Take off with history!
Welcome to December 1!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1835: Fairy tales help us escape the real
world and transport us into another place
and time. Hans Christian Andersen
published his first fairy tale on this date.
What is you favorite fairy tale?
American History:
1959: Rosa Parks, after working all day on
her feet, refused to get out of her bus seat
and move to the back so a white person
could have her seat. She was arrested
but her subtle action sparked a boycott of
the bus services and after a year, policies
changed. Why do you think her action
had such a lasting impact?
Word of the day:
Boycott: An organized refusal; when the
African Americans of Montgomery refused
to use the busses, the bus company lost a
lot of money and eventually allowed all
persons to take whatever seat they preferred,
regardless of color. Think of our news today.
What are people boycotting?
Bonus Corner:
What entertainment style was first
made available in Paris (opening in
1906)?
• I personally love the popcorn!
• Lots of other people join me in this place!
• We find this place reel fun!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 2!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1804: Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned
Emperor Napoleon I. He was crowned by
Pope Pius VII in Notre Dame Cathedral.
A year later, he defeated the Russians and
Austrians in the Battle of Austerlitz. What
elements, can you infer, give one side
an advantage over another side in battle?
American History:
1954: The Senate had enough of
Senator Joseph McCarthy’s accusations of
which persons were a communist threat.
They voted to condemn him of “conduct
unbecoming of a senator”. What is
detrimental about constant accusations of
wrongdoing?
Word of the day:
Emperor: Supreme ruler. If you were made
emperor for that day of
your school, what events
would you host and what
rules would change?
Bonus Corner:
1823: The Monroe Doctrine prohibited
European nations from interfering with
the United States and President Monroe
went on to say that from then on, the U.S.
would stay neutral in European conflicts.
What forced America out of its neutrality
commitment?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 3!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1586: Potatoes were first introduced to
England. Potatoes have certainly become
a mainstay in our diet. What is your
favorite way to eat potatoes and what is
the most unusual potato style that you have
heard of?
American History:
2001: Dean Kamen invents the Segway
and spends $100 million to develop it
into a product. Fortunately for Dean, it
was a success. Why would a person risk
so much money on a product? What steps
do you think an inventor must take before
sinking a lot of capital?
Word of the day:
Capitalism: Governmental style that allows
free market system for persons to buy
and sell as they wish. What is the up
and down side of this type of system?
Bonus Corner:
In 1968, which of the following did the
American major leagues do to increase
scoring?
1. Converted to steel bats.
2. Made the pitcher’s mound shorter.
3. Changed the material used to make
the baseball.
4. Increased all batters’ salaries.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 4!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1829: Great Britain prohibits the practice
of “suttee”, a tradition in India that when
a woman’s husband dies, as his body is
being burned, she is to throw herself in
too! What should be the general guidelines
in which one country is permitted to
interfere with another country’s policy?
American History:
1945: Overwhelmingly, the U.S. Senate
approved the U.S. involvement in the
United Nations. The organization attempts
to help nations solve their differences
instead of going to war. Why do you think it
is important that all of the major nations
be a part of this group?
Word of the day:
Unification: When people and/or countries
league together in mutual support. Compare
and contrast the benefits and dangers of
being unified.
Bonus Corner:
1674: The first building is constructed at the
site that will eventually be Chicago, Illinois.
Chicago is nicely situation at the base of
what Great Lake?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 5!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1349: 500 Jews are tortured and executed .
They are blamed for the Black Death. Why
do you think that the Jews have historically
been blamed for many things that they were
not responsible for?
American History:
1861: The Gatling Gun is patented which
is capable of firing 200 rounds per
minute. This happened at the start of the
Civil War. How might an invention of this
type impact that war?
Word of the day:
Prohibition: An order or command that
forbids. In 1933, Prohibition, the forbidding
of alcohol, was repealed. Americans
were concerned over the negative impact
of alcohol but when it was banned, its use
increased. Why do you think people are
drawn to things that are prohibited?
Bonus Corner:
What famed musician died on this day and
was buried in a pauper’s grave?
• He began composing at age 5.
• Most would view him as a classical
musician.
