0710

Each morning, townspeople wake to find a few enormous popcorn kernels that weren’t there the night before. They appear silently in the town square while everyone is sleeping. No one knows who (or what) is leaving them behind — or what might happen if the pile keeps growing.

Your job: write a news report as if you were the reporter covering this strange story.

Things to Include:

• Headline: Grab attention with a dramatic hook (e.g. “Mysterious Kernels Appear Again Overnight”).
• Introduction: Explain when and where the kernels are appearing, and how many were found this morning.
• Eyewitness accounts: Interview townspeople who saw them yesterday, scientists puzzling over the mystery, or kids coming up with wild theories.
• Details: How are the giant kernels changing life in town? Are people worried, excited, or making plans to use them (such as snacks, furniture, or playground slides)?
• Conclusion: Suggest what might happen next. Will the kernels keep coming? What could they turn into?

What do you think could be causing the giant popcorn kernels to appear overnight?

How would you feel if these popcorn kernels appeared in your town?

What are some ways the townspeople might use the giant popcorn kernels?

Who could you interview to get more information about the mysterious kernels?

What impact do you think these popcorn kernels are having on the town’s daily life?

What are some wild theories kids might have about where the kernels come from?

How might scientists go about solving the mystery of the popcorn kernels?

Do you think the kernels are a good or bad thing for the town? Why?

What do you predict might happen if the giant popcorn keeps appearing?

How would you write a headline to grab attention for this news story?