Massachusetts State Flag
Massachusetts became the sixth state in the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1788. The word Massachusetts means, “at or about the great hill.” The state ranks forty-fifth in size and thirteenth in population. Its state beverage is cranberry juice. Children could visit an internet site at: Massachusetts. They could toast Massachusetts’s birthday with cranberry juice.
Kiwi
New Zealand remembers Waitangi Day. In 1840 the Maori and the Europeans signed the Treaty of Waitangi, permitting Great Britain to develop New Zealand. About the size of the state of Colorado, New Zealand is comprised of mostly mountains with some coastal plains. Slightly over four million people live on the islands. Wellington is the capital. The country exports dairy products, meat, wool, and wood products. The kiwi is native to New Zealand. Children can learn more at: New Zealand.
Amendment Twenty to the Constitution was adopted in 1933. It moved the inauguration day of the President to January 20th at noon. It also changed the first day of a Congressional session to January 3rd. Prior to 1933 the President was inaugurated on March 4th. During colonial times, a period of four months between election and inauguration was reasonable due to travel time and communication limitations. However, as travel and technology improved, four months became much too long to have a lame duck President. Therefore, the inauguration date was moved up to January 20th. Children can read the actual amendment at: Amendment Twenty.
Alan Shepard
Alan Shepard in 1971 became the first person to play golf on the moon. Commander of Apollo 14, he and his crew left earth on January 31, 1971. They reached the moon on February 5, 1971. He smuggled two golf balls on the Apollo 14 flight and hit both of them with an assembled golf club. He stated that the balls went “miles and miles and miles.” However, the golf balls probably traveled between 200 and 400 yards. The crew returned safely to earth February 9, 1971. Students could learn more about Shepard at: Alan Shepard.