
Thor’s Hammer (hoodoo)
Bryce Canyon National Park was established in 1928. Located in southern Utah, the park encompasses 35,835 acres. Bryce Canyon National Park is really not a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters. Its distinctive features are hoodoos, pinnacles caused by frost erosion and erosion of the sedimentary rocks. Archaeological evidence shows that Native Americans lived there about 10,000 years ago. The Paiutes moved in when other groups left, but they were pushed out around 1873 when Mormon settlers started overgrazing the land. The park has three distinct life zones, determined by altitude. At least 400 different species of plants have been identified. Although hundreds of different animal species live there, the mule deer is the most common animal. Children can learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm.

Grand Teton National Park was created in 1929. Centered around the Teton Range, this 310,000-acre national park is located in Northwestern Wyoming. Paleo-Indians lived there 11,000 years ago. Children can see some great photos and participate in activities at:
Amendment Twenty-Two to the Constitution was adopted in 1951. It stated that a President could not be elected to more than two terms in office. Prior to the amendment, custom (but not law) was that no President would run for a third term. However, Franklin Roosevelt was elected to office four times. After he died in his fourth term, people began to feel the number of terms should be limited, and the amendment was born. Children could read the actual words of the amendment at:
International Polar Bear Day is today. The day was established by the organization Polar Bears International to raise awareness of the problems polar bears are facing today. Global warming is reducing polar sea ice and thus reducing their habitat. The organization encourages people to lower their thermostats in winter and raise their thermostats in summer.