August 21 » Celebrate and Learn

Happy Birthday, Hawaii!

Events

Aug 212024

Humuhumunukunukuapuaa
Photo courtesy of Dwijnker

Hawaii’s Flag

Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the United States in 1959. Evidence indicates people lived on the islands as early as AD 500. James Cook first visited Hawaii in 1778, and he died there in 1779. Honolulu is the state capital, and the state’s nickname is the Aloha State. Hawaii is the 8th smallest state in area and the 11th least populated state. Since the development of the jet airplane, the islands have become quite a tourist spot. Scientists are trying to channel the geothermal energy from the volcano Mauna Loa. The state fish is the humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Children could visit an Internet site at: Hawaii. Idea: Children could plan a simple luau.

Adding Machine Was Patented in 1888 by W. S. Burroughs

Events

Aug 212024

Adding Machine Patent Illustration

Adding machine was patented in 1888 by W. S. Burroughs. He received patent number 388,116. Children could view his patent at: Adding Machine.

Mona Lisa Was Stolen from the Louvre in 1911

Events

Aug 212024

Mona Lisa

Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. A former employee of the Louvre, Vincenzo Peruggia, had removed her from the glass case he helped build. Then he stored the painting in his apartment. He tried to ransom the painting two years later, but he was caught. The Mona Lisa was returned to the Louvre in January 4, 1914. Children could visit a website at: Mona Lisa.

Gemini 5 Was Launched into Space in 1965

Events

Aug 212024

Gemini 5 Liftoff

Gemini 5 was launched into space in 1965. For eight days astronauts L. Gordon Cooper and Pete Conrad orbited the earth. While orbiting the earth 128 times, they launched the first satellite from a manned craft. They returned to earth on August 29, 1965. Older children can learn more at: Gemini 5.

Great American Solar Eclipse Occured in 2017

Events

Aug 212024

Solar Eclipse Map Courtesy of NASA

Great American Solar Eclipse occurred in 2017. The eclipse began in the northwest around 9:05 AM Pacific Daylight Time and crossed the country in a southeasterly direction. It concluded around 4:09 Eastern Daylight Time in the southeast. Around two solar eclipses and two lunar eclipses happen every year, but this eclipse was so special because it crossed the entire United States. The next solar eclipse influencing the United states was on April 8, 2024, but it was not as monumental as the 2017 eclipse. Children can learn about solar eclipses at: Solar Eclipse.