May 2005, This Day in History E-Newsletter
Please Note: This will be your only History E-Newsletter unless you subscribe here.

*The Learning Calendar, creator of the national-award winning calendar by the same name, has created hundreds of history-based activity ideas (and counting!). You can find out more about what they offer by visiting their site.

May 1st
In 1707, England, Scotland, and Wales united to form Great Britain. Do you know the difference between Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Try our UK map activity and find out. If you need more information than we've included on our activity sheet, this encyclopedia article may help. If you work up an appetite doing all that learning, here's a recipe for a British dessert kids can make. While eating it you may want to listen to and read about the National Anthem of the UK.

May 5th
Alan Shepard became the first American launched into space in 1961. Becoming an astronaut isn't easy. Visit NASA's interactive site that tells you what astronaut training is like. Are you cut out for it?

May 7th
Russian composer Peter Tchaikovsky was born in 1840. Learn more about Tchaikovsky with our fun word search activity. Listen to some of his music by clicking here. (This is a sample of a CD on amazon.com)

word search answer key

May 9th
Americans Richard Byrd and Floyd Bennett claim to have flown over the North Pole in 1926. Burrrrr! Sounds cold! Look at these pictures of the North Pole and read these interesting facts all in the comfort of your own home! Then, in honor of today's event, make a cold treat. This site features several Popsicle recipes for kids.

May 10th
In 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad was completed at Promontory Point, Utah. PBS has made aninteractive site on the Transcontinental Railroad including maps, pictures and more. This tin can train project by Family Fun Magazine is a super fun project.

May 11th
Russian born American composer Irving Berlin was born in 1888. Learn more about Irving Berlin with our fun word search activity. God Bless America is just one of the many popular songs written by this composer. Listen to it by clicking here.

word search answer key

May 13th
Arthur Sullivan, a talented British composer, was born in 1842. Our word search activity for Arthur Sullivan will teach you more about him and his career. Then listen to the music from some of his operas online. (you'll need to follow a few links to actually get to the music)

word search answer key

May 22nd
German composer Richard Wagner was born in 1813. Learn more about him by reading a short biography on our Richard Wagner word search activity. Then listen to some of his music online!

word search answer key

May 26th
Abraham Lincoln formed the Montana Territory in 1864. Visit this Montana site for kids to learn more about this state! (there's a link for games and activities at the top) Then test your knowledge of all the US states with this fun on-line educational game - one of the best we've seen! (by Sheppard Software)

May 31st
The Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902, ending the Boer War in South Africa. Who were the Boers anyway? This virtual museum tells the story of the Boers and their battle for South Africa. South Africa is known for its amazing wildlife. Color one of these pictures of the king of the beasts! There's a simple picture and an advanced picture.