International Day of the Seal was declared by Congress in 1982. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has ranked ten of the 36 species of seals as endangered or vulnerable. Factors influencing their survival include unintentional catching by commerical fisheries, marine pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction. Idea: Children could research different types of seals. They could learn about the life cycles of these marine mammals. They could read some very interesting facts about seals at: Seals.
Falkland Islands celebrate Liberation Day, marking the day in 1982 when the British defeated Argentina in the Falkland Islands War. Composed of two main islands and over 700 smaller islands east of Argentina, the Falkland Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. Slightly over 3,000 people live in the Falklands, a region about the size of Connecticut. Stanley is the capital, and fishing is a major industry. Children can learn more at: Falkland Islands
Viking I landed on Mars in 1976. Launched August 20, 1975, Viking I carried cameras, a seismometer, a magnet, and sensors for temperature, wind velocity, and pressure. The Lander began to send data 25 seconds after landing and continued to function until November 11, 1982. Children can learn more at: Viking I.
Viking I was launched in 1975. It landed on the surface of Mars on July 20, 1976. It transmitted photographs and data regarding weather and atmosphere until November 11, 1982. Children can learn more at: Viking I.
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.