Rainforest in Chiapas, Mexico
World Rainforest Day is today! Started in 2017 by the Rainforest Partnership, the day stresses the importance of rainforests, the plants, the animals, and the cultures that live within. Two types of rainforest exist: the temperate rainforest and the tropical rainforest. The tropical rainforest has four layers: the emergent layer, the canopy, the understory, and the forest floor. Children can learn more at: World Rainforest Day.
Dromedary Camel
World Camel Day is today! The day celebrates such unique animals, able to travel long distances with little water. Two types of camels exist: the Dromedary one-hump and the Bactrian two-hump. About 90% of all camels are Dromedary. The Bactrian is on the IUCN Red List as Critically Endangered. All camels are herbivores. Children can learn more at: Camels.
Royal Greenwich Observatory
Courtesy of ChrisO
Royal Greenwich Observatory was established in 1675 by order of Charles II. The building has significant historical and scientific connections. Today’s Prime Meridian goes through the property. Greenwich Mean Time was calculated there until 1954. Today the building is a tourist attraction. Children can visit its website at: Royal Greenwich Observatory.
Doughnuts
Doughnut was invented in 1847. According to legend, Elizabeth Gregory made the first doughnuts with nuts in the middle. Her son, sea captain Hanson Gregory, cut out the center with a round pepper tin. Now about ten billion doughnuts are consumed in the United States each year. Children could celebrate the doughnut invention in several ways. They could poll friends and family as to favorite types of doughnut. They could invent a new flavor of doughnut. Of course, they could make or buy doughnuts and then consume!
V-Mail (Victory Mail) began in 1942 as World War II brought many soldiers overseas. To conserve space on transport planes, letters were opened and photographed. A roll of film held 1,600 letters. The film was mailed overseas, and the letters were printed. The process ceased November 1, 1945, when the war ended. Older children could learn more at: Victory Mail.