, including the oceans. Scientists debate exactly how frozen Earth became, but evidence in rocks suggests these were the most extreme ice ages in our planet's history.

What is a feedback loop? A feedback loop is when the result of a process affects the process itself. In a positive feedback loop, the effect of the process makes itself stronger (like this plankton cycle). In a negative feedback loop, the effect slows the process down. Climate scientists study feedback loops carefully because they can make climate change faster or slower than expected.

Canadian connection: Canada would be dramatically affected by any ice age! During the last ice age, the Laurentide Ice Sheet covered almost all of Canada, reaching up to 4 kilometres thick in some places. When it melted, it carved out the Great Lakes and left behind the flat prairies we see today.

Key vocabulary:

• Carbon cycle (KAR-bon SY-kul): The way carbon moves through Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living things
• Plankton (PLANK-ton): Tiny organisms that float in water; many are microscopic
• Phosphorus (FOS-for-us): A nutrient that helps plants and plankton grow
• Feedback loop: When the result of a process affects the process itself
• Snowball Earth: Ancient periods when ice may have covered almost the entire planet
• Peer review: When scientists check each other's work before it gets published

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. What nutrient acts like "fertilizer" for plankton in the ocean?

2. About how long ago did the last major ice age end?

3. How long does Earth's natural "thermostat" take to bring temperatures back to normal after a big change?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why can't this discovery "save us" from today's climate change, even though it shows Earth can cool itself down?

5. The article compares Earth's climate system to a home thermostat. In what way does Earth's system work differently from (and worse than) a thermostat in your house?

6. Why do lower oxygen levels in the ocean make the plankton feedback loop stronger?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. The article mentions that plankton produce about half of Earth's oxygen. If ocean warming kills large amounts of plankton, how might this affect both the feedback loop and the air we breathe?

8. Scientists often discover that Earth's systems are more complicated than they first thought. Why is it important to keep studying and updating our understanding of how the planet works?

9. Ridgwell says we should "focus now on limiting ongoing warming" rather than wait for Earth to cool itself. Do you agree? Why might waiting thousands of years for natural cooling be a problem?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Science:

• Earth's carbon cycle and climate regulation
• Feedback loops (positive and negative)
• Ocean ecosystems and plankton
• Geologic time scales

Geography:

• Ice ages and glaciation in Canada
• How climate shapes landscapes (Great Lakes, prairies)
• Ocean systems and nutrient cycling

Critical Thinking:

• Understanding very long time scales (thousands vs. millions of years)
• Distinguishing between short-term and long-term climate processes
• Evaluating what scientific discoveries mean for current problems

Media Literacy:

• Understanding peer review in scientific publishing
• How scientific uncertainty is communicated
• Interpreting "surprising" science headlines accurately

ARTICLE 4: The Year in Science — 2025's Biggest Discoveries

December 2025 — Around the World

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Makes a Year "Big" for Science?

Think about everything you learned this year. Maybe you finally understood fractions, or figured out how to code a video game, or learned to play a new song on an instrument. Some lessons are small, and some change how you see everything.

Science works the same way. Every year, scientists around the world make thousands of discoveries. Most are small steps forward. But a few are so big that they change how we understand the world—or even save lives. As 2025 comes to a close, let's look back at some of the breakthroughs that will be remembered for years to come.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: 2025 Science Highlights

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. According to the infographic, how long did the pig kidney transplant last—setting a new record?
2. What did scientists find hints of on the ocean world K2-18b?
3. How much did Huntington's disease treatment slow the disease's progression?

📰 ARTICLE

As 2025 wraps up, scientists around the world are looking back at a year filled with remarkable discoveries. From personalized medicine to alien worlds, here are some of the breakthroughs that made headlines.

🧬 The First Personalized Gene Therapy

The biggest medical story of the year happened in a hospital in Philadelphia. A baby boy named KJ Muldoon became the first person in the world to receive a gene therapy designed just for him.

KJ was born with a rare genetic disorder that made it dangerous for him to eat protein. Without treatment, the condition could have killed him. But scientists at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia used a technology called CRISPR to edit the DNA inside KJ's cells and fix the problem.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? CRISPR works like a tiny pair of molecular scissors. Scientists can program it to find a specific spot in a person's DNA and cut it, allowing them to remove, replace, or repair faulty genes. The technology won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020!

Within two months of treatment, KJ was eating more protein and taking less medication. Doctors hope this "made-to-order" approach could help millions of people with rare diseases that currently have no cure.

🐷 Pig Organs Save Human Lives

For years, scientists have dreamed of using animal organs to save people who need transplants. In 2025, that dream came closer to reality.

A man named Tim Andrews from New Hampshire received a pig kidney and has been living with it for nearly nine months—the longest anyone has ever lived with an animal organ. Other patients received the first-ever pig lung transplant and a pig liver that kept a patient alive while doctors found a human donor.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? About 100,000 people in the United States are on the waiting list for organ transplants, but only about 40,000 transplants happen each year. Pig organs could help close that gap because pigs can be raised specifically to donate organs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved the first multi-person trials of pig kidney transplants. That means 2026 could see even more people receive life-saving animal organs.

🔭 Strange New Worlds

The James Webb Space Telescope continued its mission to explore the universe—and found some truly weird planets.

One exoplanet (a planet outside our solar system) orbits a pulsar, which is the super-dense, rapidly spinning remains of a dead star. The planet is so close to its star that gravity has squished it into a lemon shape! Even stranger, its atmosphere is full of carbon—scientists think the pressure inside might be turning that carbon into diamonds.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The pulsar at the center of this system is about the size of a city, but it contains more mass than our entire Sun! It spins hundreds of times per second (6000 rpm).

Meanwhile, Webb found what some scientists are calling the "strongest hints yet of biological activity" on an ocean world called K2-18b. The telescope detected chemicals that could be produced by living organisms—though scientists caution that more research is needed before we can say for certain.

🐟 Creatures from the Deep

Scientists discovered at least 20 new species living in the deep Pacific Ocean near Guam. These creatures came from the ocean's "twilight zone"—a mysterious region where very little sunlight reaches.

The discoveries included colourful fish and strange invertebrates that had never been seen before. Scientists expect to find even more new species as they analyze all their samples.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? We've explored more of the Moon's surface than we have of Earth's deep ocean floor! Scientists estimate that 80% of the ocean remains unmapped and unexplored.

And near Antarctica, researchers found something even weirder: a carnivorous (meat-eating) sponge shaped like a ball that captures tiny ocean creatures. Yes, you read that right—a sponge that eats meat!

🧠 Hope for Huntington's Disease

For decades, doctors have had no way to slow down **Huntington's disease**, a devastating brain condition that affects movement, thinking, and emotions. But this year, a new gene therapy showed remarkable results.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Huntington's disease (say: HUN-ting-dinz) is a genetic condition that affects the brain. It's caused by a problem in a person's DNA that they inherit from their parents. The disease usually starts when people are in their 30s or 40s. It causes problems with movement (like jerky motions), thinking (like trouble remembering things), and emotions (like feeling sad or angry). There's no cure yet, but this new treatment is a big step forward!

In clinical trials, the treatment slowed the disease's progression by 75%—the first time any therapy has been able to do this. For families affected by Huntington's, it's a breakthrough that offers real hope.

🤖 AI Everywhere

Three years after ChatGPT burst onto the scene, artificial intelligence continued to reshape how we live, learn, and work.

Scientists using AI writing tools published up to 50% more research papers than before. AI helped discover new antibiotics and design new molecules for medicine. But researchers also worried about making sure the work is still accurate and trustworthy.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? ChatGPT launched on November 30, 2022. Within two months, it had 100 million users—making it the fastest-growing application in history!

Looking Ahead to 2026

If 2025 taught us anything, it's that the biggest discoveries often come from places we didn't expect. Who knew a baby in Philadelphia would receive a one-of-a-kind medicine, or that a lemon-shaped planet would be found orbiting a star the size of a city?

As one scientist put it: "We're just getting started."

📚 SOURCES

1. Knowable Magazine. "Top science stories of 2025." December 22, 2025. https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/society/2025/top-science-stories-of-the-year-2025

2. Nature. "Seven feel-good science stories to restore your faith in 2025." December 17, 2025. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-03505-7

3. Men's Health. "10 Life-Saving Medical Breakthroughs." December 11, 2025. https://www.menshealth.com/health/a69463000/medical-breakthroughs-2025/

4. NPR. "Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean." December 21, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/21/nx-s1-5650781/new-species-deep-pacific-ocean

5. Phys.org. "Webb observes pulsar-orbiting planet whose composition defies explanation." December 16, 2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-webb-pulsar-orbiting-planet-composition.html

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Understanding Science Breakthroughs

What is gene therapy? Gene therapy is a type of medical treatment that fixes problems in a person's genes—the instructions inside every cell that tell your body how to work. If a gene has an error (like a typo in a recipe that ruins a dish), gene therapy tries to correct it. Some gene therapies add a working copy of a gene; others repair or turn off faulty genes.

What is CRISPR? CRISPR (say: "CRISP-er") stands for "Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats." It's a gene-editing tool used in some gene therapies. CRISPR allows scientists to precisely cut and modify DNA—think of it like a word processor for genes where you can delete, insert, or correct genetic "typos."

What is xenotransplantation? Xenotransplantation (ZEE-no-trans-plan-TAY-shun) is transplanting organs from one species to another—like putting a pig kidney into a human. Scientists genetically modify the pig organs so the human body is less likely to reject them.

What is an exoplanet? An exoplanet is any planet outside our solar system. Since the first confirmed exoplanet discovery in 1992, scientists have found over 5,600 exoplanets! The James Webb Space Telescope is especially good at studying their atmospheres.

Canadian connection: Canadian researchers contributed to several 2025 breakthroughs! Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen is training to fly around the Moon in 2026 on Artemis II. Canadian scientists at McGill University helped analyze data from the James Webb Space Telescope, and Montreal's GHGSat (featured in Issue 5!) continued tracking methane emissions from space.

Key vocabulary:

• CRISPR (CRISP-er): A gene-editing technology that can precisely modify DNA
• Xenotransplantation (ZEE-no-trans-plan-TAY-shun): Transplanting organs between different species
• Exoplanet (EX-oh-plan-et): A planet outside our solar system
• Pulsar (PUL-sar): A rapidly spinning neutron star that emits beams of radiation
• Twilight zone: The ocean layer between 200 and 1,000 metres deep, where very little sunlight reaches
• Clinical trial: A research study that tests new treatments on volunteer patients

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. What technology did doctors use to treat baby KJ Muldoon's genetic disorder?

2. How long did Tim Andrews survive with a pig kidney—setting a new world record?

3. What unusual shape has the exoplanet orbiting the pulsar been squished into?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why is the FDA's approval of multi-person pig kidney trials important for the future of transplants?

5. The article mentions that AI helped scientists publish more papers, but researchers are also worried. What might they be worried about?

6. Why might the "twilight zone" of the ocean be a good place to discover new species?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. Baby KJ received a treatment made specifically for him. What are some advantages and challenges of creating personalized medicine for every patient?

8. If scientists confirm signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, how do you think that would change how humans see ourselves and our place in the universe?

9. Of all the discoveries mentioned in this article, which one do you find most exciting? Why? What questions does it make you want to ask?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Science:

• Genetics and DNA (CRISPR, gene therapy)
• Human body systems (organ transplants)
• Astronomy (exoplanets, telescopes)
• Marine biology (deep-sea ecosystems)

Technology:

• Artificial intelligence and its applications
• Medical technology advances
• Space telescopes and observation technology

Critical Thinking:

• Evaluating benefits and risks of new technology
• Understanding the scientific process (trials, peer review)
• Considering ethical questions in medicine

Media Literacy:

• How "year in review" articles are constructed
• Evaluating sources of science news
• Understanding that science is an ongoing process, not just final answers

ARTICLE 5: Seeing the World Through a Lens — 2025 in Pictures

December 2025 — Around the World

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: Why Do News Organizations Show "Year in Pictures"?

Every December, something interesting happens at newspapers and news websites around the world. Editors gather in rooms (or on video calls) and look at thousands of photographs taken throughout the year. Their job? Pick the images that best tell the story of what happened.

It's like creating a photo album for the whole planet. But unlike your family photo album, these pictures aren't chosen just because someone looks nice. They're chosen because they make you feel something—shock, sadness, hope, wonder, or joy. They show moments that changed history, or moments so human that everyone can relate.

This year, news organizations like The Atlantic, The New York Times, Al Jazeera, and National Geographic all published their "year in pictures" collections. Let's explore what they revealed about 2025—and learn how to "read" news photos like a pro.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: How to Read a News Photo

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. According to the infographic, why is it important to think about what might be "just outside the frame" of a photo?
2. What are two emotions that a news photo might make you feel?
3. Why does the infographic say a photo is "powerful—but not the whole story"?

📰 ARTICLE

When you scroll through social media or flip through a magazine, you probably don't think much about who took the pictures you're seeing. But behind every powerful image is a photojournalist—someone who risks discomfort, danger, and sometimes their life to show the world what's happening.

The Stories of 2025

This year's "pictures of the year" collections told stories from every corner of the globe:

Devastation and recovery. In January, wildfires ripped through Los Angeles, destroying over 13,000 homes and becoming the costliest wildfires in history. Photographers captured the orange glow of flames at night, the grey ash covering entire neighbourhoods, and—months later—the first homes being rebuilt.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The Los Angeles wildfires caused an estimated $40 billion in damage—more than any wildfire event ever recorded. One reason: people have built homes in areas where wildland meets urban neighborhoods, which is especially dangerous during fire season.