• He composed more than 600 pieces.
• Beethoven was greatly influenced by this
genius!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 6!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1768: The first Encyclopaedia Britannica was
published on this date over 200 years ago.
We do not use encyclopedias much any
more. What was wonderful about using
an encyclopedia and what resources have
been a great addition to our learning?
American History:
1884: The Washington monument
is completed and becomes the tallest
structure in the world. Imagine that
George Washington is transported into
the future and is the keynote speaker at
its dedication. What would he have said?
Word of the day:
Secondary source: A resource that
represents a research compilation
of information about a given
topic. What are the strengths and
limits of this type of resource,
such as a encyclopedia?
Bonus Corner:
What did Dave Brubeck, jazz musician born
on this day in 1920, infer by the following?
“There's a way of playing safe, there's a way
of using tricks and there's the way I like to
play which is dangerously where you're going
to take a chance on making mistakes in order
to create something you haven't created
before.”
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 7!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
185: Astronomers in the Han dynasty
recorded the sighting of a “guest star”
which we now term a supernova. It was
the first one ever recorded. Imagining that
the discoverer could speak English, how
would he describe it to the emperor?
American History:
1941: Americans, on this date, lost 1200
men (Japan lost less than 100) and the
bombing of Pearl Harbor was the catalyst
for our entry into World War II. Besides the
casualties, what do you think were
other reasons why this event forced us
to enter the war?
Word of the day:
Implied powers: Powers not specifically
stated in the Constitution but are recognized
as appropriate for certain circumstances.
This interpretation allowed the Constitution
to be flexible as authors of the document
could not always anticipate every possible
decision. What would be the drawbacks?
Bonus Corner:
December 7th, 1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt
coined this famous quote following
the bombing of the American fleet at
Pearl Harbor in Hawaii:
“… a day that will live in infamy!”
What does he mean by “live in infamy”?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 8!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1326: The Zen Temples in Kyoto, Japan
was completed on this date and much later
became the site of the most famous Zen
Gardens. Zen techniques, Japanese religious
practices, are said to be quite relaxing.
What types of activities help you relax?
American History:
1945: On this date, the Toyota Motor
Company was given permission, in an
effort to get the Japanese back on their
feet following World War II, to begin
manufacturing buses and trucks.
Obviously, Toyota has greatly expanded
since those early days. What is your
favorite Toyota model and why?
Word of the day:
Deflation: If inflation is when prices soar,
what happens during a deflation? What
difficulties does this condition create?
Bonus Corner:
What famous musician was killed on this
day in 1980?
• My last name sounds like a famous
Russian ruler.
• I was part of a band whose name sounds
like an insect.
• I wrote many of the songs we sang,
including “Yesterday”.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 9!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
536: Belisarius, the Byzantine general,
captured Rome. The Romans, in their
height of success, conquered and ruled
much of Europe. What are elements that
can make a country strong and what
elements could make them susceptible
to defeat?
American History:
1835: The Texas army takes possession of
the city of San Antonio. This was a
tremendous feat since the army was new
and small and the city was taken from the
mighty Mexican Army. What might be a
reason (or two) that this less skilled group
could be victorious?
Word of the day:
Developing countries: Nations that are
newly formed and beginning their growth.
Developing countries are typified by their
enthusiasm for their new nation but also
their lack of experience and skills in being
a country. What does a new nation need to
learn in your opinion?
Bonus Corner:
What invention was developed on this date
In 1884?
• I am found in rinks!
• I keep you rolling!
• I can make a journey quicker and more
fun!
• My name is also the name of a sea
creature.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 10!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1901: The first Nobel Prizes are awarded
on this day. It was a celebration of
innovation and advancement in physics,
chemistry, medicine, literature and peace.
What unique discoveries do you think will
be part of future awards?
American History:
1938: One of the greatest film classics was
begun on this date. These are the clues to
unlock its title:
• Takes place in and around Atlanta.
• The rural property is called Tara.
• It begins before the Civil War and ends
after it.
• It’s title could describe a tornado!
