Take off with history! Welcome to October 1 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1928: Joseph Stalin announces the first Five Year Plan. The plan required workers to receive less for their work efforts so they could give a share of their salary to others who made less. What do you think the reaction was? American History: 1890: Yosemite National Park is established. The park is comprised of 1500 acres of beautiful mountain terrain and majestic waterfalls. What national parks have you visited or would like to visit? What attracts you to those locations? Word of the day: Dictator: A ruler who rules without consulting others or being sensitized to others needs (other than a close few). Stalin was a dictator. Why do you think it took a long time for people to rebel under his leadership? Bonus Corner: 1847: Maria Mitchell, astronomer, discovers a comet near the North Star. What spectacular night sites have you witnessed or would like to witness? Describe. Take off with history! Welcome to October 2 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1608: Hans Lippershey, a Dutch eye glass maker, creates the first telescope. He sold his invention to the military. Infer how the military would use a telescope. American History: 1967: Thurgood Marshall became the first African American on the Supreme Court. He worked throughout his time on the bench to rid racial segregation. What is racial segregation? Word of the day: Visionary: A person who can see what others fail to anticipate about the future. They are inventors and/or leaders in their field. In what field would you like to be a visionary? What would you hope to develop or realize? Bonus Corner: Who am ? • I was born in 1869. • I led the people of my country to rebel. • I was later the inspiration for Martin Luther King (non-violence protest). • I was Indian by birth. Take off with history! Welcome to October 3 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1691: England’s conquest of Ireland is complete with the signing of the Treaty of Limerick. We use the term limerick to describe a 5 line poem with lines 1,2,5 rhyming and 3,4 rhyming. Create a limerick about a current topic you are studying in history. American History: 1776: The American government takes out its first loan! (and they haven’t stopped borrowing money since!) What are the consequences of never totaling paying off one’s debt? Word of the day: Debt: An amount or service owing. Financial debt can be crippling but we also talk about personal debt; things that people have done for you. “I owe you one!” What “debts” are you currently behind on payment? Bonus Corner: “Ever see a little kid walking around talking to himself? I'm the same way.” --Chubby Checker Chubby Checker was born on this day in 1941. He invented many dances and had 5 albums in the top five. His most famous dance was the Twist. What type of dance do you like? Take off with history! Welcome to October 4 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1957: The Soviet Union launches Sputnik, becoming the first country to send a satellite into orbit. The United States was shocked. The space race was on and the U.S. increased math and science classes. What is most memorable about our space program? American History: 1994: Dwight D. Eisenhower, as both a General in World War II and later as President, used the term “shell shock” to refer to the mental state of soldiers after combat. What do you think these thoughts and/or behaviors are? Word of the day: Space race: The quest to be number one in the development and exploration of our universe. What do you think is the most urgent and/or interesting development that needs to become a reality as we explore our solar system? Bonus Corner: 1931 sees the creation of this fictional detective with his “futuristic” watch. What was his name? Take off with history! Welcome to October 5 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1919: Enzo Ferrari raced at age 21 on a series of hills in Italy. He later founded a car company named Ferrari. What is the reputation of a Ferrari? American History: 1892: Beware of Coffeyville, Kansas! The infamous Dalton Gang arrived in town to rob the two banks. The townspeople killed them before they could commit their crime. What drives ordinary citizens to commit this kind of vengeance? Word of the day: Infamous: Well known for evil or bad events. The legacy of many evil persons remain long after their deaths in the same manner that goodness lingers. Who can you recall from history was well known for disreputable deeds? Bonus Corner: What made me famous? • I was born in 1902. • I revolutionized fast food. • My initials are R.K. • I have a clown to advertise my business. • Ba da bap ba ba: “I’m lovin’ it!” Take off with history! Welcome to October 6 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 23: Wang Mang was killed by peasants in China, putting an end to the Hsin Dynasty. The Hsin Dynasty was relatively short by Chinese standards, lasting only 68 years. What reasons would result in a short dynasty? (see word of the day definition) American History: 1683: The first Mennonites arrived In the new world from Germany. They arrived with encouragement from William Penn with offers of 5,000 acres of land. What made America the perfect destination if you were seeking religious freedom? Word of the day: Dynasty: A dynasty is a series of rulers who all come from the same family. Imagine your family has created a dynasty. What strengths do you have in your family that could lead others? Bonus Corner: Thor Heyerdahl was born on this day in 1914. He sailed this raft, called the Kon Tiki, across the Pacific Ocean in 1947. What dangers wash he sure to face? Take off with history! Welcome to October 7 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 3761 B.C.E.: Jewish tradition indicates that this is the date that the