Conflict and crisis. From ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan to protests across multiple continents, photojournalists documented the human cost of conflict. These images are often difficult to look at, but they show what words alone cannot describe.

Wonder and discovery. Not all photos were sad. National Geographic featured stunning wildlife images, including Arctic animals and native bees. Reuters published breathtaking pictures from space—galaxies, nebulas, and distant worlds captured by telescopes millions of kilometres away. And photographers around the world captured moments of pure joy: festivals, celebrations, and everyday kindness.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? National Geographic photographers take hundreds of thousands of photos each year. For their annual "Pictures of the Year" feature, editors select just 25 images—that's less than 0.01% of what was shot!

What Makes a Photo Powerful?

Have you ever wondered why some photos stick in your memory while others don't? Photojournalists think carefully about several things:

The decisive moment. This term was invented by famous photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson. It means capturing the exact instant when everything comes together—the expression, the action, the light—to tell a story in a single frame.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908-2004) was a French photographer who helped invent modern photojournalism. He believed that every situation has one perfect moment to capture—and if you miss it, it's gone forever.

Composition. Where things are placed in the frame matters. A photo of a lone person in a huge, empty space feels different from a photo of someone surrounded by a crowd. Photographers make choices about what to include and what to leave out.

Context. A powerful photo raises questions: What happened before this moment? What happened after? What's just outside the frame? The best photos make you want to learn more.

Why Visual Journalism Matters

In a world flooded with images—from phone cameras, social media, and AI-generated pictures—professional photojournalism matters more than ever. Here's why:

Photojournalists go where others won't. When the Los Angeles fires broke out, photographers ran toward the flames, not away. When conflicts erupt, photojournalists document what's happening so the world can't look away.

They follow ethical rules. Professional photojournalists don't stage photos or digitally alter them to change the story. News organizations have strict rules about photo manipulation. This is different from social media, where anyone can post anything.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Most major news organizations have rules that photos can only be adjusted for basic things like brightness and cropping—never to add, remove, or change what actually happened. Breaking these rules can end a photojournalist's career.

They help us remember. Years from now, when people want to understand what 2025 was like, they'll look at these photographs. Images become part of history.

How to Be a Smart Photo Consumer

Next time you see a news photo, try asking yourself:

• Who took this photo, and who published it?
• What am I not seeing?
• Does this photo make me feel a certain way? Is that feeling based on facts?
• Would this story look different from another angle?

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The same event can look completely different depending on where the photographer stands. During protests, for example, a photo from behind police lines looks very different from a photo from within the crowd. Neither is "wrong"—but each tells a different part of the story.

Remember: every photograph is a choice. Someone decided to point the camera here instead of there, to capture this moment instead of that one. That doesn't make photos untrustworthy—but it does mean you should always think critically about what you're seeing.

📚 SOURCES

1. Al Jazeera. "Photos: Global stories of 2025 in pictures." December 25, 2025. https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/12/25/photos-global-stories-of-2025-in-pictures

2. USA Today. "See photos that defined 2025 in USA TODAY's Pictures of the Year." December 17, 2025. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/12/17/best-photos-images-news-journalism-2025/87620032007/

3. The Atlantic. "Top 25 News Photos of 2025." December 5, 2025. https://www.theatlantic.com/photography/2025/12/top-25-news-photos-2025/685128/

4. Reuters. "The most stunning pictures from space in 2025." December 17, 2025. https://www.reuters.com/pictures/most-stunning-pictures-space-2025-2025-12-17/

5. Business Insider. "National Geographic unveiled its Pictures of the Year." December 9, 2025. https://www.businessinsider.com/national-geographic-pictures-of-the-year-best-wildlife-photos-2025-12

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Understanding Photojournalism

What is photojournalism? Photojournalism is the practice of telling news stories through photographs. Unlike artistic photography, photojournalism aims to document real events as they happen, without staging or manipulation.

What are the ethics of photojournalism? Professional photojournalists follow strict rules:

• Never stage or re-create events
• Never digitally alter photos to change the story
• Provide accurate captions explaining what's shown
• Respect the dignity of people being photographed
• Be transparent about who they work for

What is "citizen journalism"? Today, anyone with a smartphone can capture news events. Citizen journalism refers to regular people—not professional journalists—documenting and sharing news. This has made news coverage faster and more widespread, but it also means there's less quality control.

Canadian connection: Canadian photojournalists contributed to global coverage of 2025 events. Canadian news organizations like The Globe and Mail, CBC, and Toronto Star also publish their own "year in pictures" features highlighting Canadian stories.

Key vocabulary:

• Photojournalist (FOH-toh-JUR-nuh-list): A journalist who tells news stories through photographs
• Composition (kom-puh-ZIH-shun): How elements are arranged within a photograph
• The decisive moment: The perfect instant when all elements come together to tell a story
• Caption (KAP-shun): Text that explains what a photograph shows
• Photo manipulation: Digitally changing a photo to alter what it shows
• Citizen journalism: News coverage by ordinary people, often using smartphones

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. How many homes were destroyed in the January Los Angeles wildfires?

2. What did French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson call the perfect instant to capture a photo?

3. According to the article, what is one thing professional photojournalists are NOT allowed to do to their photos?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why do news organizations have strict rules about not digitally altering photographs?

5. The article says photographers ran toward the Los Angeles fires while others ran away. What does this tell us about the work of photojournalists?

6. Why might a photo taken from behind police lines look different from one taken from within a crowd of protesters?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. The article says "every photograph is a choice." What does this mean, and why is it important for people looking at news photos to remember this?

8. With smartphones, anyone can take and share photos of news events. What are some advantages and disadvantages of "citizen journalism" compared to professional photojournalism?

9. If you could choose one moment from your own life in 2025 to be photographed for a "year in pictures" collection, what would it be? Why would that moment tell an important story?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Media Literacy:

• Analyzing visual texts and their construction
• Understanding how images can influence emotions and opinions
• Evaluating the credibility of visual sources
• Recognizing the difference between news photography and manipulated images

Language Arts:

• Visual storytelling and narrative techniques
• The relationship between images and captions
• Comparing how different sources cover the same event

Social Studies:

• The role of media in democratic societies
• How historical events are documented and remembered
• Global awareness through international news coverage

Critical Thinking:

• Questioning what is shown vs. what is not shown
• Understanding perspective and point of view
• Evaluating bias in visual media

ARTICLE 6: Alien World Beneath the Waves — New Species Found in Ocean's "Twilight Zone"

December 21, 2025 — Guam, Pacific Ocean

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What If There Was a Hidden World Right Here on Earth?

Imagine if someone told you there was a place where humans have barely explored, where strange creatures live that no one has ever seen, and where the environment is so extreme that visiting takes years of special training.

You might think they were describing another planet. But this place is real—and it's right here on Earth, hidden beneath the ocean's surface.

Scientists call it the twilight zone: a mysterious layer of the ocean where sunlight barely reaches and life takes strange and beautiful forms. This month, researchers announced they've discovered at least 20 species there that have never been seen before—and they've only just started looking.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: Layers of the Ocean

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. According to the infographic, what percentage of sunlight reaches the twilight zone?
2. At what depth does the twilight zone begin?
3. Why do many creatures in the midnight zone "make their own light"?

📰 ARTICLE

More than 300 feet beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean, near the island of Guam, the world looks like another planet.

Sunlight filters down in dim blue rays. Strange creatures drift past—hairy crabs, shimmering worms, and fish painted in colours that seem impossible. This is the ocean's twilight zone, and scientists have just pulled back the curtain on its secrets.

The Discovery

In November, a team of divers from the California Academy of Sciences retrieved 13 underwater monitoring devices that had been sitting on deep coral reefs near Guam for more than eight years. What they found inside surprised even them.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The monitoring devices are called ARMS (Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures). Think of them as underwater hotels for sea creatures. Scientists place these box-like structures on the ocean floor, and over time, animals move in. When scientists collect the ARMS years later, they can see exactly what's been living there.

"We found a possible new species of cardinalfish, a species of orange-clawed crab never before reported in Guam, and a new species of sea slug speckled with yellow and pink," said Luiz Rocha, an ichthyologist (fish scientist) at the California Academy of Sciences.

In total, the team believes they've discovered at least 20 new species—and they've only analyzed a fraction of what they collected.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Scientists use DNA sequencing to confirm whether a creature is truly a new species. "We sequence the DNA of the species before we even really make absolutely sure that they're new," Rocha explained. This means some of the 20 potential new species are still being tested!

What Is the Twilight Zone?

The ocean's twilight zone—scientists call it the mesophotic zone (mez-oh-FOH-tik), meaning "middle light"—is the layer of ocean between about 100 and 500 feet deep. Only about 1% of sunlight reaches this depth, creating a dim, eerie environment.

This zone is home to deep coral reefs that most people don't even know exist. Unlike the bright, colourful reefs you might see in nature documentaries (which live in shallow water), these deep reefs exist in near-darkness.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Scientists estimate that more than half of the species living in the twilight zone are still unknown to science. We've explored more of the Moon's surface than we have of these deep waters!

The Dangerous Dive

Reaching the twilight zone isn't easy. The divers who collected the monitoring devices near Guam used specialized equipment and techniques that required years of training.

"If we stay just 10 minutes at 500 feet, it would take us six hours to go up," Rocha explained.

Why so long? As divers go deeper, the pressure of the water increases. If they come up too quickly, gases in their blood can form dangerous bubbles—a condition called decompression sickness (also known as "the bends"). Rising slowly gives the body time to adjust safely.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? At 500 feet deep, the water pressure is about 15 times greater than at the surface. That's like having 15 cars stacked on top of you! Special diving equipment helps protect divers from this crushing force.

Trouble in the Deep

The discoveries weren't all good news. The monitoring devices also revealed troubling signs.

Warming waters. Temperature sensors showed that even these deep waters are getting warmer due to climate change. Scientists had hoped deep reefs might be protected from warming, but the data suggests otherwise.

Human trash. "Our trash beat us there," CNN reported. Even in these remote, hard-to-reach places, scientists found evidence of pollution.

"More than half of the species that live here are unknown, yet these reefs are already being affected by fishing, pollution, and climate change," Rocha said.

Why It Matters

You might wonder: why should we care about strange creatures living hundreds of feet underwater?

Biodiversity matters. Every species plays a role in its ecosystem. Losing species we haven't even discovered yet means losing knowledge we'll never get back.

Deep reefs might help shallow ones. Some scientists think deep coral reefs could help repopulate damaged shallow reefs—if we protect them.

The unknown is valuable. Throughout history, discoveries in unexpected places have led to new medicines, new materials, and new understanding of how life works.

"People tend not to protect the deep reefs," says Rocha. Part of his mission is to change that by showing the world what lives down there.

What's Next?

The Guam expedition was just the beginning. Over the next two years, Rocha's team will collect 76 more monitoring devices from deep reefs across the Pacific, including in Palau, French Polynesia, and the Marshall Islands.

How many new species will they find? No one knows yet. But one thing is certain: the ocean still has secrets to share.

✏️ EDITOR'S NOTE: Why This Story Matters

Finding new species isn't unusual. Scientists discover thousands of new species every year—not just in remote ocean depths, but in forests, backyards, and even cities. So why does this story matter?

Because it reminds us of something important: Earth is still a mysterious place.

We live in an age of satellites and supercomputers, where you can zoom in on any street corner from space. It's easy to think we've figured everything out. But the truth is, we haven't. More than 80% of our ocean remains unexplored. Creatures are living, breathing, and thriving in places we've barely glimpsed.

There's a lot of excitement these days about going to Mars, building moon bases, and becoming a "multi-planetary species." That's exciting science. But here's a thought worth sitting with: we don't yet fully understand the planet we already call home.

Earth isn't just where we live—it's a wonder. A world of glowing deep-sea creatures, forests we haven't mapped, and ecosystems we're only beginning to understand. Before we dream too much about other worlds, maybe we should learn to treasure this one.

Because getting to Mars won't help us much if we don't know how to take care of the only planet where life—so far as we know—actually exists.

— The Editors

📚 SOURCES

1. NPR. "Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean." December 21, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/21/nx-s1-5650781/new-species-deep-pacific-ocean

2. CNN. "Scientists used specialized equipment to dive into the ocean's 'twilight zone.' They found creatures never seen before." December 19, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/19/climate/ocean-deep-dive-new-species-pollution-heat

3. Newsweek. "Scientists May Have Discovered 20 New Species in 'Twilight Zone.'" December 22, 2025. https://www.newsweek.com/scientists-may-discovered-20-new-species-ocean-twilight-zone-11253458

4. National Geographic. "In the ocean's 'twilight zone,' divers risk their lives in search of new species." https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/guam-twilight-zone-coral-reefs-new-species

5. Phys.org. "Rare, deep-sea encounter: Scientists observe 'extraordinary' seven-arm octopus." December 15, 2025. https://phys.org/news/2025-12-rare-deep-sea-encounter-scientists.html

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Exploring the Deep Ocean

What are mesophotic coral reefs? Mesophotic coral reefs (from Greek words meaning "middle light") are coral reef ecosystems found between 30 and 150 metres deep. Unlike shallow reefs that depend heavily on sunlight, these reefs have adapted to survive with very little light. They're sometimes called "the ocean's hidden rainforests."

How do scientists discover new species? When scientists find a creature they don't recognize, they compare it to known species by examining its physical features and DNA. If it's different enough from all known species, it may be declared "new to science." This process can take months or even years of careful research.

