World Pear Day

 Events
Dec 062025
 

Pears

World Pear Day is today! Celebrated on the first Saturday in December, the day reminds us of the versatility and nutritional value of pears. Pears are high in fiber, and they can be baked, poached, sautéed, or eaten raw. China, Argentina, and the United States are the three largest producers of pears in that order. Washington, Oregon, and California are the three largest growers of pears in the United States in that order. Over three thousand types of pears are grown worldwide. This year’s theme is Pick Your Perfect Pear.

National Microwave Oven Day

 Events
Dec 062025
 

Microwave Patent

National Microwave Oven Day is today! The history of why this day was chosen to celebrate microwave ovens is obscure; the micowave oven patent was awarded on October 8, 1945, to Percy Spencer. However, most people now depend on their microwave ovens on a daily basis. Idea: Children could record how many times a day people use the microwave and why. They could figure out what patterns become obvious.

Finland Celebrates Independence Day

 Events
Dec 062025
 
Finland

Flag of Finland

Finland celebrates Independence Day. It became free from Russia in 1917. For centuries Sweden and Russia have fought over Finland. Russia took over the country in 1809. According to the CIA World Factbook, Finland is slightly smaller than the state of Montana. Today Helsinki is the northernmost capital of any country in Europe. More than five million people live in Finland, and most live in a small coastal plain. Over three-fourths of the land is covered with forests. It exports timber and wood pulp. Children can learn more at: Finland.

Washington Monument Was Completed in 1884

 Events
Dec 062025
 

Washington Monument was completed in 1884. The monument’s cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848, and building began. However, lack of funding and the Civil War stopped work. On August 2, 1877, Congress authorized the funds to complete the monument. It was completed on this day in 1884 and dedicated in 1885. Children can learn more at: Washington Monument.

Everglades National Park Was Founded in 1947

 Events
Dec 062025
 
Cypress

Everglades

Everglades National Park was founded in 1947. The park contains over 1,500,000 acres of land. It is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist. The park provides an amazing array of photos, audio programs, and videos. Children could visit the park’s website at: http://www.nps.gov/ever. They could use a Venn diagram to show the differences between alligators (left) and crocodiles (right).American AlligatorAmerican Crocodile

Happy Birthday, Delaware!

 Events
Dec 072025
 
Delaware State Flag

Delaware Flag

Delaware became the first state of the United States by ratifying the Constitution in 1787. The state was named after Thomas West, Lord De La Ware. The Dutch arrived in 1631. The Swedes followed in 1638 and established the first permanent settlement, Wilmington, in the colony. Dover is the capital of this smallest but one state. Its nicknames are the First State and the Diamond State. The ladybug is Delaware’s official state insect. Children could visit an Internet site at: Delaware. They could research why Delaware is called the Diamond State. Are diamonds mined there?

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Was Attacked by the Japanese in 1941

 Events
Dec 072025
 
Attack on Pearl Harbor

Attack on Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was attacked by the Japanese in 1941. President Roosevelt called the day “a date that will live in infamy.” The Japanese airplanes attacked early in the morning. They destroyed almost the entire Pacific Fleet and approximately 200 airplanes. Almost 3,000 people were killed in the hour-long attack. This event brought about America’s entrance into World War II. Children can learn more about the bombing of Pearl Harbor at: Pearl Harbor.

Apollo 17 Was Launched into Space in 1972

 Events
Dec 072025
 

The Blue Marble

Apollo 17 was launched into space in 1972. Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt walked on the moon December 11, 1972, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above. They used the Lunar Roving Vehicle on their three moon walks. Other studies included photography, and one photo, The Blue Marble, is especially famous. The astronauts returned to earth December 19, 1972. The mission was the last manned trip to the moon. Children can visit NASA’s site for junior scientists at: http://spaceplace.nasa.gov/.

National Brownie Day

 Events
Dec 082025
 

National Brownie Day is today! According to legend, the brownie was invented around 1893 to serve at the Columbian Exposition World Fair in Chicago, Illinois. The goal was to invent a dessert smaller and easier to eat than a slice of cake. The inventor achieved its glorious goal! So what can children do this day other than bake and eat brownies? They could do some math. How many variations of brownies could be made if choices include nuts or no nuts, frosting or no frosting, extra chocolate chips or no chocolate chips?

 

United States Declared War against Japan and Entered World War II in 1941

 Events
Dec 082025
 

Rosie the Riveter

Roosevelt Signing Declaration of War

Roosevelt Signing Declaration of War

United States declared war against Japan and thus entered World War II in 1941. The declaration of war was a reaction to the December 7th bombing of Pearl Harbor. Approximately 16 million people fought in the war or served as support for the military. Over 400,000 people died in action. Almost everyone who remained in America supported the war effort through rationing, buying war bonds, sending packages overseas, and collecting metals and other materials that could be used for military purposes. World War II ended in 1945. Children could understand more about the war through the book World War II Days: Discover the Past with Exciting Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes by David C. King and Cheryl Kirk Noll.

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