Mother and Child Chimpanzees
World Chimpanzee Day is today! This day marks the day Jane Goodall began her research in 1960 regarding chimpanzee behavior. Chimpanzees live in groups ranging in size from 12 to over 150 animals. While they eat mostly fruits, leaves, and shoots, they are classified as omnivores because they will eat insects, eggs, birds, and small mammals. Today the chimpanzee is classified as endangered. Children can learn more at: Chimpanzees.
Flag of France
France celebrates Fête de la Fédération, also known as Bastille Day. In 1789 the Bastille fell to the rioting people, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. France is a bit smaller than Texas, and the Mediterranean Sea, the Bay of Biscay, and the English Channel all border the country. Almost 66 million people live in France. Paris is the capital. Idea: Charles Dickens’s A Tale of Two Cities gives great insight into the French Revolution. Children could learn more at: France.
Matterhorn was conquered for the first time by Edward Whymper and a group of climbers in 1865. Seven climbers reached the top, but four were killed on descent. The Matterhorn is one of the highest peaks located in the Pennine Alps between Switzerland and Italy. Currently around 3,000 people climb the Matterhorn per year.
Harry Atwood Taking Off from White House Lawn
Harry Atwood in 1911 landed his plane on the south lawn of the White House! President Taft presented him with a medal for his accomplishment. Later in the day Atwood turned his plane around and took off from the White House grounds.
Bust of George Washington Carver at Monument
George Washington Carver Monument was dedicated in 1943. The first national monument for an African-American and the first monument for a non-president, the site is Washington’s childhood home in Diamond, Missouri. Children could visit: http://www.nps.gov/gwca/index.htm.
New Horizons
New Horizons spacecraft was closest to Pluto in 2015. Launched on January 19, 2006, the spacecraft traveled three billion miles to achieve one of its goals, taking images of Pluto and Pluto’s five moons. When New Horizons was launched, George W. Bush was President, Pluto was still a planet, and Apple had not yet released its first iPhone. New Horizons, traveling at a rate of over 30,000 miles per hour, continues on its journey and will hopefully help us learn more about the Kuiper Belt. Children can learn more at: New Horizons.