Rubber Eraser Day is honored. Joseph Priestley accidentally invented the eraser in 1770 when he was experimenting with latex.
Apr 152025
Apr 152025
American School for the Deaf (originally called the Connecticut Asylum for the Education and Instruction of Deaf and Dumb Persons) was founded in Hartford, Connecticut. Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet and Laurent Clerc started the school, still thriving, in 1817. Children can learn more about the history of education for the deaf at the school’s website at: https://www.asd-1817.org/. Children can learn more about American Sign Language at: http://www.handspeak.com/.
Apr 152025
Titanic
“Unsinkable” Titanic sank in 1912 with 1,500 people on board. The luxury liner was on its maiden voyage from England to New York City when it hit an iceberg and sank three hours later. The ship did not provide enough lifeboats for all the crew and passengers. Over 700 people were rescued by the Carpathia when it reached the site. In 1985 Dr. Robert Ballard and his crew located the remains of the Titanic and photographed it. Idea: Debate whether the Titanic should be raised or not. Students may want to read Robert Ballard’s Exploring the Titanic, published in 1988. Children could read The Titanic: An Interactive History Adventure, by Bob Temple.
Apr 152025
McDonald’s opened its first franchise in Des Plaines, Illinois, in 1955. A hamburger was fifteen cents, French fries cost ten cents, and a milkshake was twenty cents. Today more than 34,000 restaurants serve 68 million customers daily in 119 countries. Children can view an interesting timeline at: McDonald’s.
Apr 152025
Thomas Hart Benton Self-Portrait
Thomas Hart Benton (born Neosho, Missouri, 1889; died Kansas City, Missouri, January 19, 1975) was an artist. His works of the American midwest and south led to the development of artistic regionalism. Children can view some of his works at: Thomas Hart Benton.
Leonhard Euler (born Basel, Switzerland, 1707; died St. Petersburg, Russia, September 18, 1783) was a mathematician. Children could learn about Euler’s Formula at: Euler Formula. Make sure you check out the morphing coffee cup/doughnut!
Henry James (born New York, New York, 1843; died London, England, February 28, 1916) was a prolific and noted American writer. He wrote over 110 stories, twenty novels, and sixteen plays. Some of his most famous work includes The Turn of the Screw and What Maisie Knew. Older children can read many of his works at: Project Gutenberg.
Jacqueline Briggs Martin (born Lewiston, Maine, 1945) writes books for children. She wrote Snowflake Bentley, and the book’s illustrator, Mary Azarian, received the 1999 Caldecott Medal. Children can learn more at: Jacqueline Briggs Martin.
Charles Willson Peale Self-Portrait
Charles Willson Peale (Born Queen Anne County, Maryland, 1741; died Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, February 22, 1827) was a famous portrait painter during the Revolutionary period. He enjoyed painting famous Americans. He created at least 60 portraits of George Washington. His brother (James Peale), and four of his sons (Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian Ramsay, and Raphael) were also accomplished artists. Idea: Children can make a portrait of a fellow classmate. Hang the results in the “American Gallery.” Children could view some of his works at: Charles Willson Peale.
Bessie Smith (born Chattanooga, Tennessee, 1894; died Clarksdale, Mississippi, September 26, 1937) was nicknamed the “Empress of the Blues.” She combined spirituals with jazz, and some experts consider her one of the greatest singers in blues history. She died in a car crash in 1937.
Leonardo da Vinci Self-Portrait
Leonardo da Vinci (born Vinci, Italy, 1452; died Cloux, France, May 2,1519) was a great artist and scientist. Famous works include Mona Lisa, Saint John the Baptist, and The Last Supper. His scientific interests ranged from plant studies to aviation. Idea: The Last Supper is a fresco; it is painted into the plaster on the wall. Fill disposable pie plates with wet plaster of Paris. Children can paint right into the wet plaster surface. Let the plaster dry, and then display the results. Children could also read Leonardo da Vinci for Kids: His Life and Ideas, 21 Activities by Janis Herbert. Finally, they could view some of his works at: Leonardo da Vinci.