world was created. How does this contradict with what others believe? American History: 1816: The first double decker steamboat arrives in New Orleans. It travels at a rate of 16-25 miles per hour. Imagine you are dockside when it arrives. Describe your feelings to your friends who are there with you. Word of the day: Tradition: Patterns of behavior over time. Most families have traditions. What are some of your favorite family traditions? Bonus Corner: Who Am I? • I was born in 1955. • I picked my instrument of passion at age 4. • I love using a bow. • I am of Chinese heritage. • My name is 3 small two letter words. Take off with history! Welcome to October 8 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1906: In a “hair raising day” in old London, a German hairdresser created the first perm. It took 5 hours and the brass curlers weighed two pounds. Create a statement by a woman who was pleased by the results and a statement of one who was not! American History: 1823: The Erie Canal is officially opened on this day. The canal was designed to open sea travel from the Atlantic all of the way to Chicago (via the Great Lakes). Why do you think this was a priority? Word of the day: Commerce: Purchasing goods and services. It is crucial for all countries to have a quality system in which people can exchange money for things they need or want. Why do you think we went to using money instead of just trading for what we wanted? Bonus Corner: 1871: The Great Chicago Fire destroyed 90,000 homes, killed 250 and destroyed much of the downtown area . The cause: a cow kicked over a lantern. You are that cow. Besides “moo”, what would be your response in the aftermath of this conflagration? Take off with history! Welcome to October 9 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1772: Christian Drakenberg dies in Sweden. Never heard of him? His claim to fame is he lived 145 years and 325 days and if that is recorded correctly, he has the longest known lifespan. Take this year, subtract 146 and imagine what a person who lived that long witnessed in their life. American History: 1936: Hoover Dam, outside of Las Vegas, Nevada, began sending electricity to Los Angeles, 266 miles away. What makes this type of power that a dam creates so desirable? Word of the day: Life span: The length of a life from birth until death. We don’t know the length of our span but if you live to be 145, what do you hope you are remembered for (besides your longevity!)? Bonus Corner: Who are they? • A British father and son are born on this date, 1940 and 1975 respectively. • They are both musicians. • The dad was in a group whose American debut was in 1964 on the Ed Sullivan show. • The dad’s group name sounds like bug. • Their last name is a homonym of a Russian ruler. Take off with history! Welcome to October 10 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1961: There is an island in the South Atlantic called Tristan. On this date, the entire population (264) of that small island evacuated because of a volcanic eruption. Most returned after two years spent in Britain. What would be difficult during those 2 years? American History: 1845: The U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland opened with 50 students and 7 professors. Their motto is “Leaders to serve the nation.” What does this motto imply? Word of the day: Leadership: The ability to influence people. What are your strengths in leadership? What do you need to improve on? Bonus Corner: “Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” --Colin Powell Do you agree or disagree? Why? Take off with history! Welcome to October 11 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1899: The South African Boer War begins. This battle was between the British and the Boars. During this conflict, Britain placed captured Boers in concentration camps, much like Hitler. Why would people choose to treat others in this manner? American History: 1956: The first license for color TV was issued. Although color viewing became available, the ownership of a color TV did not become common until the late 1960s. The alternative was black and white. What might be better viewed in black and white? Word of the day: Conflict: Disagreements that can escalate to physical action. We have seen conflicts throughout history, many becoming full on wars. Is it possible for mankind to remain at peace? What is your opinion? Bonus Corner: “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” --Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt was born on this date in 1884. What does this statement imply about how she related with people? Take off with history! Welcome to October 12 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 539 B.C.E.: Persia captures Babylon. Babylon had an impenetrable wall and a gated area where the Euphrates River would flow in and out. The Persians diverted the water and entered the city through the gate. Pen what one surprised Babylonian said. American History: 1492: Christopher Columbus reaches what he thinks is Asia—American historians thought for a long time America—however, what he really landed on was an island in the Bahamas. Why is Columbus still significant to our history, even if he didn’t “discover” our country? Word of the day: Barter: Many ancient societies bartered, or traded goods/services. What is good about an economy based on trading your products/services for other products/services? What makes this style of life difficult? Bonus Corner: Who am I? • This was my last day on earth in 1870. • I was generally a leader. • My roots were in Virginia. • I was a Johnny Reb. • I lost a major war but lived on in the country who defeated me . (It was my home too!) Take off with history! Welcome to October 13 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1917: 70,000 Catholic travelers gathered at Fatima, Portugal, hoping to view