What is decompression sickness? At depth, gases (especially nitrogen) dissolve into a diver's blood due to high pressure. If a diver rises too quickly, these gases form bubbles—like opening a shaken soda bottle. This causes decompression sickness, which can be painful or even deadly. Rising slowly prevents this.

Canadian connection: Canada has its own deep-water exploration programs! The Ocean Networks Canada organization operates underwater observatories off the coast of British Columbia that monitor deep-sea ecosystems. Canadian scientists have also contributed to discoveries about deep-water corals in Atlantic Canada.

Key vocabulary:

• Twilight zone (TWY-lite zohn): The ocean layer between 200-1,000 metres where very little sunlight reaches
• Mesophotic (mez-oh-FOH-tik): Greek for "middle light"; describes ecosystems with limited sunlight
• Ichthyologist (ik-thee-OL-oh-jist): A scientist who studies fish
• ARMS: Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures; underwater devices that collect marine life data
• Decompression sickness: A dangerous condition caused by rising too quickly from deep water
• Biodiversity (by-oh-dy-VER-sih-tee): The variety of different species living in an ecosystem

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. How many years were the monitoring devices sitting on the ocean floor before scientists retrieved them?

2. What does the word "mesophotic" mean?

3. If divers stay 10 minutes at 500 feet, how long does it take them to safely return to the surface?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why do scientists need to use DNA sequencing to confirm whether a creature is a new species, rather than just looking at it?

5. The article says "our trash beat us there." What does this tell us about the reach of human pollution?

6. Why might deep coral reefs be important for helping damaged shallow reefs recover?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. Scientists have explored more of the Moon's surface than the deep ocean. Why do you think it's so difficult to explore parts of our own planet?

8. Luiz Rocha says "people tend not to protect the deep reefs." Why might people be less interested in protecting places they can't see or visit? What could change this?

9. The article says discovering unknown species matters because we might find new medicines or materials. Can you think of other reasons why discovering new species might be important—even if they have no obvious practical use?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Science:

• Ocean zones and ecosystems
• Biodiversity and species classification
• Adaptation to extreme environments
• Effects of climate change on marine ecosystems

Geography:

• Pacific Ocean geography and island nations
• Coral reef distribution worldwide
• Human impact on remote ecosystems

Critical Thinking:

• Understanding why we protect ecosystems we can't see
• Weighing exploration costs against scientific benefits
• Considering what "unknown" means for conservation

Math Connections:

• Calculating pressure at different depths
• Understanding percentages (1% of sunlight)
• Time calculations for decompression

ARTICLE 7: A Sea of Golden Fur — 2,397 Dogs Break World Record in Argentina

December 8, 2025 — Buenos Aires, Argentina

🔍 UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC: What Makes a World Record?

You've probably heard of world records before. The tallest person. The fastest runner. The longest fingernails (yes, that's real). But have you ever thought about why people try to break them?

Sometimes it's about proving something amazing is possible. Sometimes it's about bringing people together for a shared goal. And sometimes? It's just about having fun with 2,397 golden retrievers in a park.

This month, dog lovers in Argentina gathered to break the world record for the most golden retrievers in one place at one time. It wasn't about competition or prizes. It was about community, celebration, and a whole lot of wagging tails.

📊 INFOGRAPHIC: The Golden Wave Record Timeline

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Infographic Questions:

1. In what country did the "Golden Wave" events first begin?
2. How many more golden retrievers attended the 2025 Argentina event compared to the 2024 Vancouver event?
3. According to the infographic, where were golden retrievers first developed as a breed?

📰 ARTICLE

You could hear them from blocks away.

On a sunny Monday morning in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the unmistakable sound of thousands of dogs barking echoed through the Bosques de Palermo, a sprawling park in the heart of the city. The source? A "sea of bright yellow fur" — 2,397 golden retrievers and their very excited owners.

They had come to break a world record. And break it they did.

The Golden Wave

The event is part of a growing tradition called the "Golden Wave" — gatherings of golden retriever owners who come together to celebrate their favourite breed and attempt to set records for the most goldens in one place.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? The Golden Wave tradition started in 2019 in the town of Golden, Colorado, USA. Yes, a town called Golden hosting golden retrievers — you can't make this stuff up!

The previous record was set in 2024 in Vancouver, Canada, where 1,685 golden retrievers gathered in a park. But Argentina shattered that number by more than 700 dogs.

"This is a historic event," said Fausto Duperre, the 28-year-old event organizer who has become famous on social media for posting content about his 10-year-old golden retriever named Oli.

A Community of Dog Lovers

For many attendees, the event was about more than just a record. It was about celebrating the bond between humans and their dogs.

Nicolás Orellana, a 26-year-old wearing a T-shirt with his golden retriever's photo on it, talked about how much his dog means to him. "We've done everything together," he said.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They're known for being friendly, intelligent, loyal, and great with families. They were originally bred in Scotland in the 1800s to retrieve birds for hunters — which is where the name "retriever" comes from!

Not everyone was worry-free, though. Elena Deleo, 64, admitted she was nervous about bringing her golden retriever Angie into such a huge crowd. "I was afraid I would lose her, I was afraid she would fight, I was afraid another dog would attack her," she said.

But golden retrievers are famous for their gentle, friendly nature. By all accounts, the gathering was peaceful — just a lot of tail-wagging, face-licking, and happy barking.

A Muddy Mess (In the Best Way)

There was one thing the organizers perhaps didn't fully plan for: the pond.

Bosques de Palermo park has a pond, and golden retrievers love water. After all, they were bred to retrieve things from lakes and rivers! So naturally, many of the 2,397 dogs ended up splashing around and getting thoroughly muddy.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Golden retrievers have a water-resistant double coat that helps keep them warm when swimming. Their webbed feet also make them excellent swimmers!

But nobody seemed to mind. The mud just added to the fun.

Why Golden Retrievers?

Of all the dog breeds in the world, why do golden retrievers inspire these massive gatherings?

Part of it is their popularity — there are simply a lot of golden retriever owners out there. But fans of the breed say it's also about personality.

💡 DID YOU KNOW? Golden retrievers are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs for people who are blind, and search-and-rescue dogs. Their calm, friendly nature and eagerness to please make them ideal for helping people.

"True to the breed's nature, it was all about fun," reported the Canine Chronicle. Golden retrievers are known for their joyful, playful attitudes — and that energy was contagious among the humans too.

What's Next?

Will the Buenos Aires record stand? Maybe for a while. But as one reporter noted, "there's a lotta Goldens out there, and records are made to be broken."

The annual Golden Wave event in Golden, Colorado continues to grow each year. And now that Argentina has raised the bar, cities around the world might be planning their own attempts.

One thing is certain: wherever the next record is set, there will be a lot of happy dogs — and even happier humans.

📚 SOURCES

1. Associated Press / ABC News. "A symphony of woofs: This is what happens when 2,397 golden retrievers gather in an Argentina park." December 9, 2025. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/symphony-woofs-2397-golden-retrievers-gather-argentina-park-128227440

2. NPR. "More than 2,000 golden retrievers chase a world record in Buenos Aires." December 9, 2025. https://www.npr.org/2025/12/09/nx-s1-5638523/more-than-2-000-golden-retrievers-chase-a-world-record-in-buenos-aires

3. Canine Chronicle. "The 'Golden Wave' of Retrievers." December 24, 2025. https://caninechronicle.com/current-articles/the-golden-wave-of-retrievers/

4. AP News. "Photos of golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires for a world record attempt." December 8, 2025. https://apnews.com/article/argentina-golden-retrievers-world-record-buenos-aires-522297aa4aa0a5b422efc3e2a1653c45

📋 BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Golden Retrievers and World Records

What is a golden retriever? The golden retriever is a large dog breed originally developed in Scotland in the mid-1800s. They were bred to retrieve waterfowl (ducks and other birds) for hunters. Today, they're one of the most popular family pets in the world, known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and beautiful golden coat.

What makes golden retrievers special? Golden retrievers are famous for being:

• Friendly — They love people and other animals
• Intelligent — They're easy to train and eager to learn
• Loyal — They form strong bonds with their families
• Patient — They're great with children
• Playful — They stay puppy-like in spirit even as adults

Are all world records official? Not all world records are tracked by official organizations. Guinness World Records is the most famous record-keeping organization, but many events (like the Golden Wave) are considered "unofficial" records. The golden retriever gatherings are tracked informally by the community rather than by Guinness.

Canadian connection: Canada held the previous world record! The 2024 Vancouver gathering brought together 1,685 golden retrievers — until Argentina beat it this year. Golden retrievers are extremely popular in Canada, consistently ranking among the top 5 most registered breeds with the Canadian Kennel Club.

Key vocabulary:

• Golden retriever: A large, friendly dog breed with a golden-coloured coat
• Retrieve (ree-TREEV): To bring something back; retrievers were bred to fetch birds for hunters
• World record: The best or most extreme example of something ever documented
• Temperament (TEM-per-uh-ment): An animal's or person's nature or personality

❓ COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Level 1: On the Line 📖

Find the answer directly in the article

1. How many golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires to set the new world record?

2. What was the name of the park where the event took place?

3. In what country was the golden retriever breed originally developed?

Level 2: Between the Lines 📝

Think about what the article means

4. Why do you think the Golden Wave tradition started in a town called Golden, Colorado?

5. Elena Deleo was nervous about bringing her dog to the event. Why might her fears have been unnecessary, based on what the article tells us about golden retrievers?

6. The article mentions that the event was "about more than just a record." What else was it about?

Level 3: Beyond the Line 💭

Connect to bigger ideas and your own thinking

7. Why do you think events like the Golden Wave bring people together? What is it about shared interests (like owning the same breed of dog) that creates community?

8. The article ends by saying "records are made to be broken." Do you think another city will try to beat Argentina's record? What would it take to organize an event with even more dogs?

9. Golden retrievers are used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. What qualities make them good at these jobs? Can you think of other jobs where these qualities would be helpful?

🔗 CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS

Social Studies:

• Community and shared identity
• International events and cultural celebrations
• How social media connects people with shared interests

Science:

• Animal breeds and selective breeding
• Dog behaviour and temperament
• Adaptations (water-resistant coat, webbed feet)

Math Connections:

• Comparing numbers (2,397 vs. 1,685)
• Calculating differences and percentages
• Understanding large gatherings and crowd counting

Media Literacy:

• How "feel-good" stories spread on social media
• The role of influencers in organizing events
• Why news organizations cover lighthearted stories

🎨 POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS: Earth's Waiting Room

Understanding Political Cartoons

Political cartoons use humor, exaggeration, and symbolism to comment on current events. They make us think critically about important issues while entertaining us. Learning to "read" political cartoons is an important media literacy skill!

This Week's Cartoon: "First in Line"

AI generated images may be incorrect, absurd, and/or hilarious

Analysis Questions:

Level 1: Identifying Elements

1. Where does this cartoon take place? What clues tell you this?
2. What items of human garbage can you see in the cartoon?
3. What is the diver saying to the sea creatures?

Level 2: Understanding the Message

4. Why is it ironic (unexpected and contradictory) that the diver says "We've discovered you!" when trash has been there for years?
5. What does the fish wearing a shopping bag as a "hat" symbolize? (Hint: Think about how pollution affects marine life.)
6. The sign says humans are making their "1st visit" but garbage has made its "1,000,000th visit." What point is the cartoonist trying to make?

Level 3: Critical Thinking

7. This cartoon uses humor to make a serious point. Do you think humor makes the message about ocean pollution more or less powerful? Why?
8. The cartoon connects to Article 6 in this issue, where scientists found new species but also found pollution. Why might cartoonists choose to comment on real news stories?
9. Extension: If you were to draw a cartoon about the "warming can cause an ice age" story from Article 3, what symbols would you use to show Earth's "thermostat" overcorrecting?

Think About It: The cartoon suggests that human impact reaches places before humans do. What does this tell us about our responsibility to protect places we haven't even explored yet?

📸 NEWS PHOTO ANALYSIS: Your Turn to Be the Analyst!

A Special Reader Challenge

This week, instead of analyzing a single photograph together, we're inviting YOU to become the photo analyst—and potentially be featured in next week's issue!

📷 The Assignment: "2025 in Pictures"

Every December, news organizations around the world publish their "Year in Pictures" collections—powerful photographs that captured the most important, moving, and memorable moments of the year.

Your mission:

1. Browse one or more of the photo collections linked below
2. Choose ONE photograph that speaks to you
3. Write a short essay (150-300 words) analyzing your chosen photo
4. Submit your essay and get to be featured in Issue 7!

🔗 Photo Collections to Explore

International News:

• Al Jazeera: "Global stories of 2025 in pictures" https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2025/12/25/photos-global-stories-of-2025-in-pictures

• Reuters: "The most stunning pictures from space in 2025" https://www.reuters.com/pictures/most-stunning-pictures-space-2025-2025-12-17/

• The Atlantic: "Top 25 News Photos of 2025" https://www.theatlantic.com/photography/2025/12/top-25-news-photos-2025/685128/

North American Focus:

• USA Today: "Pictures of the Year 2025" https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/12/17/best-photos-images-news-journalism-2025/87620032007/

• AP News: "Photos of golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires" (a lighter option!) https://apnews.com/photo-gallery/golden-retrievers-dogs-photo-gallery-world-record-c10d05e0cc78a6d1cd28d3374bd742ac

Wildlife & Nature:

• National Geographic: "Pictures of the Year"

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/graphics/pictures-of-the-year-2025

✍️ How to Write Your Photo Analysis Essay

Use the framework from Article 5 ("Seeing the World Through a Lens") to guide your analysis:

Paragraph 1: Description

• What do you see in the photograph?
• Who or what is the subject?
• Where and when was it taken (if you know)?

