Arches National Park in Utah was created in 1971. In 1929 the wind-eroded rock formations were declared a national monument. Then it became a national park. Children can visit a website at: Arches. There you will find excellent photographs, videos, and information for children. The video on Fiery Furnace is amazing!
Image of Saturn and Rings from Voyager I
Voyager I made its closest contact with Saturn in 1980. The spacecraft then began taking photos, especially of the rings, and scientific measurements. Launched on September 5, 1977, Voyager I traveled past Saturn and the rest of our solar system. It continues to travel through space and send back data. Children can learn more at: Voyager I.
Columbia STS-2 was launched in 1981. It was the first space vehicle launched for a second time. Eventually 134 STS missions took place before the program ended in 2011. Children could view a list of all the STS missions at: STS Missions.
Auguste Rodin (born Paris, France, 1840; died Meudon, France, November 17, 1917) was a very influential sculptor. He worked mostly with the human form, and one of his most famous pieces is The Thinker. Children could visit a website at: Rodin Museum. Children can become sculptures with a minimum amount of help from adults. Children could mix one part vermiculite and one part plaster of Paris with enough water to make a mixture the consistency of pudding. They can pour the mixture into empty and clean milk cartons or other disposable containers. The mixture will solidify. Students can remove the carton and carve the solid with spoons or other tools.
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat (born Portland, Maine, 1928; died Munster, Indiana, March 12, 2019) wrote children’s books. She published at least 130 books! She, with her husband Mitchell Sharmat, wrote the Nate the Great series, which premiered in 1972. They also worked together on the Olivia Sharp series, which premiered in 1989.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton (born Johnstown, New York, 1815; died New York, New York, October 26, 1902) worked for women’s rights. Children would enjoy reading Jean Fritz’s You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? In addition, they could learn more at: Elizabeth Cady Stanton.
Letitia Christian Tyler
Letitia Christian Tyler (born Cedar Grove, Virginia, 1790; died Washington, DC, September 10, 1842) was America’s First Lady from April 4, 1841 to September 10, 1842. She was the first wife of John Tyler, tenth president of the United States. While Tyler was pursuing a political career, she took charge of their plantation. However, bad health won over, and she became an invalid. She died in the White House. Children could visit a website at: Letitia Christian Tyler.
World Kindness Day is today! The day was created in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. Idea: Children could thank someone who has shown them kindness. They could also show kindness by by making and giving a card to someone who would appreciate some kindness. They could also donate to a food bank or volunteer at a senior center.
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Peanut butter was invented, legend has it, on this day in 1890 by an unknown doctor. You can make your own peanut butter. Pour into a blender about three cups shelled and roasted peanuts. Add the cover and blend until smooth. Add a bit of vegetable oil if necessary to increase smoothness. Children could discover some great peanut butter facts and activities at: Peanut Butter.
Holland Tunnel began operating in 1927. Named after its designer, Clifford Milburn Holland, the tunnel connects New Jersey and Manhattan; it runs under the Hudson River. It was the first American underwater tunnel. The designers had to build gigantic fans that would remove carbon monoxide, generated by the cars, from the tunnel. Currently about 90,000 vehicles use the tunnel per day. The tunnel was designated a United States National Historic Landmark on November 4, 1993.
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial
Vietnam Veterans War Memorial was dedicated in Washington, DC, in 1982. Designed by Maya Lin, the wall (listing 58,195 names) attracts about three million visitors a year. Children can learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/vive/index.htm.
Robert Louis Stevenson (born Edinburgh, Scotland, 1850; died Samoa, December 3, 1894) wrote poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. Treasure Island, first appearing in magazine installments, was published in 1883. He published The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1886. Kidnapped was written in the same year. Another of his famous works was A Child’s Garden of Verses. Children can read many of his works at: Project Gutenberg. They can learn more at: Robert Louis Stevenson.
Katy Kelly (born Washington, DC, 1955) writes for children. Two of her characters are Lucy Rose and Melonhead. Children can visit her website at: Katy Kelly.
Nathaniel Benchley (born Newton, Massachusetts, 1915; died Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 1981) wrote at least 20 children’s books, but he also wrote for adults. One of his children’s books was Welcome to Xanadu, published in 1968.
Pickled Cucumbers and Pickled Onions
National Pickle Day is today! This day celebrates the preservation of cucumbers and other fruits and vegetables by fermenting them in a solution of water, vinegar, salt, and various spices. The history of pickling is long; cucumbers were preserved as far back as 2000 BC. Idea: children could list various types of pickles and determine their favorites.