Tomorrow is Saint Patrick’s Day! Are your shamrocks ready? Do you have at least some green in tomorrow’s clothes? Children could read a great book, The Night Before Saint Patrick’s Day, written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Amy Wummer.
Goddard and an Early Rocket
Robert Goddard fired the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Prior to this launch, only solid-fueled propellents had been constructed. His work regarding different fuels and rockets became the foundation of America’s space program. Older children can see how liquid-fueled rockets work at: http://science.howstuffworks.com/rocket5.htm.
Gemini VIII was the first spacecraft to dock with another craft, the Agena, in 1966. The Agena gave astronauts David R. Scott and Neil Armstrong practice docking with other vehicles. These experiments prepared astronauts for lunar missions. The docking was anything but smooth. Children can read about the docking at: Gemini VIII.
Ford Motor Company, in 1958, produced its 50 millionth car, the Thunderbird.
General Motors, in 1968, produced its 100 millionth car, the Oldsmobile Toronado.