the reappearance of Mary, the Holy Mother. Mary was reported to have appeared to 3 shepherd children 6 times in that year. Do you believe, as they did, in miracles? Explain why or why not. American History: 1860: James Black, a balloonist and a photographer, takes the first aerial photograph. He was 1200 feet above Boston. What do you think would amaze people when they viewed his photos? Word of the day: Longitude: The measure east and west on the earth. Why is 180 degrees the largest number used to describe longitude? Bonus Corner: What am I? • I am located in England. • I was adopted in 1884. • I am linear in nature. • People use me to locate on our earth. • I am a total zero but I am ready for prime time! Take off with history! Welcome to October 14 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1933: Germany, under Adolf Hitler, leaves the League of Nations. The League of Nations was formed following World War I in an effort to determine the punishment for Germany but also to intervene when necessary to avert another world war. Why do you think Hitler withdrew? American History: 1994: Martin Luther King wins the Nobel Peace Prize. What do you think made Martin Luther King exceptional among many African American who battled for civil rights? Word of the day: League: A group with common goals. Why would a league of nations (or even the United Nations) be difficult? Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I lived in a white house. • I grew up in Abilene, Kansas. • I created interstate highways. • I was a military man, generally speaking. • My name means iron hewer. Take off with history! Welcome to October 15 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1989: Wayne Gretzky, Canadian hockey great, breaks the scoring record of 1850. When he retired, he had accumulated 2857 total points. What sports personality do you respect the most and why? American History: 1966: A 75 year-old Texan received 10 tickets in 20 minutes, which earned him the title of worst driver in U.S. history. (drove on the wrong side 4 times and caused 6 accidents). Create a short paragraph editorial on your reaction and what nickname you have given him. Word of the day: Latitude: The measure of north and south on the earth. Latitude is measured from the equator. Why is the highest latitude number 90 degrees? What Is located at 90 degrees? Bonus Corner: “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” --Friedrich Nietzsche (born 1844) What does this imply as we live out daily lives? Take off with history! Welcome to October 16 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1934: The Long March, so named for the retreat of the communists of China, lasted 368 days and was almost 6000 miles. This strengthened the image of these leaders in the eyes of fellow communists. What skills would the communist leaders need to possess in order to do this journey? American History: 1859: James Brown leads a raid at Harper’s Ferry, attempting to create a revolt against slavery. He was convicted of treason and then killed by hanging. How would history have been altered if he had been successful in instigating a change in policy for African Americans? Word of the day: Treason: The betrayal of one’s country. What would be a catalyst for someone to commit treason? List at least 3 reasons. Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I was born in 1758. • I was an author and lexicographer. • I got so tired of creative spelling. • I so loved words! Take off with history! Welcome to October 17 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1885: British inventor, Bessemer, patents his method for creating cheap steel. Click here to see a list of items that are made from steel. American History: 1835: The Texas Rangers are established to protect Texas from Mexican and Native American raids. They traveled on horseback and were well armed. Imagine their campfire chatter at night. Write a brief conversation after a successful ride. Word of the day: Patent: A document giving exclusive rights to a idea/process/product. There are around 2 million active patents in the U.S. right now (a patent expires after 17 years). What do you wish someone would patent soon so that you could buy it? Bonus Corner: Stranger than fiction! On this day in 1989, San Francisco experienced their worst earthquake since 1906. The amazing element was that it was during the third game in the World Series so millions of people were viewing this 7.1 quake as it happened! What might your comment be to your family as you watched at home? Take off with history! Welcome to October 18 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1955: The Vietnamese people, weary of a monarchy, become a republic but only the southern half of the country. What are detrimental elements of a country divided? American History: 1858: Abraham Lincoln writes, “I believe the declaration that ‘all men are created equal’ is the great fundamental principal upon which our institutions rest.” Put these words into your own and then share your agreement or disagreement. Word of the day: Monarchy: A system of government in which leadership is inherited and usually uses the title of King or Queen. Create a Venn diagram of the positives and negatives of this type of government. Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I am in the funny papers. • I have no parents. • My name is 3 words (size, status, name). • My hair is scarlet in color. Take off with history! Welcome to October 19 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1911: Norwegian Amundsen leaves from the Bay of Whales with provisions and a crew. He reaches the South Pole on December 14th, the first man ever to arrive at that point. What explorations on this earth would you like to pioneer? American History: 1781: British Lord Cornwallis surrenders to the French and American troops. Although some further skirmishes occur, this battle at Yorktown virtually ends the Revolutionary War. What is more difficult; battling a war or reaching a unified consensus in establishing a new nation? Word of the day: Consensus: The majority of opinion. It is important that when planning is done, a consensus is vital. Why? Bonus Corner: “We must always remember with gratitude and admiration the first sailors who steered their vessels through storms and mists, and increased our knowledge of the lands of ice in the South.” --Roald Amundsen What is the value is exploring Antarctica? Take off with history! Welcome to October 20 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1097: Antioch, which is in Syria, is laid siege to by the first crusaders. What is a siege? American History: 1960: The first automated post office begins in Providence, Rhode Island. 18,000 pieces could be sorted per hour. What is your vision of the post office of the future? Word of the day: Crusade: A religious journey or mission. The Crusades of the Middle Ages were designed by Christians to rid the world of the Muslims. This is not a lot different than many attitudes today. Site current events that occur from the same mind set. Bonus Corner: What am I? • I was first made with a cork center in 1910. • People hit me around all of the time. • I am sought after by fans and they write on me! • I am part of America’s favorite past time. Take off with history! Welcome to October 21 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1422: He is just a baby! Henry the VI , King of England, is declared king of France too. He was not yet one year old. How is a kingdom ruled by a one year old? Imagine if babies ruled the world. Describe that world. American History: 1867: The Medicine Lodge Treaty is signed which requires that the Southern Plains Indians give up their wandering ways and live on a reservation in Oklahoma. Was this fair? Defend both sides of the issue. Word of the day: Treaty: An agreement to assist in the development of peace. What elements need to be part of a treaty in order for it to be followed? Bonus Corner: 1833: Alfred Nobel is born. He gave him money for the establishment of the peace prize with these words: “I intend to leave after my death a large fund for the promotion of the peace idea, but I am skeptical as to its results.” How do you think is gift has done? Take off with history! Welcome to October 22 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1200 B.C.E: Ramses the second has built a temple, designed in such a way that the innermost portion sees the sun on October 22 and again on February 22. How do you think people of ancient times had this knowledge? American History: 1914: The Revenue Act is passed and this law required income tax. What is the purpose of taxes and why is income used to determine each person’s tax rate? Word of the day: Inflation: The value of money lessens (prices go higher). What factors in recent times have contributed to and/or combated inflation? Bonus Corner: What am I? • I occurred first in 1797. • I started from a height of 3200 feet. • I push the envelope. • I become larger with air. • I help people land safely. Take off with history! Welcome to October 23 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 42 B.C.E: Brutus, fueled by the support of the Roman Senate, killed Julius Caesar. In the civil war that followed, when Brutus’s forces were surrounded, Brutus (on this day) took his own life. What would lead a person (like Brutus) to betray his friend (Caesar)? American History: 1945: Jackie Robinson, first African American in the major leagues, signed with the Dodgers. Why do you think, besides prejudice, did it take so long to integrate professional sports? Word of the day: Senate: An elected body of advisors to the leader(s). Whether in Rome or the United States, senators are to represent those who elected them. Why is this sometimes difficult? Bonus Corner: My name is Gertrude Ederle and I was born in 1906. What was I the first woman to do in 1926? • I am an athlete. • I love the water. • I am British by birth. • I transversed a portion of saline that was 21 miles long. Take off with history! Welcome to October 24 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1648: The Treaty of Westphalia is signed and this ends the 30 year war but also destroys the Holy Roman Empire. The empire, in its heyday, spanned much of what is now Europe and portions of Asia. What would be difficult in having a kingdom of that size in the 1600’s? American History: 1929: The stock market is dragged through Black Friday and the Great Depression is on. We have recently gone through a depression. What happens during a depression? How did it effect your family? Word of the day: Great Depression: A period, predominately in the 1930s, of great financial weakness and little prosperity. Many people who lived through the great depression developed skills in recycling (washing off foil, for instance, to be reused). What things do you do in you home to recycle (or should)? Bonus Corner: What did Annie Taylor do in 1901? • I love the water. • I fall a lot! • I love riding in wooden containers. • The first drop was a lulu! • I thought my stunt would bring fame and fortune but alas, I died poor! Take off with history! Welcome to October 25 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1951: India begins its first general election which takes four months. (India had been under British rule for quite some time.) Why do you think it took so long to complete the election process? American History: 1896: The New York Times first used the slogan, “All the news that is fit to print.” Do you feel magazines and newspapers abide by this? Support your opinion. Word of the day: Election: A process in which individuals vote for who they would like to represent them (in secret) and the person with the most votes is selected. What are the strengths and weaknesses of our current election system? Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I was born in 1881 in Spain. • I loved to draw, paint and sculpt. • I created 50000 pieces of work in my 80 years. • No one ever called my style conventional! Take off with history! Welcome to October 26 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1939: Nazi Germany makes slaves of all Polish Jews, age 14-60. We are familiar with the many atrocities committed by the Nazis. Why is slavery an issue that still plagues our world today? American History: 1858: The rotary washing machine is invented. Time saving machines have greatly lessened the time it takes to do many chores. What is you favorite time saving invention and why did you select that one? Word of the day: Genocide: The extermination of a group of people based on race, religion or other characteristics. Throughout history, many peoples have been targeted for extermination. What is our role as global citizens and how do we know when to intervene? Bonus Corner: “No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable.” --Adam Smith If money were no object, what would you do to better the world in which you live? Take off with history! Welcome to October 27 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1940: Charles de Gaulle created a government of France while in exile. He Encouraged the French people to fight and to make “justice reign.” What does that last phrase mean? American History: 1904: The New York subway opens for the first time. Contrast the pros and cons of this type of transportation. Word of the day: Exile: The expelling of a person for political reasons to another country. Why would a person who has been exiled be welcome in another country? Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I was known for my rough riders. • I was born in 1858. • One other president shares my last name. • A favorite toy of children is named after me. Take off with history! Welcome to October 28 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1940: Mussolini invades Greece and he has little success in this conquest. What factors can make acts of aggression fail? American History: 1636: Massachusetts sets aside money to establish an institution of higher learning. This institution is later named Harvard. What reputation does this university have? Word of the day: Institutions: Organizations formed for social, financial or educational purposes. What institutions are you familiar with in your community? Bonus Corner: Who am I? • I was born in 1955. • I have money – lots of it! • I was not born with money but had a great idea. • My name is like an opening in a fence. • In the technology age, my company is a synonym with “tiny tender”. Take off with history! Welcome to October 29 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1942: Politicians and clergymen publicly criticize the treatment of the Jews. Winston Churchill states, “The systematic cruelties place an indelible stain upon on who perpetrate and instigate them.” Put those words into your own. American History: 1947: Scientists put dry ice into cumulus clouds to create rain. They are successful in putting out a New Hampshire forest fire. What other methods are used today to fight forest fires? Word of the day: Instigate: Trigger or initiate. It is often the person who starts the war, starts the fight, etc. who is blamed. When is the instigator justified in initiating conflict? Bonus Corner: What invention am I? • I was sold for the first time in 1945. • I cost $12.95. • Today I can be bought for less than a dollar. • I even have an erasable version these days. • Write on! Take off with history! Welcome to October 30 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1905: Tsar Nicholas the Second issued the October Manifesto which, in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, gave the people of Russia greater freedom. Humans have always responded better to fair treatment. Why do many governments forget that element? American History: 1938: Orson Welles was a well known radio broadcaster. He was also a great actor. He read aloud War of the Worlds and many Americans panicked, thinking we were under attack by aliens. What would be your greatest fear if that were actually the case? Word of the day: Aliens: Foreigners. All immigrants to the United States are actually called aliens. Immigration is a hotly debated topic. Our country was founded by immigrants and has been an element of pride for the American people. Summarize your position on immigration. Bonus Corner: 1890: The first restrictions were legislated In Oakland, California for use of addictive Drugs including opium, morphine and cocaine. Do laws help control the use of drugs or not? Defend you position. Take off with history! Welcome to October 31 Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: 1815: Humphrey Davy makes the first safety lamp for miners. It provides a warning when methane gas is present. We still have many accidents in mines and miners trapped in an underground crypt. Should mining be banned? Share the justification for your position. American History: 1864: Congress puts Nevada statehood on the fast track before elections so that another ‘Free’ (or Northern) state will support Abraham Lincoln. We have not added another state since the 50’s (Alaska and Hawaii). Puerto Rico has been suggested. What is your opinion to #51? Word of the day: Congress: The legislative branch of the U.S. Government consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Why are there two houses and how are members of each house selected? Bonus Corner: What was my contribution to society? • I was born in 1860. • My name is Juliette Low. • I loved providing girls with lots of outdoor opportunities. • I created a club. • Every year, we do cookies right!