Paragraph 2: Emotional Impact

• What emotions does this photo create? (sadness, hope, wonder, joy, concern?)
• What details in the photo create that feeling?
• Why did this photo stand out to you among all the others?

Paragraph 3: The Bigger Story

• What news event or issue does this photo represent?
• What might be happening just outside the frame?
• What questions does this photo raise for you?

Paragraph 4: Your Reflection

• Why do you think this photo is important?
• What do you want others to understand when they see it?
• How does it connect to your own life or community?

📬 How to Submit

Send your essay to: [[email protected]]

Include:

• Your first name and grade
• The title or description of the photo you chose
• Which news organization published it
• Your essay (150-300 words)

Deadline: Before the next issue is published!

🏆 What You Could Win

All essays will be:

• Featured in Issue 7 of Your World Last Week
• Credited with your first name and grade
• Accompanied by a description of your chosen photograph

Note for Parents/Teachers: This activity connects to media literacy curriculum expectations around analyzing visual texts, understanding perspective in journalism, and expressing informed opinions in writing. Consider making this a family or classroom activity!

Remember: There are no "wrong" photos to choose. A picture of golden retrievers can teach us just as much about human nature as a photo of a natural disaster. Choose what moves YOU.

 🪶 ATTEMPTED MURDER - COMIC STRIP

Two crows observe and comment on human behavior (I would have named it “The guilt trip”)

📝 QUIZ SECTION

Test your knowledge of this week's news stories!

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUIZ

Choose the best answer for each question.

Article 1: Canada's Youngest MPs

1. How many MPs born in the 2000s were elected in the spring 2025 federal election?

1. Two
2. Three
3. Four
4. Five

2. What was Jake Sawatzky studying before he decided to run for Parliament?

1. Political science
2. Neuroscience
3. Law
4. Journalism

3. By how many votes did Tatiana Auguste win her seat in Terrebonne?

1. Five votes
2. Ten votes
3. One vote
4. Fifty votes

Article 2: NL Youth Climate Demands

4. What organization does Megs Scott co-lead?

1. Greenpeace Canada
2. Fridays for Future St. John's
3. Sierra Club
4. Climate Action Network

5. What major natural disaster affected Newfoundland and Labrador in summer 2025?

1. Hurricanes
2. Floods
3. Wildfires
4. Earthquakes

6. How old was Greta Thunberg when she started the Fridays for Future movement?

1. 13 years old
2. 14 years old
3. 15 years old
4. 16 years old

Article 3: Earth's Thermostat

7. What nutrient acts like "fertilizer" for plankton in the ocean?

1. Nitrogen
2. Carbon
3. Phosphorus
4. Oxygen

8. About how long ago did the last major ice age end?

1. 5,000 years ago
2. 11,700 years ago
3. 50,000 years ago
4. 100,000 years ago

9. How long does Earth's natural "thermostat" take to bring temperatures back to normal?

1. 10-20 years
2. 100-200 years
3. 100,000-200,000 years
4. 1 million years

Article 4: Year in Science

10. What technology did doctors use to treat baby KJ Muldoon's genetic disorder?

1. MRI scanning
2. CRISPR gene editing
3. Radiation therapy
4. Stem cell therapy

11. How long did Tim Andrews survive with a pig kidney—setting a new world record?

1. Three months
2. Six months
3. Nine months
4. Twelve months

12. What unusual shape has the exoplanet orbiting the pulsar been squished into?

1. Egg shape
2. Lemon shape
3. Football shape
4. Donut shape

Article 5: 2025 in Pictures

13. How many homes were destroyed in the January Los Angeles wildfires?

1. 5,000 homes
2. 10,000 homes
3. 13,000 homes
4. 20,000 homes

14. What did French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson call the perfect instant to capture a photo?

1. The golden hour
2. The decisive moment
3. The magic second
4. The perfect shot

15. According to the article, what is one thing professional photojournalists are NOT allowed to do?

1. Take photos of dangerous events
2. Digitally alter photos to change the story
3. Use zoom lenses
4. Work for multiple news organizations

Article 6: Twilight Zone Species

16. How many years were the monitoring devices sitting on the ocean floor before scientists retrieved them?

1. Two years
2. Five years
3. Eight years
4. Ten years

17. What does the word "mesophotic" mean?

1. Deep water
2. Middle light
3. No light
4. Bright light

18. If divers stay 10 minutes at 500 feet, how long does it take them to safely return to the surface?

1. One hour
2. Three hours
3. Six hours
4. Twelve hours

Article 7: Golden Retrievers

19. How many golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires to set the new world record?

1. 1,685 dogs
2. 2,000 dogs
3. 2,397 dogs
4. 3,000 dogs

20. What was the name of the park where the golden retriever event took place?

1. Central Park
2. Hyde Park
3. Bosques de Palermo
4. Stanley Park

TRUE OR FALSE QUIZ

Write T for True or F for False.

1. ____ The average age of Members of Parliament in Canada is about 50 years old.
2. ____ You can run for Parliament in Canada at age 16.
3. ____ Newfoundland and Labrador produces about 5% of Canada's oil.
4. ____ In Austria and Brazil, you can vote when you're 16 years old.
5. ____ Plankton produce about half of all the oxygen on Earth.
6. ____ The process of Earth cooling itself down happens very quickly—within a few years.
7. ____ CRISPR won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020.
8. ____ Scientists have explored more of the deep ocean than the Moon's surface.
9. ____ Professional photojournalists are allowed to digitally alter photos to make them look better.
10. ____ Only about 1% of sunlight reaches the ocean's twilight zone.
11. ____ At 500 feet deep, water pressure is about 15 times greater than at the surface.
12. ____ Golden retrievers were originally bred in Scotland in the 1800s.
13. ____ The Golden Wave tradition started in Vancouver, Canada.
14. ____ Canada held the previous world record for most golden retrievers in one place.
15. ____ Decompression sickness is caused by rising too quickly from deep water.

BONUS CHALLENGE QUESTIONS

These questions require deeper thinking and may have more than one correct approach!

1. Cross-Article Connection

Question: Both Article 1 (young MPs) and Article 2 (youth climate activists) show young people trying to make their voices heard. Compare and contrast these two approaches. How are they similar? How are they different? Which approach do you think might be more effective, and why?

Hint: Think about working inside the system (becoming an MP) vs. working outside the system (protesting and demanding meetings).

2. Critical Thinking

Question: Article 3 explains that Earth has a natural "thermostat" that can cool the planet—but it takes 100,000+ years to work. Article 6 shows that human pollution has already reached the deep ocean before humans have. What do these two stories together tell us about the relationship between human actions and Earth's natural systems?

Hint: Consider the difference between human timescales (years, decades) and Earth's timescales (thousands, millions of years).

3. Global Perspective

Question: Look at all the locations mentioned in this week's articles: Canada (multiple provinces), Argentina, Guam, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more. Choose three locations and explain how a news story from each place connects to the lives of Canadian students. Why should we care about what happens in other parts of the world?

Hint: Think about climate change, scientific discoveries, and how events in one country can affect people everywhere.

4. Scientific Method

Question: In Article 4, we learned about several scientific breakthroughs from 2025. Pick one discovery (CRISPR gene therapy, pig organ transplants, or the James Webb Space Telescope findings) and explain how you think scientists might have tested their ideas. What steps would they have taken to make sure their discovery was real and safe?

Hint: Think about the scientific process: observation, hypothesis, testing, peer review, and publication.

5. Personal Application

Question: Article 5 teaches us how to "read" news photographs critically. Article 7 shows a joyful community event. If you were a photojournalist and could photograph ONE event from your own life this year to tell a story about who you are, what would you photograph? Why? What would you want people to understand from seeing that photo?

Hint: Think about what matters to you, what makes your community special, or what moment defined your year.

6. Ethics and Responsibility

Question: The Editor's Corner discusses "AI slop" and the importance of thinking for yourself. Article 6 mentions that "our trash beat us there" to the deep ocean. Both stories raise questions about human responsibility. What do YOU think is the most important responsibility young people have today? Is it about technology? The environment? Something else? Explain your answer.

Hint: There's no single "right" answer—this is about your values and what you think matters most.

7. Mathematics in Real Life

Question: Article 7 says 2,397 golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires, breaking the previous record of 1,685 dogs from Vancouver. Calculate: a) How many MORE dogs attended the Argentina event? b) What percentage increase is this from the Vancouver record? c) If each dog brought an average of 2 humans, approximately how many total beings (dogs + humans) were at the event?

Hint: For percentage increase, use the formula: (new number - old number) ÷ old number × 100

8. Creative Writing

Question: Imagine you are one of the new species discovered in the ocean's twilight zone (Article 6). Write a short paragraph (100-150 words) describing what you see when the scientists' monitoring device arrives. How do you feel about these visitors? What would you want to say to them if you could communicate?

Hint: Think about the perspective of a creature that has never seen humans before—but has seen human trash.

📊 QUIZ SCORING GUIDE

Multiple Choice: 1 point each (20 points total) True/False: 1 point each (15 points total) Bonus Questions: 5 points each for thoughtful, well-reasoned answers (40 points total)

Total Possible: 75 points

Scoring:

• 65-75 points: 🌟 News Expert! You really paid attention this week!
• 50-64 points: 📚 Strong Reader! Good comprehension of the stories.
• 35-49 points: 👀 Good Start! Try re-reading the articles for details you missed.
• Below 35 points: 📖 Keep Practicing! Reading news takes time and practice.

Remember: The goal isn't just to get the right answers—it's to understand the stories, think critically about them, and connect them to your own life. Even if you miss some questions, you're learning how to be an informed citizen of the world!

Good luck, and have fun!

🧩 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Use vocabulary from all seven articles to complete this crossword!

Across

1 - Persons elected to represent their community in Canada's government

4 - The way carbon moves through Earth's systems

7 - Day when Greta Thunberg started her climate strikes

9 - Earth's natural system that controls temperature

12 - Last name of the space telescope

13 - Type of jobs that help protect the environment

14 - Tiny ocean organisms that produce about half of Earth's oxygen

15 - An element that cycles through Earth's atmosphere and oceans

17 - A city, town, or local area with its own government

18 - A rapidly spinning neutron star that emits beams of radiation

Down

2 - A proposed law that politicians debate and vote on

3 - Underwater structure made of coral where many species live

5 - Young people who are the focus of the youth caucus

6 - An acronym. An underwater devices that scientists place on the ocean floor to collect marine data over time

8 - Where the James Webb Space Telescope explores

10 - Where the twilight zone is located

11 - What covered large parts of the planet during a specific age

12 - Name of the golden retriever gathering tradition

13 - Unit of heredity that can be edited using CRISPR

14 - Place where the golden retriever event was held

15 - A group of politicians who meet to work together on shared interests or goals

16 - A gene-editing technology that can precisely modify DNA

🗺️ MAP ASSIGNMENT

Label the locations mentioned in this week's news stories on a world map

📍 LOCATIONS TO LABEL

Article 1: Canada's Youngest MPs Want to Speak for You

Canadian Locations:

1. Ottawa, Ontario — Canada's capital city where Parliament meets
2. New Westminster-Burnaby-Maillardville, British Columbia — Jake Sawatzky's riding
3. Brampton Centre, Ontario — Amandeep Sodhi's riding
4. Terrebonne, Quebec — Tatiana Auguste's riding
5. Mississauga Centre, Ontario — Fares Al Soud's riding

Article 2: N.L. Youth Ask for a Seat at the Table

Canadian Locations: 6. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador — Where the youth climate activists are based 7. Newfoundland and Labrador — The province affected by summer 2025 wildfires

International Location: 8. Stockholm, Sweden — Where Greta Thunberg started her climate strikes

Article 3: Earth's Thermostat Has a Strange Problem

International Location: 9. Riverside, California, USA — Where the University of California researchers are based

Historical Canadian Location: 10. Laurentide Ice Sheet region — The area covered by ice during the last ice age (most of Canada)

Article 4: The Year in Science — 2025's Biggest Discoveries

International Locations: 11. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA — Where baby KJ received gene therapy 12. New Hampshire, USA — Where Tim Andrews received a pig kidney transplant

Space Locations: 13. K2-18b — An exoplanet (ocean world) where scientists found hints of biological activity 14. Pulsar system — Location of the lemon-shaped exoplanet (outside our solar system)

Article 5: Seeing the World Through a Lens — 2025 in Pictures

International Locations: 15. Los Angeles, California, USA — Site of devastating January 2025 wildfires 16. Ukraine — Country experiencing ongoing conflict 17. Gaza — Region experiencing ongoing conflict 18. Sudan — Country experiencing ongoing conflict

Article 6: Alien World Beneath the Waves — Twilight Zone Species

Pacific Ocean Locations: 19. Guam — U.S. territory where new species were discovered 20. Palau — Island nation where researchers will collect more monitoring devices 21. French Polynesia — Island group where researchers will collect more monitoring devices 22. Marshall Islands — Island nation where researchers will collect more monitoring devices

Ocean Feature: 23. Pacific Ocean — The world's largest ocean, where the twilight zone discoveries were made

Article 7: A Sea of Golden Fur — Golden Retrievers World Record

International Locations: 24. Buenos Aires, Argentina — Where the new world record was set 25. Argentina — Country that hosted the golden retriever gathering

Historical Locations: 26. Golden, Colorado, USA — Where the Golden Wave tradition started in 2019 27. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada — Where the previous world record was set (2024)

Origin Location: 28. Scotland — Country where golden retrievers were originally bred in the 1800s

🌍 BONUS CANADIAN LOCATIONS

Always include these for geographic literacy:

29. Canada — Label the entire country
30. United States — Label Canada's southern neighbour
31. Atlantic Ocean — Label the ocean east of Canada
32. Pacific Ocean — Label the ocean west of Canada
33. Arctic Ocean — Label the ocean north of Canada

🗺️ GEOGRAPHY QUESTIONS

Answer these questions using your labeled map:

1. Continents

Question: On which continents did this week's news stories take place?