Word of the day:
Invention: The creation of a new or modified
version of a current item that solves a
problem or saves time. Many people envision
that schools of the future will be run by
robots and all instruction will be online.
What are positives and negatives of this
potential future?
Bonus Corner:
Born on this day in 1879 was the artist
E.H. Shepherd. What two children’s books
Did he illustrate?
Book one clue: I am a whiny, yellow creature
that loves the boy who loves me!
Book two clues: My title means “breeze
via the water plants.”
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 11!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1936: Edward the VIII of England abdicated
the throne in favor of his brother. He
did so because the British people did not
like his choice wife, an American
actress. His brother took over but had
a serious problem. What was it? (Think
of a recent movie!)
American History:
1620: The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock
in Massachusetts and begin their colony.
If you notice the date, it is December. What
would you have advised the Pilgrims to do
if you were in charge? What elements made
that first year so difficult?
Word of the day:
Abdicate: To give up the inherited right
to be king. In what ways would this be
a sacrifice? (Edward the VIII was the
first one to do so in English history)
Bonus Corner:
Adolf Hitler declared war on the United
States in 1941. Interpret one of his quotes
shown below:
“If you tell a big enough lie and tell it
frequently enough, it will be believed.”
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 12!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1915: The first German all metal plane
flew for the first time. It was called a
Junker (J1). You are on the advertising
committee to market this plane. Devise
a new name that you think will inspire
sales.
American History:
1770: Two British soldiers are found
guilty of manslaughter in the Boston
Massacre. The soldiers fired into a crowd,
killing five. They were discharged from the
army and punished. This became another
justification for the Revolutionary War.
Why do you think it took 5 more years
until the actual war broke out?
Word of the day:
Ratify: To approve as an acceptable action
of the government. Our government must
have support for any action they take, so
it must be approved by the Congress (like
the Revolutionary War). Do think this is wise
or does it take too long? Justify your answer!
Bonus Corner:
1980: The notebook of Leonardo da Vinci
was auctioned off in London, England. Select
the amount that you think was the final bid.
a. 780,000 dollars
b. 3.6 million dollars
c. 4.7 million dollars
d. 5.8 million dollars
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 13!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1937: The Japanese military units captured
the Chinese capital of Nanking and they
killed 150,000 prisoners and 50,000 civilians.
They also raped 20,000 women. Many of
these deaths showed signs of torture. What
motivates countries to commit these kinds
of atrocities?
American History:
1918: Woodrow Wilson
becomes the first
president to visit Europe during his
presidency. Why do you think it took until
this date for this to happen?
Word of the day:
Totalitarian: A person who determines the
fate and decisions of a country. Hitler and
General Matsui (who ordered the killings at
Nanking) were totalitarians. Why do
countries tolerate this kind of leadership?
Bonus Corner:
Who am I?
• I was short in statue.
• I was born in 1818.
• I lived in the White House.
• My husband was well known for his
honesty!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 14!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1287: The Netherlands is mostly below sea
Level and the Dutch have constructed
seawalls to protect them since early times.
In 1287, the seawall (called the Zuider Zee)
collapsed and 50,000 people died. What do
we do today to protect our coastlines from
sea related catastrophes (hurricanes, etc.)?
American History:
1774: The first organized fight of the
Revolutionary War was an attack on Fort
William and Mary. The gunpowder and
shots were to be kept from British hands.
A well known horseman alerted the men
of where the British were. Who was this
person?
Word of the day:
Prediction: To forecast or anticipate future
events. Nostradamus was born on this day
in 1503 and many of his predictions have
come true. Was he just lucky, excessively
smart or did he truly see the future?
Share your opinion.
Bonus Corner:
1911: What was the discovery?
• Amundsen of Norway made the discovery.
• It was extremely cold!
• No matter where you leave from, this
place is south!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 15!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1964: The Canadians approve a new
design for their flag that included a maple
leaf. What could that design have signified
to the people of Canada?
American History:
1791: The Bill of Rights becomes law. This
section of the constitution provides
protections for citizens. One portion is the
Freedom of Speech. We can say most anything and many do. Do you feel some
people go too far with this or do you feel
that the freedom needs to exist as is?
