Flag of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, celebrates Independence Day. Belgium relinquished control of this African country in 1960. It is about one and a half times the size of Alaska. The country is famous for its minerals and forest products. Over 75 million people live in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The capital is Kinshasa. Children could learn more at: Democratic Republic of Congo.
Charles Blondin
Charles Blondin walked across Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 1859. Approximately 25,000 people watched the five-minute walk. On other occasions he walked across the falls on a tightrope pushing a wheelbarrow or on stilts. Idea: Children could draw a line on the playground. They could pretend the line was a tightrope. They could see if they could walk the line on stilts. Older children could read more at: Blondin.
Black-footed Ferrets
Fish and Wildlife Service was established in 1940. Its purpose is “working with others, to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.” Children can learn more at: http://www.fws.gov/.
Amendment Twenty-Six to the Constitution was adopted in 1971. It changed the voting age from twenty-one to eighteen years. Idea: Children could find out why the voting age was changed. They could debate whether age eighteen is the right age to vote.
Ketanji Brown Jackson
Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as the first African-American female Supreme Court Justice in 2022. She was born September 14, 1970 in Washington, DC. She served in a wide number of capacities prior to being nominated to the Supreme Court. She is the first former federal public defender to serve on the Court. Children can learn more at: Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Bow of Titanic
Robert Ballard (born Wichita, Kansas, 1942) is an oceanographer and explorer. He found and investigated the remains of the Titanic. Children could read an interview of him at: Robert Ballard.
David McPhail (born Newburyport, Massachusetts, 1940) has written and/or illustrated close to 200 books for children. His works include Mole Music and The Family Tree. Children could visit his website at: David McPhail.
Elizabeth Kortright Monroe (born New York, New York, 1768; died Oak Hill, Virginia, September 23, 1830) was America’s First Lady from March 4, 1817 to March 4, 1825. She was the wife of James Monroe, the fifth president of the United States. She was the daughter of a British soldier who decided to stay in America after the Revolutionary War. Since she and her husband had traveled so much during his career, she tried to model White House functions after those of Europe. Children can visit a website at: Elizabeth Monroe. Idea: Children might see if they can find out information on the fashions of her time. Did they dress fancily? Did they have extensive wardrobes?