Answer: This week's stories took place on:

• North America (Canada, United States)
• South America (Argentina)
• Europe (Sweden, Ukraine)
• Asia (Gaza)
• Africa (Sudan)
• Oceania (Pacific islands: Guam, Palau, French Polynesia, Marshall Islands)

2. Distances

Question: Using your map, estimate the distance between St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador and Vancouver, British Columbia. Which is farther from St. John's: Vancouver or Buenos Aires, Argentina?

Answer:

• St. John's to Vancouver is approximately 5,000-5,500 kilometres across Canada
• St. John's to Buenos Aires is approximately 8,000-9,000 kilometres
• Buenos Aires is farther from St. John's than Vancouver is

3. Climate Zones

Question: Looking at the locations on your map, which places are in similar climate zones? For example, how might the climate in Scotland compare to the climate in British Columbia?

Answer:

• Scotland and British Columbia are both in temperate climate zones with mild, wet winters
• California and Argentina have Mediterranean-style climates in some regions
• Newfoundland and Labrador has a subarctic climate, similar to parts of Scandinavia
• Pacific islands (Guam, Palau, etc.) have tropical climates

4. Oceans

Question: Which oceans are mentioned or connected to this week's stories? How do these oceans connect the different locations?

Answer:

• Pacific Ocean — Connects Canada (BC) to Guam, Palau, French Polynesia, and Marshall Islands
• Atlantic Ocean — Connects Canada (Newfoundland) to Europe (Sweden, Ukraine)
• Arctic Ocean — Mentioned in the context of Canada's North and ice ages
• These oceans show how Canada is connected to the world through water

5. Latitude

Question: Which of this week's locations are closest to the equator? Which are closest to the North Pole? How does latitude affect climate in these places?

Answer:

• Closest to the equator: Guam, Palau, French Polynesia, Marshall Islands (all tropical Pacific islands)
• Closest to the North Pole: Northern Canada (including parts of Newfoundland and Labrador)
• Latitude effect: Places closer to the equator are warmer year-round; places closer to the poles are colder and experience more extreme seasonal changes

6. Borders

Question: Which countries share borders with Canada? Which of this week's stories involve countries that share borders with each other?

Answer:

• Canada shares borders with: The United States (and has maritime borders with Greenland/Denmark)
• Countries sharing borders in this week's stories:

• Ukraine shares borders with Russia and several European countries
• Sudan shares borders with several African countries
• Gaza is a territory bordering Israel and Egypt

7. Regions

Question: This week's stories mention several regions: "New England" (New Hampshire), "Newfoundland and Labrador," "British Columbia." What is a "region," and why do places have regional names?

Answer:

• A region is an area that shares common characteristics—geographic, cultural, political, or historical
• Why regional names matter: They help people identify with shared identity, culture, and geography
• Examples from this week:

• "New England" refers to the northeastern U.S. states with shared history
• "Newfoundland and Labrador" is a province with distinct culture
• "British Columbia" is Canada's westernmost province with Pacific identity

8. Population Density

Question: Compare the population density of Buenos Aires, Argentina with that of Guam. Which place likely has more people per square kilometre? Why?

Answer:

• Buenos Aires is a major city with approximately 3 million people in the city proper and 15 million in the metropolitan area — very high population density
• Guam is a small island territory with about 170,000 people — moderate population density for an island
• Buenos Aires likely has higher population density because it's a large metropolitan city, while Guam is a mix of urban and rural areas on a larger land area

9. Biodiversity Hotspots

Question: Which locations from this week's stories are known for high biodiversity (many different species)? Why might these places have more species than others?

Answer:

• Pacific Ocean twilight zone (Guam, Palau, etc.) — High biodiversity due to varied depths and isolation
• Coral reefs in the Pacific — Among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth
• Tropical regions (Pacific islands) — Generally have higher biodiversity due to warm temperatures and stable climates
• Why: Warm temperatures, varied habitats, and geographic isolation create conditions for many species to evolve

10. Global Connections

Question: How are the locations in this week's stories connected to each other? Give at least three examples of connections between different places.

Answer:

• Climate connection: Wildfires in California and Newfoundland show how climate change affects different parts of the world
• Scientific collaboration: Researchers in California discovered climate science that affects the entire planet, including Canada
• Ocean connection: Pollution from around the world reaches the deep Pacific Ocean near Guam
• Cultural connection: Golden retriever gatherings started in the U.S., moved to Canada, then to Argentina — showing how traditions spread
• Political connection: Young people in Canada and Sweden (Greta Thunberg) are both working on climate action

🎯 MAP SKILLS PRACTICE

For Parents/Teachers: This assignment practices:

• ✅ Locating places using coordinates or descriptions
• ✅ Understanding scale and distance
• ✅ Recognizing patterns in global events
• ✅ Connecting geography to current events
• ✅ Spatial thinking and global awareness
• ✅ Comparing climates and environments
• ✅ Understanding human-environment interaction

📚 SUGGESTED MATERIALS

• World map (political and physical)
• Atlas or online mapping tools (Google Maps, National Geographic)
• Colored pencils for different story categories:

• 🔴 Red: Canadian locations
• 🔵 Blue: U.S. locations
• 🟢 Green: International locations
• 🟡 Yellow: Ocean/space locations

• Ruler for measuring distances
• Compass for understanding direction

💡 EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

For students who want to go deeper:

1. Create a travel itinerary: If you could visit three places from this week's stories, which would you choose? Why? Draw a route connecting them.

2. Climate comparison: Research the average temperature and rainfall for three different locations from this week. Create a chart comparing them.

3. Time zones: How many time zones are represented in this week's stories? If it's 12:00 PM in St. John's, what time is it in Guam? In Buenos Aires?

4. Population research: Choose three locations and research their populations. Create a bar graph comparing them.

5. Cultural exploration: Pick one international location (like Argentina or Sweden) and research three interesting facts about its culture, food, or traditions.

Remember: Geography isn't just about memorizing places on a map—it's about understanding how the world connects and how where we are shapes who we are and what happens to us!

Happy mapping! 🗺️

🧮 THE WATERLOO MATH CHALLENGE

None posted. Feel free to explore previous challenges in the site: https://cemc.uwaterloo.ca/resources/potw

📚 WORDS TO KNOW (GLOSSARY)

All key vocabulary from this week's articles, in alphabetical order

A

Activism (AK-tih-viz-um) — When people take organized action to create change in society or government. Young people often use activism to speak up about issues they care about, like climate change.

ARMS — Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures; underwater devices that scientists place on the ocean floor to collect marine life data over time. Think of them as underwater hotels for sea creatures!

B

Bill — A proposed law that Members of Parliament debate and vote on. If enough MPs vote "yes," the bill can become a law.

Biodiversity (by-oh-dy-VER-sih-tee) — The variety of different species living in an ecosystem. Places with high biodiversity have many different types of plants and animals.

C

Caucus (KAW-kus) — A group of politicians who meet to work together on shared interests or goals. There are party caucuses (all MPs from one political party) and issue-based caucuses (MPs from different parties who care about the same topic).

Caption (KAP-shun) — Text that explains what a photograph shows. Good captions help viewers understand the context of an image.

Carbon cycle (KAR-bon SY-kul) — The way carbon moves through Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living things. It's a giant recycling system that helps regulate Earth's climate over millions of years.

Citizen journalism — News coverage by ordinary people, often using smartphones, rather than professional journalists. This has made news coverage faster but also means there's less quality control.

Clinical trial — A research study that tests new treatments on volunteer patients to make sure they're safe and effective.

Composition (kom-puh-ZIH-shun) — How elements are arranged within a photograph or artwork. Where things are placed affects how viewers feel about the image.

CRISPR (CRISP-er) — A gene-editing technology that can precisely modify DNA. Think of it like a word processor for genes where you can delete, insert, or correct genetic "typos."

D

Decisive moment — The perfect instant when all elements come together to tell a story in a single photograph. French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson invented this term.

Decolonization (dee-kol-uh-nuh-ZAY-shun) — The process of undoing the harmful effects of colonialism, especially for Indigenous peoples and countries that were colonized.

Decompression sickness — A dangerous condition caused by rising too quickly from deep water. Gases in the blood form bubbles, like opening a shaken soda bottle.

E

Exoplanet (EX-oh-plan-et) — A planet outside our solar system. Since the first confirmed exoplanet discovery in 1992, scientists have found over 5,600 exoplanets!

F

Federal election — A vote held across all of Canada to choose Members of Parliament. Elections must happen at least every four years.

Feedback loop — When the result of a process affects the process itself. In a positive feedback loop, the effect makes the process stronger (like the plankton cycle in Article 3).

G

Gene therapy — A type of medical treatment that fixes problems in a person's genes—the instructions inside every cell that tell your body how to work.

Golden retriever — A large, friendly dog breed with a golden-coloured coat, originally bred in Scotland in the 1800s to retrieve birds for hunters.

Green jobs — Jobs that help protect the environment or fight climate change. Examples include building wind turbines, installing solar panels, and managing forests.

I

Ichthyologist (ik-thee-OL-oh-jist) — A scientist who studies fish.

M

MHA — Member of the House of Assembly. This is what Newfoundland and Labrador calls its provincial politicians. Other provinces call them MPPs, MLAs, or MNAs.

Mesophotic (mez-oh-FOH-tik) — Greek for "middle light"; describes ecosystems with limited sunlight, like the ocean's twilight zone.

Municipality (myoo-nih-sih-PAL-ih-tee) — A city, town, or local area with its own government. Municipal governments handle local issues like parks, roads, and garbage collection.

MP — Member of Parliament. A person elected by voters to represent their area (called a "riding") in Canada's House of Commons. Canada has 338 MPs.

P

Peer review — When scientists check each other's work before it gets published in a scientific journal. This helps make sure the research is accurate and trustworthy.

Phosphorus (FOS-for-us) — A nutrient that helps plants and plankton grow. In the ocean, phosphorus acts like fertilizer for plankton.

Photojournalist (FOH-toh-JUR-nuh-list) — A journalist who tells news stories through photographs. They document real events as they happen without staging or manipulation.

Photo manipulation — Digitally changing a photo to alter what it shows. Professional photojournalists are not allowed to do this.

Plankton (PLANK-ton) — Tiny organisms that float in water; many are so small you need a microscope to see them. Despite their size, plankton produce about half of all the oxygen on Earth!

Pulsar (PUL-sar) — A rapidly spinning neutron star that emits beams of radiation. A pulsar is about the size of a city but contains more mass than our entire Sun!

R

Representation (rep-rih-zen-TAY-shun) — Having someone speak and act on your behalf. In government, this means having people who understand your experiences help make decisions.

Retrieve (ree-TREEV) — To bring something back. Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve birds for hunters, which is where they got their name.

S

Snowball Earth — Ancient periods (about 700-600 million years ago) when ice may have covered almost the entire planet, including the oceans.

T

Temperament (TEM-per-uh-ment) — An animal's or person's nature or personality. Golden retrievers are known for their friendly, gentle temperament.

Thermostat — A device that controls temperature. Earth has its own natural "thermostat" that helps keep the planet from getting too hot or too cold over millions of years.

Twilight zone (TWY-lite zohn) — The ocean layer between 200-1,000 metres deep where very little sunlight reaches. It's also called the mesophotic zone.

W

World record — The best or most extreme example of something ever documented. People and organizations track world records for everything from sports to strange achievements.

X

Xenotransplantation (ZEE-no-trans-plan-TAY-shun) — Transplanting organs from one species to another, like putting a pig kidney into a human. Scientists genetically modify the animal organs so the human body is less likely to reject them.

Y

Youth activism (YOUTH AK-tih-viz-um) — When young people take organized action to create change. Youth activists often focus on issues like climate change, education, and social justice because these decisions will affect their future.

Youth caucus — A group of politicians who focus specifically on issues affecting young people, like mental health, jobs, and education.

📝 PRO TIPS FOR USING THIS GLOSSARY

1. Look it up first: When you see a bolded word in an article, check the glossary before reading further.

2. Say it out loud: Use the pronunciation guides to practice saying new words correctly.

3. Make connections: Notice how some words are related (like "photojournalist" and "citizen journalism").

4. Use it in a sentence: After reading a definition, try using the word in your own sentence to help you remember it.

5. Create flashcards: Write the word on one side of a card and the definition on the other. Quiz yourself!

🎯 GLOSSARY CHALLENGE

Test yourself! Can you define these words without looking?

1. What is a caucus?
2. What does CRISPR do?
3. What is the carbon cycle?
4. What is a feedback loop?
5. What is an exoplanet?
6. What is biodiversity?
7. What is the twilight zone?
8. What is xenotransplantation?
9. What is youth activism?
10. What is a photojournalist?

Check your answers in the glossary above!

Remember: Learning new vocabulary is like collecting tools for your toolbox. The more words you know, the better you can understand the world and express your own ideas!