Word of the day:
Credit rating: A numerical value assigned to
adults on how efficiently they pay bills. If
your score is high, it is easy to get a loan.
J. Paul Getty once said, “If you can count
Your money, you don’t have a billion dollars”!
What would you do with that kind of
money?
Bonus Corner:
What textile is created in 1939?
-it is used for toothbrushes!
-it made musical strings!
-women liked it best (on their legs)!
-it is quite lightweight!
-we make windbreakers out of it!
•
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 16!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1915: German physicist Albert Einstein
published his Theory of Relativity. It is
defined as the interdependence of space
and time. What if we could control time?
When would you adjust time to slow down
and when would you speed it up?
American History:
1773: The Boston Tea Party wasn’t really
a party at all. What happened and why
did it occur?
Word of the day:
Relative location: location as defined by
what it is near to or close by. For instance,
a grocery store could be located across from
the high school. What is the relative location
Of your home?
Bonus Corner:
1997: In Japan, 700 people felt nauseated
as they watched cartoons on television.
What about the cartoons created this
sick feeling?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 17!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1790: The Aztec’s Sun Stone was discovered
In Mexico City. The ancient Aztecs used it
to predict the seasons and they also used
it to control economic and social events as
well. It was created in 1479. What makes
this such an amazing discovery?
American History:
1944: The U.S. ends the Japanese
internment camps. Effective January 2,
1945, Japanese Americans can move back
home. Why do you think America felt they
needed to imprison Japanese Americans
during this period of history?
Word of the day:
Equator: The line at zero degrees latitude
at which the greatest sun (and heat)
exposure occurs. Unless you are at a high
altitude, cultures who live close to the
Equator have continual summer. What would
be great about this and what would you
not like about this tropical climate?
Bonus Corner:
What event occurred on this day?
• They thought they would just wing it!
• Many thought they were plane crazy!
• Two brothers changed are future!
• The location was Kitty Hawk!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 18!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1621: Did the British always get along? The
House of Commons wrote a protest to the
king, indicating that they has full right to
deal with matters of the king without
punishment. King James I tore the protest
up immediately. Write how you would
respond to the king’s action.
American History:
1865: The thirteenth amendment is
adopted and slavery is officially abolished.
The transition from slavery to no slavery
took much longer than the legislation.
What made the transition hard for slave
owners and the slaves themselves?
Word of the day:
Demand: The need for goods. If there is
great demand for products, producing a lot
of those products is justified. Think of a toy
you had as a child that was quite popular.
Were there a lot produced? Are they still
in production?
Bonus Corner:
Who was born on this day in 1947?
• I am a director.
• My career has spanned four decades.
• My first and last name begin with the
Same letter.
• My films include Indiana Jones, Schindler’s
List, E.T., Jaws and Jurassic Park.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 19!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1984: Hong Kong, which was under British
rule since 1898, was signed back over to
the Chinese, effective January 1, 1997. What
adjustments might the people of the island
of Hong Kong have in interacting with the
rest of China?
American History:
1777: George Washington and his men
enter their winter camp at Valley Forge which
would later prove to be an extremely tough
time for the Continental Army and their
young leader. Pen a letter home where you
describe the conditions of your “winter
retreat”.
Word of the day:
Colonial rule: The style of leadership in early
America, usually state ruled. Each state had
its own government but in the 1780’s, when
the constitution was written, the U.S.
transitioned to joint national and state
government. What was problematic, do you
think, about no national government?
Bonus Corner:
1930: Amelia Earhart becomes the first
autogyro pilot (an early helicopter) to carry
a passenger. Detailing both sides, describe
who is bravest, the pilot or the passenger.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 20!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1699: Russian czar Peter the Great changed
New Year’s Day from September 1st to
January 1st. Describe a New Year’s
celebration in September. How would it
differ from our current festivities?
American History:
1989: The United States invades Panama
in order to oust Manuel Noriega who was
later convicted of drug trafficking in 1992.
This was the first time in history that
America convicted a foreign leader of
criminal charges. Why do you think this
action was somewhat controversial?
