Blueberries
National Blueberry Day is today! Two types of blueberries exist, lowbush (wild) and highbush (cultivated). Most American blueberries are highbush. Oregon produces more blueberries than any other state, followed by Washington, Georgia, and Michigan. The blueberry is considered a superfood because it contains anthocyanin, an antioxidant. The fruit can served in a variety of ways, from just grab-a-handful to blueberry pie to blueberry muffins to blueberry jam. Children can learn more at: Blueberries.
Olive Branch Petition was signed by representatives from the Second Continental Congress in 1775. It was delivered to King George III as one last try to peacefully resolve differences between the American colonies and Great Britain. Older children could read a copy of the petition at: 
Declaration of Independence was read publicly for the first time in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1776 by Colonel John Nixon. The Liberty Bell tolled to bring citizens to hear the reading. Children can read a copy of the Declaration of Independence at: 
State Department issued the first passport in 1796. Francis Maria Barrere received the document. Idea: Children could perhaps see a passport and learn how passports are issued. Older children can read a history of US passports at: 
South Sudan celebrates Independence Day. This land-locked country voted to secede from Sudan in 2011. South Sudan’s area is a bit smaller than the area of Texas. The White Nile flows through the center of the country, and the climate is hot with seasonal rains. Most of the twelve million people survive on subsistence farming, and Juba is the capital.
Doughnut cutter was patented by J. F. Blondel of Thomaston, Maine in 1872. Blondel did not invent doughnuts, but he patented a spring-loaded cutter that sped up the doughnut-making process. Now about ten billion doughnuts are consumed in the United States each year. Children could survey friends and family about favorite types of doughnuts (cake v glazed, sprinkles v no sprinkles, etc.). Older children could read a history of doughnuts at: 