Happy learning! 📚

🔑 ANSWER KEY

Complete answers for all questions and activities in Issue 6

ARTICLE COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Article 1: Canada's Youngest MPs Want to Speak for You

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: How many MPs born in the 2000s were elected in the spring 2025 federal election? Answer: Four MPs born in the 2000s were elected: Jake Sawatzky, Amandeep Sodhi, Tatiana Auguste, and Fares Al Soud.

2. Question: What three main issues does the youth caucus focus on? Answer: The youth caucus focuses on: (1) mental health challenges facing youth, (2) unemployment and finding good jobs, and (3) the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) on young people's futures.

3. Question: By how many votes did Tatiana Auguste win her seat in Terrebonne? Answer: She won by just ONE vote.

4. Question: What was Jake Sawatzky studying before he decided to run for Parliament? Answer: He was studying neuroscience and getting ready to start a master's degree in counselling psychology.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

5. Question: Why do you think Sawatzky compared walking into Parliament to entering "Hogwarts"? What might he have meant by this comparison? Answer: Sawatzky likely meant that Parliament feels magical and awe-inspiring, like the fictional school of magic from Harry Potter. It's a grand, historic place where important decisions are made, and as a young person, he might feel amazed to be there. The comparison shows his sense of wonder and disbelief at being an MP.

6. Question: What does Sodhi mean when she says Parliament doesn't always "look at it from a youth lens"? Give an example of a topic where a youth perspective might be different from an adult perspective. Answer: She means that Parliament often discusses issues from an adult perspective without considering how they affect young people. For example, when discussing housing affordability, adults might think about buying homes, while young people might worry about being able to afford rent or move out of their parents' homes. When discussing AI, adults might focus on economic impacts, while young people might worry about how AI will affect their future careers.

7. Question: How might Auguste's experience of winning by just one vote affect how she thinks about the importance of voting? Answer: Winning by one vote would likely make Auguste believe strongly that every single vote matters. She would understand that democracy can be decided by very small margins, and that each person's choice can make the difference between winning and losing. This might make her more passionate about encouraging young people to vote.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

8. Question: Do you think it's important for young people to be represented in government? Why or why not? What perspectives might young MPs bring that older MPs might miss? Answer: (Sample answer) Yes, I think it's important because young people will live with the consequences of today's decisions longer than anyone else. Young MPs might bring perspectives on: technology and social media use, education and student debt, climate change anxiety, mental health challenges, housing affordability for young people, and the future job market. Older MPs might not have personal experience with these issues or might not understand how they affect young people's daily lives.

9. Question: If you could suggest one issue for the youth caucus to focus on, what would it be? Explain why this issue matters to young Canadians. Answer: (Sample answer) I would suggest focusing on climate education in schools. This matters because young Canadians are worried about climate change but often feel they don't have enough knowledge to understand it or take action. Better climate education would empower young people to make informed decisions and participate in climate solutions.

10. Question: These MPs took very different paths to Parliament. What does their story suggest about who can become a politician? Does anything about their journeys surprise you? Answer: (Sample answer) Their story suggests that anyone can become a politician, regardless of their background. You don't need to come from a political family or have planned this career since childhood. What surprised me is that Sawatzky wasn't even planning to run—he was asked just two weeks before the election! This shows that opportunities can come unexpectedly, and you should be open to them.

Article 2: N.L. Youth Ask for a Seat at the Table

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: What is the name of the youth climate organization that Megs Scott co-leads? Answer: Fridays for Future St. John's.

2. Question: What major natural disaster affected Newfoundland and Labrador during the summer of 2025? Answer: Wildfires swept across the province, forcing communities to evacuate and filling the air with smoke.

3. Question: How many young Canadians participated in the Youth Climate Assembly in Ottawa in September 2025? Answer: 36 young Canadians (ages 18-25) participated.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why do you think the youth groups were disappointed that Premier Wakeham said there was "no link" between wildfires and the oil industry? Answer: The youth groups were disappointed because scientific evidence shows that burning fossil fuels (like oil) contributes to climate change, which makes wildfires more frequent and severe. By saying there's "no link," the premier was ignoring climate science and suggesting that the province's oil industry wasn't part of the problem. This made the youth feel like their concerns weren't being taken seriously.

5. Question: The article says the youth groups received responses from some political parties but not from the Progressive Conservatives. What might this suggest about the different parties' views on climate issues? Answer: This suggests that the NDP and Liberals may be more willing to engage with youth on climate issues and take their concerns seriously, while the Progressive Conservatives may be less interested in climate action or may prioritize economic interests (like the oil industry) over environmental concerns. However, it's also possible the PCs simply didn't respond to the surveys for other reasons.

6. Question: How does Newfoundland and Labrador's economy make climate conversations complicated for the province? Answer: Newfoundland and Labrador earns billions of dollars each year from offshore oil production, which provides jobs and economic stability. However, burning oil contributes to climate change, which caused the devastating wildfires that affected the province. This creates a difficult situation: the province depends economically on the very industry that's contributing to the climate problems affecting them.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: Do you think young people who can't vote yet should have a say in government decisions about climate change? Why or why not? Answer: (Sample answer) Yes, I think young people should have a say because climate decisions made today will affect their future more than anyone else's. Even if they can't vote yet, they have the right to be heard on issues that will shape the world they inherit. Young people often have fresh perspectives and urgent concerns that adults might overlook. Democracy shouldn't only be for people who can vote—it should include all voices, especially on issues that affect future generations.

8. Question: The youth activists want to talk about several different issues—climate change, anti-racism, and healthcare. Why might they see all of these issues as connected? Answer: (Sample answer) They might see these issues as connected because they all affect young people's futures and well-being. Climate change threatens the planet young people will inherit. Anti-racism is about creating a fair society where everyone has equal opportunities. Healthcare access affects young people's ability to thrive. All of these issues are about justice—environmental justice, racial justice, and health justice. Young people understand that you can't solve one problem without addressing the others because they're all part of creating a better future.

9. Question: If you could write a letter to your own provincial government asking for a meeting, what issue would you want to discuss? Why is that issue important to you? Answer: (Sample answer) I would want to discuss mental health support in schools. This is important to me because many students struggle with anxiety, depression, and stress, but there aren't enough counsellors or resources in schools. Better mental health support would help students succeed academically and feel happier and healthier. It's an investment in young people's well-being that would benefit our whole society.

Article 3: Earth's Thermostat Has a Strange Problem

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: What nutrient acts like "fertilizer" for plankton in the ocean? Answer: Phosphorus acts like fertilizer for plankton.

2. Question: About how long ago did the last major ice age end? Answer: The last major ice age ended about 11,700 years ago.

3. Question: How long does Earth's natural "thermostat" take to bring temperatures back to normal after a big change? Answer: It takes about 100,000 to 200,000 years.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why can't this discovery "save us" from today's climate change, even though it shows Earth can cool itself down? Answer: The discovery can't save us because the cooling process takes tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of years, while human-caused climate change is happening much faster. Earth's natural thermostat works too slowly to help with the rapid warming we're causing now. We need to reduce our own greenhouse gas emissions rather than waiting for Earth to cool itself down.

5. Question: The article compares Earth's climate system to a home thermostat. In what way does Earth's system work differently from (and worse than) a thermostat in your house? Answer: A home thermostat responds quickly and precisely to keep temperature comfortable. If it gets too warm, the AC turns on and cools the room within minutes. Earth's thermostat is much slower and less precise—it takes 100,000+ years to respond, and it can "overshoot," cooling the planet too much and causing an ice age. Earth's system doesn't have the fine-tuned control that a modern thermostat has.

6. Question: Why do lower oxygen levels in the ocean make the plankton feedback loop stronger? Answer: When oxygen levels are low, phosphorus doesn't get buried in ocean sediments—it gets recycled back into the water. This recycled phosphorus feeds even more plankton, which absorb even more CO₂, which removes even more CO₂ from the atmosphere, which causes even more cooling. The low oxygen creates a cycle that keeps reinforcing itself, making the feedback loop stronger and stronger.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: The article mentions that plankton produce about half of Earth's oxygen. If ocean warming kills large amounts of plankton, how might this affect both the feedback loop AND the air we breathe? Answer: (Sample answer) If ocean warming kills plankton, it would affect the feedback loop because fewer plankton means less CO₂ being absorbed from the ocean, which might weaken the cooling effect. More importantly, it would reduce the amount of oxygen plankton produce, which could affect the air we breathe. Since plankton produce about half of Earth's oxygen, losing large amounts of them could create serious problems for all oxygen-breathing life on Earth, including humans. This shows how interconnected Earth's systems are—damage to one part (plankton) affects everything else.

8. Question: Scientists often discover that Earth's systems are more complicated than they first thought. Why is it important to keep studying and updating our understanding of how the planet works? Answer: (Sample answer) It's important because our understanding of Earth affects the decisions we make. If we think Earth's climate is simple and predictable, we might make bad choices. But if we understand that Earth's systems are complex and can behave in unexpected ways (like the thermostat overshooting), we can make more informed decisions. Continuing to study Earth helps us: (1) avoid unintended consequences, (2) prepare for possible future scenarios, (3) make better environmental policies, and (4) appreciate how amazing and complex our planet is.

9. Question: Ridgwell says we should "focus now on limiting ongoing warming" rather than wait for Earth to cool itself. Do you agree? Why might waiting thousands of years for natural cooling be a problem? Answer: (Sample answer) Yes, I agree with Ridgwell. Waiting thousands of years for natural cooling would be a problem because: (1) The warming happening now is already causing serious problems—extreme weather, rising sea levels, ecosystem damage—that would get much worse if we wait. (2) Human civilization and many species might not survive thousands of years of extreme warming. (3) The "natural cooling" might overshoot and cause an ice age, which would also be catastrophic. (4) We have the ability to reduce our own emissions now, so we should take responsibility for the problem we created rather than waiting for Earth to fix it.

Article 4: The Year in Science — 2025's Biggest Discoveries

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: What technology did doctors use to treat baby KJ Muldoon's genetic disorder? Answer: Doctors used CRISPR gene editing technology.

2. Question: How long did Tim Andrews survive with a pig kidney—setting a new world record? Answer: He survived for nearly nine months.

3. Question: What unusual shape has the exoplanet orbiting the pulsar been squished into? Answer: It has been squished into a lemon shape.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why is the FDA's approval of multi-person pig kidney trials important for the future of transplants? Answer: The FDA's approval is important because it means pig organ transplants are moving from experimental to more widely available. Multi-person trials will provide more data on safety and effectiveness, which could lead to routine use of pig organs. This could help solve the organ shortage crisis—100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for transplants, but only about 40,000 happen each year. Pig organs could save thousands of lives.

5. Question: The article mentions that AI helped scientists publish more papers, but researchers are also worried. What might they be worried about? Answer: Researchers might be worried about: (1) Quality—AI might make mistakes or "hallucinate" fake information that gets published. (2) Integrity—If AI does too much of the work, are scientists still doing real research? (3) Trust—Will people trust scientific papers if they know AI helped write them? (4) Skills—Will scientists lose the ability to write clearly if they rely too much on AI? (5) Bias—AI might reinforce existing biases in scientific research.

6. Question: Why might the "twilight zone" of the ocean be a good place to discover new species? Answer: The twilight zone might be a good place to discover new species because: (1) It's largely unexplored—scientists estimate more than half of species there are unknown. (2) The extreme environment (low light, high pressure) has caused unique adaptations and evolution. (3) It's difficult to reach, so humans haven't disturbed it as much as shallow waters. (4) The isolation has allowed species to evolve separately from other ocean regions, creating unique biodiversity.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: Baby KJ received a treatment made specifically for him. What are some advantages and challenges of creating personalized medicine for every patient? Answer: (Sample answer) Advantages: (1) More effective—treatments tailored to a person's specific genetic makeup work better. (2) Fewer side effects—personalized medicine avoids treatments that won't work or could cause harm. (3) Hope for rare diseases—people with rare conditions that have no standard treatment could get help. Challenges: (1) Cost—creating custom treatments for each person would be very expensive. (2) Time—it takes time to develop personalized treatments, which might not work for emergencies. (3) Access—only wealthy people or countries might be able to afford personalized medicine. (4) Complexity—our healthcare system would need major changes to deliver personalized treatments.

8. Question: If scientists confirm signs of life on exoplanet K2-18b, how do you think that would change how humans see ourselves and our place in the universe? Answer: (Sample answer) Confirming life on another planet would be one of the biggest discoveries in human history. It would change how we see ourselves by: (1) Showing that Earth isn't unique—life exists elsewhere, which means the universe might be full of life. (2) Challenging religious and philosophical beliefs about humans' special place in creation. (3) Making us feel both smaller (we're not alone in the universe) and more connected (we're part of a larger cosmic community). (4) Raising new questions about whether there's intelligent life, whether we could communicate with it, and what it would mean for humanity's future. (5) Possibly uniting humanity around the shared wonder of discovery.

9. Question: Of all the discoveries mentioned in this article, which one do you find most exciting? Why? What questions does it make you want to ask? Answer: (Sample answer) I find the discovery of new species in the ocean's twilight zone most exciting. It's amazing to think that there are still creatures on Earth we've never seen! It makes me want to ask: What do these creatures look like? How do they survive in such extreme conditions? Could any of them have medical uses? How many more species are waiting to be discovered? Why have we explored more of the Moon than our own ocean? What else is hiding in the deep ocean that we don't know about?

Article 5: Seeing the World Through a Lens — 2025 in Pictures

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: How many homes were destroyed in the January Los Angeles wildfires? Answer: Over 13,000 homes were destroyed.