Word of the day:
National identity: The characteristics that
define a country. If you were to list symbols
or characteristics that you think “stand for”
America, what would they be?
Bonus Corner:
What historic event occurred on this day?
• There were 3 ships.
• They left England 1606.
• It became a success (after the failure
at Roanoke)
• The name is a compound word of a
man’s name and another name for a city.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 21!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1898: The Curies (Pierre and Marie) discover
Radium. Radium was formally used in many
things, including paint and toothpaste but
it is highly radioactive and was discontinued
in both of those uses. Imagine a toothpaste
that would be so destructive! Write
an ad for an innovative use of this product!
American History:
1988: One of the earlier events of terrorism
is the explosion of the Pan American flight
over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259
aboard. The terrorists were from Libya.
What would be the impact on this American
people? (The plane was bound for New York
and many of the passengers were American).
Word of the day:
Diplomatic: Tactful or dealing with relations
with sensitivity. It is important to be
diplomatic with countries but also with
friends. Share times in which you choose
to respond diplomatically and times
when it is hard to be diplomatic.
Bonus Corner:
Joseph Stalin is born in this day in 1879.
Interpret the follow quote of Stalin:
“Education is a weapon whose effects depend
on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is
aimed.”
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 22!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1900: What new vehicle was built for the
first time on this date?
• This vehicle is German made.
• It was named after the designer’s
daughter.
• It is a symbol of luxury today.
American History:
1885: How do gravity and railroads
create fun? On this date, the first
rollercoaster is designed for Coney Island.
What makes rollercoasters
so popular?
Word of the day:
Extinct: No longer in existence. A
coelacanth, a prehistoric fish five feet long,
had been thought to be extinct but was
discovered still in existence. Imagine if
your favorite dinosaur was found to be
still living. Create a short news article,
detailing the discovery.
Bonus Corner:
1882: What did a friend of Edison invent on
this date?
• These come in strings.
• They sparkle.
• They decorate a holiday plant.
• Some flash, some are white and some
are multicolored.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 23!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1834: The first cab is designed (horse
drawn, of course) in England on this date.
What are the advantages of taking a cab
and what are the disadvantages?
American History:
1788: Washington D.C. is established. It
was decided to locate the nation’s capital
outside of any individual state. What
fascinates you about Washington D.C. and
if you could visit, what would you most
like to see?
Word of the day:
Landmark: A structure or natural feature
that becomes a symbol of a given location.
Share who historical and natural features
Define you current location.
Bonus Corner:
1986: Voyager made the first nonstop trip
completely around the globe on one
load of fuel. Predict what kind of travel will
be available to you on your 50th birthday.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 24!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1914: The first air raid begins as Great
Britain is bombed by Germany. What
would be scariest about air raids?
Listen to the sound below:
American History:
1814: The Treaty of Peace
and Amity is signed between
Great Britain and the United
States on this day. This marked
the end of the War of 1812.
What is best about the end
of war?
Word of the day:
Treaty: An agreement to compromise for
peace. What treaties do you develop
with friends, parents or siblings?
Bonus Corner:
1851: 50,000 books at the Library of Congress
are destroyed on this date. What books
would give you the greatest grief to lose?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 25!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1914: One of the most amazing things
happened on this date. The German
and British forces stopped fighting and
sang Christmas carols together. Why
would this be unusual?
American History:
1776: Imaged by artist Emanuel
Leutz, Washington crossing the Delaware
is a familiar site. Washington, as the first
president, braved many frontiers. Imagine
the struggles the first president of a new
nation might face. What kinds of decisions
and negotiations would likely be part of
Washington’s early years?
Word of the day:
Domestic: Any elements that relate to one’s
own country. What decisions are made that
are domestic and what decisions require
an international forum?
Bonus Corner:
1923: The White House is lit totally by
electric lights for the first time. Decorating
for the holidays is traditional for many
families. What kind of decorations do you
put up for the holidays?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 26!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1926: The first overland journey in Africa
from the south (Capetown) to the north
(Cairo) is completed on this date. It
took 27 months. Why do you think it took
so long?
Word of the day:
Veto: To vote against. Legislation is often
vetoed by groups that are not in
agreement with the policies being debated.
