Flag of Seychelles
Republic of Seychelles celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from the United Kingdom in 1976, but it remains a member of the British Commonwealth. The collection of about 80 islands lies in the western Indian Ocean. The area is slightly greater than twice the size of Washington, DC. Victoria is the capital. Its leading exports are coconuts and spices. Idea: Children could learn about the spices it exports. Children could learn more at: Seychelles.
Cliff Palace
Mesa Verde
Mesa Verde National Park was created in 1906. Located in the southwestern corner of Colorado, it is famous for its ancient Anasazi cliff dwellings, including 5000 sites and 600 buildings. Paleo-Indians began living there around 7500 BC. These farmers struggled constantly to cultivate their crops of corn, beans, and squash. Today this World Heritage Site is also home to over 640 plant species, 74 mammal species, 200 bird species, and 1000 insect species. Children could visit a website at: http://www.nps.gov/meve.
Lake Crescent
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park was created in 1938. The Washington park has 57 miles of coastline and a temperate rain forest. It averages 145 inches of rain per year. Children could visit a website at: http://www.nps.gov/olym. Idea: Children could research Mesa Verde National Park and Olympic National Park. They could compare and contrast the two parks. Which would they rather visit?