2. Question: What did French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson call the perfect instant to capture a photo? Answer: He called it "the decisive moment."

3. Question: According to the article, what is one thing professional photojournalists are NOT allowed to do to their photos? Answer: They are not allowed to digitally alter photos to change the story (add, remove, or change what actually happened).

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why do news organizations have strict rules about not digitally altering photographs? Answer: News organizations have strict rules because altering photos would break trust with readers. If photos can be changed, how do we know what's real? Photojournalism is supposed to document truth, not create fiction. Altering photos could: (1) Mislead people about what actually happened, (2) Manipulate public opinion, (3) Damage the credibility of journalism, (4) Be used to spread propaganda or fake news. The rules protect the integrity of visual journalism.

5. Question: The article says photographers ran toward the Los Angeles fires while others ran away. What does this tell us about the work of photojournalists? Answer: This tells us that photojournalists are dedicated to documenting important events, even when it's dangerous. They're willing to risk their safety to show the world what's happening. Running toward danger instead of away from it shows: (1) Their commitment to truth-telling, (2) Their belief that the public needs to see these images, (3) Their bravery and professionalism, (4) That they see their work as a public service. It's not just about taking pictures—it's about bearing witness to history.

6. Question: Why might a photo taken from behind police lines look different from one taken from within a crowd of protesters? Answer: A photo from behind police lines might show: police in formation, protesters as a distant crowd, a sense of order and control, the perspective of authority. A photo from within the crowd might show: individual protesters' faces and emotions, signs and messages, the feeling of being part of the movement, the perspective of the people protesting. Neither photo is "wrong," but each tells a different part of the story. This shows how perspective and point of view shape what we see in photographs.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: The article says "every photograph is a choice." What does this mean, and why is it important for people looking at news photos to remember this? Answer: (Sample answer) "Every photograph is a choice" means that photographers make decisions about what to include and exclude, when to click the shutter, what angle to shoot from, and what to focus on. These choices shape the story the photo tells. It's important to remember this because: (1) Photos show one moment from one angle, not the whole truth, (2) Different choices would tell different stories, (3) Photos can be manipulated to influence how we feel, (4) We should think critically about what we're seeing and not shown, (5) We should consider the photographer's perspective and possible biases. Understanding that photos are constructed helps us be smarter consumers of visual media.

8. Question: With smartphones, anyone can take and share photos of news events. What are some advantages and disadvantages of "citizen journalism" compared to professional photojournalism? Answer: (Sample answer) Advantages of citizen journalism: (1) More coverage—more people documenting events means more perspectives, (2) Faster—citizens can share photos instantly, (3) Access—citizens might be places where journalists can't go, (4) Authenticity—unfiltered, raw moments. Disadvantages: (1) Less training—citizens might not understand ethics or safety, (2) No quality control—photos might be misleading or fake, (3) Lack of context—citizen photos might not include important background information, (4) Safety risks—citizens might put themselves in danger without proper training, (5) Verification challenges—it's harder to know if citizen photos are real or manipulated.

9. Question: If you could choose one moment from your own life in 2025 to be photographed for a "year in pictures" collection, what would it be? Why would that moment tell an important story? Answer: (Sample answer) I would choose the moment when my class finally finished our big science project after working on it for months. The photo would show all of us celebrating, tired but proud, with our completed project in front of us. This moment tells an important story about perseverance, teamwork, and the satisfaction of accomplishing something difficult together. It represents the hard work, challenges, and triumphs of the school year. It shows that even when things are difficult, we can succeed if we work together and don't give up. That's a story worth remembering.

Article 6: Alien World Beneath the Waves — Twilight Zone Species

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: How many years were the monitoring devices sitting on the ocean floor before scientists retrieved them? Answer: They were sitting there for more than eight years.

2. Question: What does the word "mesophotic" mean? Answer: It means "middle light" in Greek.

3. Question: If divers stay 10 minutes at 500 feet, how long does it take them to safely return to the surface? Answer: It takes them six hours to safely return to the surface.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why do scientists need to use DNA sequencing to confirm whether a creature is a new species, rather than just looking at it? Answer: Scientists need DNA sequencing because: (1) Some species look very similar on the outside but are genetically different, (2) Physical appearance can be misleading—creatures might look different but actually be the same species, (3) DNA provides definitive proof of whether a creature is truly new to science, (4) It helps scientists understand how species are related to each other, (5) It creates a permanent record that other scientists can verify. Just looking at a creature isn't enough to be certain it's a new species.

5. Question: The article says "our trash beat us there." What does this tell us about the reach of human pollution? Answer: This tells us that human pollution reaches even the most remote, inaccessible places on Earth. The twilight zone is hundreds of feet underwater, difficult for humans to reach, and yet our trash got there before we did. This shows that: (1) Pollution spreads through ocean currents far from where it originated, (2) No place on Earth is truly untouched by human impact, (3) Our waste travels farther and faster than we do, (4) We're affecting ecosystems we haven't even explored yet, (5) The problem of ocean pollution is global and widespread, not just local.

6. Question: Why might deep coral reefs be important for helping damaged shallow reefs recover? Answer: Deep coral reefs might help shallow reefs recover because: (1) They could be a source of coral larvae that drift up and repopulate damaged shallow reefs, (2) They might contain species that are more resistant to warming or disease, which could be used to restore shallow reefs, (3) They provide a "backup" ecosystem—if shallow reefs are damaged, deep reefs might preserve biodiversity, (4) Understanding deep reefs could teach us how to help shallow reefs survive climate change. Protecting deep reefs could be an investment in the future health of all coral reefs.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: Scientists have explored more of the Moon's surface than the deep ocean. Why do you think it's so difficult to explore parts of our own planet? Answer: (Sample answer) It's difficult to explore the deep ocean because: (1) Extreme pressure—at great depths, water pressure is crushing and would kill humans without special equipment, (2) No light—it's completely dark, making it hard to see or navigate, (3) Cold temperatures—the deep ocean is near freezing, which is hard for equipment and humans, (4) Distance—it's far from the surface, making communication and support difficult, (5) Cost—deep-sea exploration is very expensive, (6) Danger—it's risky for human divers, requiring years of training, (7) Technology—we're still developing tools that can work in these extreme conditions. Space exploration has different challenges, but we've invested more in space technology than deep ocean technology.

8. Question: Luiz Rocha says "people tend not to protect the deep reefs." Why might people be less interested in protecting places they can't see or visit? What could change this? Answer: (Sample answer) People might be less interested because: (1) "Out of sight, out of mind"—if we can't see it, we don't think about it, (2) No personal connection—we can't visit or experience deep reefs ourselves, (3) Doesn't seem to affect daily life—deep reefs feel far removed from our everyday concerns, (4) Lack of awareness—most people don't know deep reefs exist or why they matter, (5) Other priorities seem more urgent. What could change this: (1) Better education and storytelling about deep reefs, (2) Amazing photos and videos that make people care, (3) Explaining how deep reefs affect shallow reefs and humans, (4) Showing the economic value (potential medicines, tourism), (5) Creating personal connections through citizen science or virtual reality experiences.

9. Question: The article says discovering unknown species matters because we might find new medicines or materials. Can you think of other reasons why discovering new species might be important—even if they have no obvious practical use? Answer: (Sample answer) Other reasons discovering new species matters: (1) Biodiversity itself is valuable—every species is part of a complex web of life, and losing any weakens the ecosystem, (2) Scientific knowledge—understanding Earth's biodiversity helps us understand how life works and evolves, (3) Wonder and curiosity—there's value in discovering the unknown just for the sake of knowledge, (4) Ethical responsibility—species have a right to exist, and we shouldn't destroy what we don't understand, (5) Future possibilities—we don't know what might be useful in the future, so preserving biodiversity preserves options, (6) Aesthetic value—strange and beautiful creatures enrich our world and inspire us, (7) Humility—discovering new species reminds us how much we don't know and how amazing Earth is.

Article 7: A Sea of Golden Fur — Golden Retrievers World Record

Level 1 (On-the-Line):

1. Question: How many golden retrievers gathered in Buenos Aires to set the new world record? Answer: 2,397 golden retrievers gathered.

2. Question: What was the name of the park where the event took place? Answer: Bosques de Palermo park.

3. Question: In what country was the golden retriever breed originally developed? Answer: The golden retriever breed was originally developed in Scotland.

Level 2 (Between-the-Line):

4. Question: Why do you think the Golden Wave tradition started in a town called Golden, Colorado? Answer: (Sample answer) It probably started there because the name "Golden" was a perfect fit for golden retrievers! It's a fun coincidence that made the event feel special and gave it a natural home. The town's name created a playful connection that people enjoyed. Sometimes traditions start because of simple, happy coincidences that bring people together.

5. Question: Elena Deleo was nervous about bringing her dog to the event. Why might her fears have been unnecessary, based on what the article tells us about golden retrievers? Answer: Her fears were unnecessary because golden retrievers are famous for their gentle, friendly nature. The article says they're "known for being friendly, intelligent, loyal, and great with families." They were bred to work cooperatively with humans, not to fight. The article also notes that "by all accounts, the gathering was peaceful—just a lot of tail-wagging, face-licking, and happy barking." Golden retrievers' temperament makes them unlikely to fight or attack, even in large crowds.

6. Question: The article mentions that the event was "about more than just a record." What else was it about? Answer: The event was also about: (1) Community—bringing together people who share a love of golden retrievers, (2) Celebration—celebrating the bond between humans and dogs, (3) Joy—having fun and enjoying the happy energy of the dogs, (4) Connection—meeting other dog lovers and sharing stories, (5) Tradition—being part of the growing Golden Wave movement. The record was just the excuse to gather; the real purpose was community and celebration.

Level 3 (Beyond-the-Line):

7. Question: Why do you think events like the Golden Wave bring people together? What is it about shared interests (like owning the same breed of dog) that creates community? Answer: (Sample answer) Events like the Golden Wave bring people together because: (1) Shared interests give people something to talk about and bond over immediately, (2) They create a sense of belonging—you're part of a group that "gets it," (3) They're low-pressure ways to meet people—everyone already has something in common, (4) They celebrate something positive—dogs bring joy, which makes interactions happier, (5) They create traditions and memories that people can share. Shared interests create community because they give people a foundation for connection, reduce social anxiety (you know you have something in common), and provide a positive focus for interaction.

8. Question: The article ends by saying "records are made to be broken." Do you think another city will try to beat Argentina's record? What would it take to organize an event with even more dogs? Answer: (Sample answer) Yes, I think another city will try to beat the record because: (1) People love challenges and competitions, (2) The Golden Wave tradition is growing, (3) There are golden retriever owners all over the world, (4) Breaking records generates attention and media coverage. To organize an event with even more dogs, organizers would need to: (1) Choose a city with lots of golden retriever owners, (2) Find a very large park or venue, (3) Promote the event extensively on social media, (4) Plan logistics carefully (parking, water, waste management), (5) Ensure safety for so many dogs, (6) Get sponsors or funding to cover costs, (7) Create excitement and a sense of community around the attempt.

9. Question: Golden retrievers are used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. What qualities make them good at these jobs? Can you think of other jobs where these qualities would be helpful? Answer: (Sample answer) Qualities that make golden retrievers good at these jobs: (1) Friendly and gentle—good for therapy work where they interact with vulnerable people, (2) Intelligent and trainable—can learn complex tasks for guide work, (3) Loyal and focused—stay attentive to their handler's needs, (4) Calm temperament—don't get easily excited or distracted, (5) Eager to please—motivated to work hard and do a good job, (6) Good with people—comfortable around strangers, which is important for all these jobs. Other jobs where these qualities would be helpful: (1) Emotional support animals for people with anxiety or PTSD, (2) Hospital or nursing home visiting dogs, (3) Assistance dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness, (4) Courthouse dogs who comfort children testifying in court, (5) Reading assistance dogs in schools and libraries, (6) Disaster response dogs who comfort survivors.

INFOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS

Article 1 Infographic: Meet Canada's Youngest MPs

1. Question: According to the infographic, which MP chairs the youth caucus? Answer: Jake Sawatzky chairs the youth caucus.

2. Question: Using the infographic, how many of the four MPs are from Ontario? Answer: Two MPs are from Ontario: Amandeep Sodhi (Brampton Centre) and Fares Al Soud (Mississauga Centre).

3. Question: Looking at the infographic, what special achievement is noted for Tatiana Auguste? Answer: She won her seat by just ONE vote and has already sponsored a bill.

Article 2 Infographic: Youth Climate Action Across Canada

1. Question: According to the infographic, in what year did the Fridays for Future movement begin? Answer: The Fridays for Future movement began in August 2018.

2. Question: How many young Canadians presented climate recommendations to the Senate in September 2025? Answer: 36 young Canadians presented climate recommendations to the Senate.

3. Question: Looking at the map, which provinces have had youth climate activities? Answer: The map shows youth climate activities in: Newfoundland and Labrador (St. John's), Ontario (Ottawa), British Columbia (Vancouver), and Alberta (Calgary).

Article 3 Infographic: Earth's Carbon Thermostat

1. Question: According to the infographic, what nutrient gets washed into the ocean during heavy rainfall? Answer: Phosphorus gets washed into the ocean during heavy rainfall.

2. Question: What happens to plankton after they die? Answer: Dead plankton sink to the ocean floor, burying tons of carbon.

3. Question: Why does the "overshoot" happen—what keeps the cycle going instead of stopping? Answer: The overshoot happens because low oxygen levels cause phosphorus to be recycled back into the water instead of being buried. This recycled phosphorus feeds even more plankton, which bury even more carbon, creating a self-reinforcing feedback loop that keeps going.