What laws or rules would you like to have
the power to veto?
American History:
Bonus Corner:
1917: Woodrow Wilson, as an act of
presidential war time responsibilities, took
control of the nation’s railroads. It allowed
the government to utilize this key
transportation support. Have you ever
ridden a train? What makes this travel
experience unique?
1966: Kwanzaa is celebrated for the first time.
The 7 day holiday centers around African
roots and celebrates African Americans.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 27!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1831: Charles Darwin traveled to the
Galapagos Islands to view the unique wildlife
and his observations triggered his
philosophies on how all life is related. What
characteristics do you share with your
parents? What characteristics do you share
with your siblings?
American History:
1845: Ether was first used as an
anesthetic in childbirth. Prior to this point,
what were often results of childbirth?
Word of the day:
Prisoners of war: Captured military persons
of a country’s enemies who are detained,
often in very poor conditions. Why do we
inflict such cruelty to
those who were just
doing their job?
Bonus Corner:
1942: The Nazis were quite clever. They
took their Russian prisoners of war and
trained them to fight their fellow Russians.
Unfortunately for the Nazis, many defected
and returned to the comrades and fought the
Nazis. What advantages would these new
warriors have?
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 28!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1908: The most destructive earthquake
(and tsunami) hit the Italian coast and left
100,000 dead in its wake. What natural
disaster do you fear the most and why?
American History:
1869: Chewing gum is officially invented.
It has been the nemesis of schools since
students put used gum in inappropriate
places. Create an “invention” for the storage
of ABC (already been chewed) gum.
Word of the day:
Pledge: A promise. We pledge our time
and focus to many things and many people.
What would you include in your list of
“important things in my life”?
Bonus Corner:
1945 was the year this was officially
recognized:
• I say this all of the time!
• It certainly gets me on my feet!
• It starts almost every sporting event!
• I am promising my commitment!
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 29!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1675: England closes the coffee houses,
indicating that they are just a gossip mill
and incites people to rebel. Do you think
this edict worked? Explain your reasoning.
American History:
1607: Pocahontas intervenes on behalf of
John Smith and Chief Powhatan spares his
life. Pocahontas later marries John Smith
and moves to England. What would be
challenging for her, making that transition?
Word of the day:
Nativism: Protecting the rights of the
indigenous (first) inhabitants. If we could
start settlement over again, how would
you redesign it to empathize protection of
native rights.
Bonus Corner:
1890: 146 Sioux Indians are massacred at
Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Most were
children, women and unarmed. This ended
the conflict with the Plains Indians but at
such a cost. Give 3 reasons why this was so
unjust.
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 30!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1916: Rasputin (the evil Russian monk of
Anastasia fame) was assassinated after
attempts to poison him failed. What does
the term
‘assassinated ‘
mean?
American History:
1924: Edwin Hubble discovered a galaxy
beyond our Milky Way for the first time.
Imagine he is sending a telegram to his wife
and only has 10 words. Compose what 10
words he would use to tell of this
discovery.
Word of the day:
Tyrant: A person with a dominant
Personality. Rasputin was a tyrant. How do
most people respond to tyranny?
Bonus Corner:
Rudyard Kipling, the author of The Jungle
Book, was born on this date in 1865.
What did he mean by these words?
“We have forty million reasons for failure, but
not a single excuse.”
Take off with history!
Welcome to December 31!
Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!
World History:
1973: The British adopt a 3 day work week
as an energy saving measure during a strike
by the miners. Imagine you now have 4
days off each week but 2 days less pay. How
Would you spend your time?
American History:
1852: The most profitable year of the Gold
Rush ends on this date with a total of $81.3
million dollars worth of gold mined. What
could be the devastating elements of
having that much money all at once?
Word of the day:
Resolution: A plan of change. At the end
of each year, or start of a new year, many
people make resolutions to improve
themselves. What is on your list of
improvement for next year?
Bonus Corner:
Thomas Edison, in 1879, lights up a street
in the area in which he lives in New Jersey.
This is the first demonstration of the light
bulb. You are a resident of that street.
How would the Jersey Times quote you?