National Play-Doh Day is today! The modeling compound was originally used to remove soot from wallpaper. However, a nursery school teacher saw the value of using the compound for art projects. In 1956 the Rainbow Crafts Company began selling Play-Doh. Today Hasbro owns the rights to Play-Doh. People bought more than two billion cans of Play-Doh between 1955 and 2005. Idea: Children could make Play-Doh “balloons” to celebrate the day.
Flag of Chile
Chile celebrates Independence Day. It became free of Spanish rule in 1810. This long, narrow country, about twice the size of Montana, is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Andes Mountains. About 17.2 million people live in Chile, and Gran Santiago is the capital. Copper is one of its major exports. Children could learn more at: Chile.
Capitol Building
Capitol Building cornerstone in Washington, DC, was laid by President Washington in 1793. The exact location of that cornerstone is now lost. Some experts believe it lies below National Statuary Hall. Children can learn many facts about the Capitol by visiting: Capitol Building.
New York Times published its first issue in 1851. It was founded by Henry Jarvis Raymond and George Jones. The initial cost of the newspaper was a penny. Its slogan is “All the News That’s Fit to Print.” Children could visit the newspaper’s very comprehensive kids website at: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/
Old Faithful
Photograph by Jon Brown
Old Faithful Geyser was discovered in 1870. Located in Yellowstone National Park, the geyser was named by Henry D. Washburn. He was part of the Washburn-Langford-Doane Expedition to Yellowstone. The geyser erupts every 35 to 120 minutes. It shoots approximately 3,700 gallons of boiling water to a height of up to 185 feet. Children can view a webcam of Old Faithful Geyser at: Old Faithful.
Air Force was created as an independent service in 1947. There has been an air force component of the military since 1907. Children can learn more at: Air Force.
Jean Bernard Leon Foucault (born Paris, France, 1819; died Paris, France, February 11, 1868) was a scientist. He measured the speed of light through different materials. His experiments with pendulums proved that the earth rotated on its axis. Children could read an excellent biography, Come See the World Turn, written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Raul Allen.
George Read (born Cecil County, Maryland, 1733; died New Castle, Delaware, September 21, 1798) signed the Declaration of Independence. Representing Delaware, he also signed the Constitution. As governor of Delaware, he was instrumental in making sure Delaware was the first state to approve the Constitution. After the Revolutionary War, he was a United States senator and then the chief justice of the Delaware Supreme Court. Children could read more at: George Read.
Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis celebrate Independence Day. The two islands, located in the eastern portion of the Caribbean Sea, became free of British rule in 1983, but they remain a part of the British Commonwealth. They are about 1.5 times the size of Washington, DC. Sugar was a large part of the economy, but the country has now shifted to tourism and diversified farming. About 51,000 people live on the islands, and Basseterre is the capital.
Jamestown was burned by Nathaniel Bacon and his men in 1676. This action later became known as part of Bacon’s Rebellion. They were rebelling against Governor Sir William Berkeley and his laws regarding control of Jamestown. Berkeley fled, and Bacon became the colony’s leader. He died shortly after taking control. Berkeley regained leadership. However, Berkeley was replaced a year later; and rebellion became unnecessary. Children could learn more at: Bacon’s Rebellion.
Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride
Hot air balloon with animal passengers was flown for the first time in 1783. Joseph and Jacques Montgolfier launched their globe aerostatique in France. The duck, sheep, and rooster all survived the ten-minute trip! Children could read the amazing Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride, written and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. The book earned a 2006 Caldecott Honor Award.