Article 4 Infographic: 2025 Science Highlights

1. Question: According to the infographic, how long did the pig kidney transplant last—setting a new record? Answer: The pig kidney transplant lasted 9 months, setting a new record.

2. Question: What did scientists find hints of on the ocean world K2-18b? Answer: Scientists found hints of biological activity (signs that could be produced by living organisms).

3. Question: How much did the Huntington's disease treatment slow the disease's progression? Answer: The treatment slowed the disease's progression by 75%.

Article 5 Infographic: How to Read a News Photo

1. Question: According to the infographic, why is it important to think about what might be "just outside the frame" of a photo? Answer: It's important because a photo shows only one moment from one angle. Thinking about what's outside the frame helps us understand that there's more to the story than what we see, and that the photographer made choices about what to include and exclude.

2. Question: What are two emotions that a news photo might make you feel? Answer: Possible answers include: sadness, hope, anger, joy, shock, wonder, concern, fear, inspiration, etc.

3. Question: Why does the infographic say a photo is "powerful—but not the whole story"? Answer: It says this because a photograph captures only one instant from one perspective. It can be emotionally powerful and tell part of a story, but it can't show everything that happened before, after, or outside the frame. A photo is a slice of reality, not the complete truth.

Article 6 Infographic: Layers of the Ocean

1. Question: According to the infographic, what percentage of sunlight reaches the twilight zone? Answer: Only about 1% of sunlight reaches the twilight zone.

2. Question: At what depth does the twilight zone begin? Answer: The twilight zone begins at 200 metres (656 feet).

3. Question: Why do many creatures in the midnight zone "make their own light"? Answer: They make their own light because there is no sunlight at all in the midnight zone. This light (called bioluminescence) helps them see, attract prey, communicate, or find mates in the complete darkness.

Article 7 Infographic: The Golden Wave Record Timeline

1. Question: In what country did the "Golden Wave" events first begin? Answer: The "Golden Wave" events first began in the United States (Golden, Colorado).

2. Question: How many more golden retrievers attended the 2025 Argentina event compared to the 2024 Vancouver event? Answer: 2,397 - 1,685 = 712 more golden retrievers attended the Argentina event.

3. Question: According to the infographic, where were golden retrievers first developed as a breed? Answer: Golden retrievers were first developed as a breed in Scotland.

POLITICAL CARTOON ANALYSIS

Level 1: Identifying Elements

1. Question: Where does this cartoon take place? What clues tell you this? Answer: The cartoon takes place in the ocean's "twilight zone." Clues include: the underwater setting, the deep/dim lighting, the strange sea creatures, the sign that says "TWILIGHT ZONE," and the scientist in diving gear.

2. Question: What items of human garbage can you see in the cartoon? Answer: The cartoon shows: a plastic bottle, a candy wrapper, a deflated balloon, and a shopping bag.

3. Question: What is the scientist saying to the sea creatures? Answer: The scientist says, "We've discovered you!"

Level 2: Understanding the Message

4. Question: Why is it ironic (unexpected and contradictory) that the scientist says "We've discovered you!" when trash has been there for years? Answer: It's ironic because the scientist thinks humans are "discovering" this place for the first time, but human garbage has already been there for years. Humans have actually been affecting this place long before any human visited it. The scientist's statement of discovery is contradicted by the evidence that humans have already impacted this ecosystem through pollution.

5. Question: What does the fish wearing a shopping bag as a "hat" symbolize? (Hint: Think about how pollution affects marine life.) Answer: The fish wearing a shopping bag as a "hat" symbolizes how marine life is forced to live with and adapt to human pollution. It shows that trash has become so common in the ocean that creatures are interacting with it as if it's part of their environment. It's a sad commentary on how pollution has invaded even the most remote ecosystems.

6. Question: The sign says humans are making their "1st visit" but garbage has made its "1,000,000th visit." What point is the cartoonist trying to make? Answer: The cartoonist is making the point that human pollution reaches places before humans do. Our waste travels farther and faster than we can. We're affecting ecosystems we haven't even explored yet. The contrast between the "1st visit" and "1,000,000th visit" shows how widespread and frequent ocean pollution has become compared to human exploration.

Level 3: Critical Thinking

7. Question: This cartoon uses humor to make a serious point. Do you think humor makes the message about ocean pollution more or less powerful? Why? Answer: (Sample answer) I think humor makes the message more powerful because: (1) It makes people pay attention—funny cartoons are more engaging than serious lectures, (2) It makes the message memorable—people remember jokes and clever visual gags, (3) It doesn't feel preachy—people are more open to messages that make them laugh, (4) The contrast between humor and the serious issue creates impact. However, some might argue humor could make the issue seem less serious or make people laugh instead of taking action.

8. Question: The cartoon connects to Article 6 in this issue, where scientists found new species but also found pollution. Why might cartoonists choose to comment on real news stories? Answer: (Sample answer) Cartoonists might comment on real news stories because: (1) They can add a different perspective—visual commentary can make people think about stories in new ways, (2) They can simplify complex issues—cartoons can distill complicated news into a single powerful image, (3) They can reach different audiences—some people who won't read long articles will look at cartoons, (4) They can provoke thought and discussion—cartoons often raise questions that make people think deeper, (5) They can express opinions—cartoons are a form of editorial commentary that can influence public opinion.

9. Question: Extension: If you were to draw a cartoon about the "warming can cause an ice age" story from Article 3, what symbols would you use to show Earth's "thermostat" overcorrecting? Answer: (Sample answer) I would draw: (1) Earth as a person with a thermostat on its chest, (2) The thermostat set to "warm" but showing a temperature that's way too cold (like -40°C), (3) Snow and ice covering everything while the thermostat still says "warm," (4) A confused person looking at the thermostat and saying "I only wanted it a little cooler!", (5) Maybe a snowman wearing sunglasses to show the absurdity of the situation. The symbols would show how Earth's cooling system went too far and created the opposite problem.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Multiple Choice:

1. C | 2. B | 3. C | 4. B | 5. C | 6. C | 7. C | 8. B | 9. C | 10. B
2. C | 12. B | 13. C | 14. B | 15. B | 16. C | 17. B | 18. C | 19. C | 20. C

True/False:

1. T | 2. F | 3. T | 4. T | 5. T | 6. F | 7. T | 8. F | 9. F | 10. T
2. T | 12. T | 13. F | 14. T | 15. T

Bonus Challenge Questions:

Note: These are open-ended questions with many possible valid answers. Below are sample strong responses that show expected depth of reasoning.

1. Cross-Article Connection: (Sample answer) Both approaches show young people trying to make their voices heard, but they use different methods. The young MPs are working inside the political system—they got elected, they're part of Parliament, and they're trying to change things from within. The youth activists are working outside the system—they're protesting, writing letters, and demanding meetings because they can't vote yet. Which is more effective? I think both are important. Working inside the system gives you direct power to make laws and decisions. Working outside the system creates pressure and draws attention to issues. The most effective approach might be using both—activists pushing for change from outside while politicians work to make it happen from inside.

2. Critical Thinking: (Sample answer) Together, these stories show that human actions happen on human timescales (years, decades), but Earth's systems work on much longer timescales (thousands, millions of years). Our pollution reached the deep ocean before humans did because ocean currents move waste around quickly. But Earth's cooling system takes 100,000+ years to work. This mismatch is a problem: we're damaging Earth faster than it can repair itself. It's like spilling something every day but only cleaning it up once every hundred years. The stories tell us that we can't rely on Earth's natural systems to fix the problems we create—we need to take responsibility and change our own behavior.

3. Global Perspective: (Sample answer) We should care about what happens in other parts of the world because: (1) Climate change is global—wildfires in California and Newfoundland show that climate affects everyone, (2) Scientific discoveries benefit everyone—gene therapy in Philadelphia could help people in Canada, (3) Our economies are connected—what happens in one country affects trade and jobs everywhere, (4) We share one planet—ocean pollution in Guam affects the whole ocean, which affects Canada, (5) We can learn from each other—youth activists in Sweden inspired activists in Canada, (6) Humanitarian concerns—conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza affect real people who deserve our attention and support. Understanding global events makes us better citizens and helps us see how connected we all are.

4. Scientific Method: (Sample answer) For CRISPR gene therapy, scientists would: (1) Observe the problem—baby KJ has a genetic disorder that makes eating protein dangerous, (2) Research—study the disorder, understand which gene is faulty and how it affects the body, (3) Hypothesize—if we use CRISPR to edit the faulty gene, it should fix the problem, (4) Test in the lab—try the CRISPR treatment on cells in a petri dish to see if it works safely, (5) Animal testing—test on animals to make sure it's safe before trying on humans, (6) Clinical trial—test on baby KJ with careful monitoring, (7) Peer review—publish the results so other scientists can check the work, (8) Follow-up—continue monitoring KJ to make sure the treatment keeps working. This careful process ensures the treatment is safe and effective.

5. Personal Application: (Sample answer) If I were a photojournalist, I would photograph the moment my class finally finished our big community garden project. The photo would show all of us standing in front of the garden we built—some of us holding vegetables we grew, others pointing at different plants with pride, everyone smiling and covered in dirt. I want people to understand that young people can make a real difference in their communities. This photo would show that when we work together, we can create something beautiful and useful. It connects to my life because I spent months working on this project, and it connects to my community because the garden will provide fresh food for neighbourhood families. The photo would tell a story about youth empowerment, teamwork, and the joy of creating something together.

6. Ethics and Responsibility: (Sample answer) I think the most important responsibility young people have today is to think critically and not let technology do our thinking for us. The Editor's Corner talks about "AI slop" and how we shouldn't let AI replace our own thinking. Article 6 shows how our pollution affects places we haven't even explored. Both stories are about responsibility—responsibility for our own minds and responsibility for our planet. If we let AI do all our thinking, we lose the ability to solve problems. If we keep polluting without thinking about consequences, we damage ecosystems we don't even understand. So our responsibility is to: (1) Think for ourselves and use AI wisely, not lazily, (2) Consider the long-term consequences of our actions, (3) Protect the environment even in places we can't see, (4) Stay curious and keep learning about the world. This responsibility matters because the future depends on the choices we make today.

7. Mathematics in Real Life: a) 2,397 - 1,685 = 712 more dogs attended the Argentina event b) Percentage increase = (712 ÷ 1,685) × 100 = 42.3% increase c) 2,397 dogs × 2 humans each = 4,794 humans + 2,397 dogs = 7,191 total beings

8. Creative Writing: (Sample answer) I was drifting near my favourite coral when a strange box appeared. It had been sitting there for years, growing a fuzzy coat of tiny creatures. Suddenly, bright light flooded our dark world. Giant creatures in shiny suits approached, their lights blinding me. They pulled up the box, taking my neighbours with it. I felt scared but also curious. These visitors looked so different from us—no fins, no gills, just strange limbs and glowing faces. I wanted to ask them: Why have you come? Why do your floating things arrive here before you do? We've seen your bottles and bags for years, but we've never seen you until now. If you're curious about us, why do you treat our home like a garbage dump? I swam deeper into the shadows, watching them leave, wondering if they would return—and what they would bring next time.

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

MAP ASSIGNMENT ANSWERS

Geography Questions:

1. Continents: This week's stories took place on North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

2. Distances: St. John's to Vancouver is approximately 5,000-5,500 km. St. John's to Buenos Aires is approximately 8,000-9,000 km. Buenos Aires is farther.

3. Climate Zones: Scotland and BC are both temperate. California and Argentina have Mediterranean-style climates. Newfoundland and Labrador has a subarctic climate. Pacific islands have tropical climates.

4. Oceans: Pacific Ocean connects Canada to Guam and Pacific islands. Atlantic Ocean connects Canada to Europe. Arctic Ocean is mentioned in ice age context. These oceans show Canada's global connections.

5. Latitude: Closest to equator: Guam, Palau, French Polynesia, Marshall Islands. Closest to North Pole: Northern Canada. Latitude affects temperature—closer to equator = warmer, closer to poles = colder.

6. Borders: Canada shares a border with the United States. Ukraine shares borders with Russia and European countries. Sudan shares borders with African countries. Gaza borders Israel and Egypt.

7. Regions: A region is an area with shared characteristics (geographic, cultural, political, historical). Regional names help people identify with shared identity and culture.

8. Population Density: Buenos Aires likely has higher population density because it's a major metropolitan city with millions of people, while Guam is a mix of urban and rural areas on a larger land mass.

9. Biodiversity Hotspots: Pacific Ocean twilight zone and coral reefs have high biodiversity due to varied habitats, isolation, and warm tropical temperatures. These conditions allow many species to evolve.

10. Global Connections: Examples: Climate change affects both California and Newfoundland; scientific research in California affects the whole planet; ocean pollution from around the world reaches Guam; golden retriever traditions spread from US to Canada to Argentina; youth climate activism connects Canada and Sweden.

NOTE TO PARENTS/TEACHERS

This answer key provides expected responses. For open-ended questions (Level 3, Bonus Questions), evaluate based on:

• ✅ Use of evidence from articles
• ✅ Logical reasoning
• ✅ Depth of critical thinking
• ✅ Creativity in solutions
• ✅ Personal connections made

Encourage students to explain their reasoning even for factual questions! The goal is not just to get the "right" answer but to understand the thinking process.

Multiple valid answers are acceptable for open-ended questions. What matters most is that students can support their answers with evidence and clear reasoning.

Happy learning! 📚