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Simple
ways to have fun...
Sometimes
the difference between boredom and fun is simply a spark to create
an interest. This issue features several history-based "sparks"
that can lead to hours of fun, and of course learning. |
| August 2005 - in this issue: |
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Build
a periscope |
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Composer
word search |
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Fun
printable "Continent of Africa" maze |
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Play
putt-putt golf |
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Watch
an animation of the Panama Canal |
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Creative
writing - what happened at Roanoke? |
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Plus
more! |
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August
3rd
A submarine called the USS Nautilus sailed under the polar ice cap
on this day in 1958. The sub
dived at Barrow, Alaska, then traveled 1000 miles under the ice
to Iceland. Have kids Look at a globe
- where could its route have been? Make submarine sandwiches for
lunch with a frozen dessert in honor of this "tricky"
accomplishment. Then, make your own periscope with
instructions from this
site.
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August
4th
American composer William Schuman was born on this day in 1910.
Kids can learn more about William Schuman with our composer word
search activity. Answer
key
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August
8th
The first "newsreel," a short news film, was shown in
movie theaters on this day in 1911, just before the regular feature.
These newsreels led to many of the worlds major events being caught
on film. If you have access to a video camera, let your kids make
a newsreel, either real or fictional, of important things
going on in your family or neighborhood. This can be and incredibly
creative project that results in a lifelong memory! |
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August
9th
Henry Stanley and his expedition reached the west coast of Africa
after a 3-year expedition across the continent.Work
your way across Africa with this "Continent
of Africa" maze. Also, this site by PBS has lots of fun
activities. It's called Africa
for kids, and that about says it all!
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August
12th
Jack Nicklaus won his 14th PGA golf tournament title in 1973.
Watch how it works! This site shows an animation
of the locks at the Panama
Canal. Or, if you'd like to know more, visit this Smithsonian
on-line exhibition of the canal, which includes history and
fun trivia!
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August
16th
Gold was discovered in the Klondike River on this day in 1896,
beginning the Klondike Gold Rush.
Visit this PBS
site to learn more about this event. This is a great day to
do a "hunt for gold" around your house with a fun treasure
hunt. If you have older kids, let them make a map or make up clues
that lead from one place to another. At the end of the hunt could
be "Gold" candy (Hershey's Gold Nuggets are great for
this).
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August
17th
A helium-filled balloon called the Double Eagle II became the first
to cross the Atlantic on this day in 1978.
How much do you know about helium? Why
does helium float? Do you know where
helium comes from? A helium-filled balloon can make a great
activity for kids. By making a loop at the end
of a helium balloon string, kids can experiment by attaching paper
clips one at a time through the loop. How many paper clips will
make the balloon hover? (not raise or fall) Try more than one balloon,
or objects other than paper clips! |
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August
18th
On this day in 1590, Governor John White returned from a supply
trip to England to find the island colony of Roanoke had mysteriously
disappeared. Still to this day,
no one knows what happened to Roanoke Colony. Kids can learn about
the mysterious
disappearance of Roanoke, then write their own version of
what might have happened.
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August
22nd
French composer Claude Debussey was born in 1862.
Kids can learn more about him with our composer word
search activity. Then listen to his music
online. There are several options under "WATCH AND LISTEN"
on the left side of the screen. Word search Answer
key |
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August
27th
The most powerful volcanic eruption in recorded history was on
this day in 1883, on the uninhabited island of Krakatau.
If someone at your house is interested in volcanoes, these 3 sites
will keep them busy for hours! First, they can learn
about volcanoes and what makes them erupt, then see some awesome
pictures of eruptions. If they're up to a volcano project,
Volcano World online has a list of 12 different ones to choose
from!
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This
Month in History e-newsletter is brought to you by The Learning
Calendar, creators of the award-winning history-based activity
and trivia calendar. You can learn more about The Learning Calendar
by visiting their site: www.thelearningcalendar.com
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Click the below slide show for FREE history lesson plans and activity worksheets
for each day of August!
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