First nickel was minted in 1866. The Shield Nickel, composed of 75% copper and 25% nickel, was struck until 1883 when the Liberty Head Nickel was introduced. Children could participate in activities at the United States Mint website for kids: http://www.usmint.gov/kids/games/.
Ticket to Johnson’s Impeachment
Andrew Johnson’s impeachment trial ended in 1868 when the Senate failed by one vote to find him guilty of the charges. Children can learn more at: Johnson Impeachment.
American Horseshoe Pitchers Association was formed in 1914. Idea: Children could pitch some plastic horseshoes on the playground. They could visit the still-functioning group’s website at: http://www.horseshoepitching.com/.
Academy Awards, the Oscars, were awarded for the first time in 1929. The Academy Awards honor films and film-related topics and people, Idea: The children could decide some Academy Award categories and pick some nominees. The class could vote to decide the winners.
Gordon Cooper
Gordon Cooper, an American astronaut, circled the earth 22 times in 1963. His craft was the Faith 7. He splashed down over 34 hours after take-off. His craft was hoisted aboard a carrier before he opened the hatch. His voyage was the last of the Mercury flights. Children could learn more at: Cooper.