Goodable in the Classroom

Goodable in the Classroom is a weekly collection of uplifting stories, each with a printable worksheet that can be used to guide students through the story and foster discussion. There are also pre-written discussion questions for each story. We recommend using one worksheet per day of the week.

Here's what's happening this week:

The Science of Snuggling: Why Your Brain Lights Up When You Pet a Real Dog

As it turns out, petting a dog is good for your brain. Researchers in Switzerland say that giving your pup a pat on the head lights up a part of the brain that controls thinking and emotional reactions. This latest study adds to existing research on the benefits of animal therapy for things like strokes, seizure disorders and brain trauma.

An Incredible Feat! A 23-Year-Old With Down Syndrome Completes the Ironman World Championship

23-year-old Chris Nikic made history on Thursday by becoming the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman World Championship. The Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run, which Nikic completed in a total time of 16 hours, 31 minutes, and 27 seconds. This accomplishment comes during Down syndrome awareness month and Nikic says he wants to show others with Down syndrome that anything is possible.

Hero Third Grader Saves Choking Classmate with Quick Thinking and Heimlich Manoeuvre

A young boy is being hailed as a hero after he saved a classmate from choking in the school cafeteria. Garrett Brown, a third grader in Norman, Oklahoma, quickly sprang into action when he saw his friend choking on his lunch. Garrett performed the Heimlich maneuver and he was just honored with a special "Hero Award" at a school assembly.

New Additions to the Pride: Oklahoma City Zoo Welcomes a Litter of Lion Cubs

The Oklahoma City Zoo has welcomed four new residents: a litter of tiny newborn lion cubs. The new cubs are the first to be born at the zoo in 15 years. The cubs will remain out of view for visitors for now, but will be introduced to the other members of the pride in the coming weeks. African lions are ranked as "vulnerable" by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and the birth of these cubs is vital to the population.

Are Tomatoes The Solution To The World’s Water Crisis?

A new company has found a way to turn water from tomatoes into clean drinking water, which could help alleviate the water crisis in California. The water is purified using a self-contained unit that fits inside a shipping container, and the clean water can be used for drinking, agriculture, or any other purpose. One factory can create up to 250 million gallons of water in 90 days. The company is hoping to provide clean water to 100 million people by 2025.

Trivia Question of the Week

The average American eats __ pounds of tomatoes each year, according to the USDA.A) 11B) 13 C) 21D) 31

Answer: D

Invite Others to Join

As a member of Goodable in the Classroom, you can refer as many teachers as you would like to join. It’s free and there are no strings attached. Currently, the only way for educators to access Goodable in the Classroom is by invitation only. Share the link below to invite a fellow educator and help us spread smiles.

https://goodable.co/education/