Strelka and Belka
Korabl-Sputnik 2 was launched in 1960. The Soviet spacecraft carried two dogs (Strelka and Belka), forty mice, two rats, and some plants into orbit. The spacecraft was recovered, and all the animals survived the four-orbit mission.
Abebe Bikila
Abebe Bikila won the 1960 Olympics Marathon. The Ethiopian ran the marathon barefoot. A last minute replacement for another marathoner, Bikila had little time to prepare for the race, including finding suitable running shoes. He decided to run without shoes. His time was 2 hours 15 minutes 16.2 seconds, a new record. He also won the 1964 Tokyo Olympics marathon.
Oil Well
OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) was established in 1960. The goal of OPEC is to establish systems to stabilize oil prices and output of its members. The twelve members are: Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Venezuela.
Flag of Mali
Mali celebrates Independence Day. It became free from France in 1960. Slightly less than twice the size of Texas, Mali is a landlocked country in western Africa. Gold mining is one source of income for the country. Almost sixteen million people live there, and Bamako is the capital. Older children could learn more at: Mali.
Kennedy-Nixon Debate
Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy, presidential candidates, held the first of four televised debates in 1960. Experts believe Kennedy fared better in the first debate, but Nixon improved as time went on.
Flag of Cyprus
Cyprus celebrates Independence Day. The country became free of British rule in 1960. An island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is a little bigger than half the size of Connecticut. About 1.2 million people live in Cyprus, and Nicosia is the capital. Older children can learn more at: Cyprus.
Flag of Mauritania
Mauritania celebrates Independence Day. It gained its freedom from France in 1960. The country, located in northwestern Africa, is larger than the state of Texas. Over three million people live in Mauritania, and the capital is Nouakchott. Located in the Sahara Desert, the country derives most of its income from livestock, iron ore, and gypsum. Older children could learn more at: Mauritania.
Howdy Doody
Photograph by Volcan Yuksel
Howdy Doody appeared on television for the first time in 1947. The extremely popular children’s show featured a combination of people and puppets. Cartoons were also shown. It last aired September 24, 1960. Idea: Children could create a puppet show relating to the upcoming New Year’s Eve.