David by Michelangelo
(detail)
International Artist Day is today! Today celebrates the contributions artists make to our society through their creations. Idea: Children could list all the artists they can think of. Then they could pick one artist and find out how that artist has made positive changes. Finally they could make their own artistic creations!
World Pasta Day is today! Historians believe pasta was made as far back as 5000 BC. The day was created in 1995 when 40 pasta producers met for the first World Pasta Congress. Idea: Children could list different types of pasta. Then they could decide on their favorite pasta and sauce.
King George III
George III became King of Great Britain in 1760. His actions probably contributed to the start of the Revolutionary War. At one point he almost abdicated. He experienced periods of dementia, and from 1811 until his death in 1820 the country was actually run by his son. Children could read Jean Fritz’s Can’t You Make Them Behave, King George?
Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule in 1945 after being controlled by the Japanese for fifty years. During its reign Japan had the Taiwanese adopt the Japanese language and customs. Many young Taiwanese males served in the Japanese army during World War II. The transition back to Chinese daily life was not smooth.
Pop-Up Thermometer
Turkey Pop-Up Thermometer was patented by George Kliewer in 1966. He received Patent Number 3,280,629. Originally called the Thermally Responsive Signaling Device, the invention was modeled somewhat on indoor sprinkler systems. An outer housing is inserted into the meatiest part of the bird. An inner rod is propped up by a spring, and a pin keeps the spring from popping up. The pin, made of either metal or wax, melts at a predetermined temperature and releases the spring. The spring pushes up the inner rod, signaling that the meat has reached the desired temperature. About 30 million pop-up thermometers are sold every year. Children can learn more at: Pop-Up.
First female FBI field agents completed basic training. In 1972 Susan Lynn Roley and Joanne E. Pierce graduated from Quantico, Virginia. Today about 16 percent of FBI agents are women.
Map of Erie Canal
Erie Canal started operating in 1825. Construction began on July 4, 1817. It joined the Atlantic Ocean (via the Hudson River) and Lake Erie. Approximately 363 miles long, it had 36 locks. Previously goods had to be shipped by wagon and pack animals. The canal cut transportation costs by 95 percent. Children can view an excellent video at: Erie Canal.