Rosa Parks was committed to the struggle for social justice and human rights until her death, inspiring millions of people around the world. Today, we celebrate her!
Rosa Parks was born on this day in 1913.
Grades
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The "1984" Macintosh commercial aired today during Super Bowl XVIII.
3 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Original advertisements are created after students review advertising techniques they've studied.
Grades
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The Barbie doll was unveiled in 1959.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students explore body image and advertising through an activity where they bring in pictures from magazines that they read and discuss gender representations in the media.
Grades
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Humorist Erma Bombeck was born in 1927.
9 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Author & Text
Using lines from Bombeck's newspaper column, students identify allusive or satirical humor. Older students can rewrite the passages for a different audience.
Grades
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On this day in 1907, Rachel Carson was born.
3 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Author & Text
Students learn about Rachel Carson, explore different environmental websites, and write a Diamante Poem about a particular habitat.
Grades
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The New York Times used the slogan "All the News That's Fit to Print."
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
After discussing newspapers and their different points of view, students choose a current event, read editorials on the event, and share them with the class to identify the editor's point of view.
Grades
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Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the US to earn a MD degree in 1849.
3 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
"Famous Firsts" are researched by students, followed by small group research and multimedia presentations to report research results.
Grades
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National Public Radio began broadcasting in 1971.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
Students make predictions about the content of some of NPR's programs, then listen to the programs and report on the contents and discuss with the class.
Grades
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Mister Rogers' Neighborhood premiered in 1968.
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
After thinking about TV shows, books, and movies from their childhood, students write about what they remember and revisit how they feel about it at an older age.
Grades
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A Christmas Carol was the first book transmitted over radio!
7 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Author & Text
Students write a script for A Christmas Carol on a level that primary students can read and perform. Older students record the performance and create a website to showcase photographs.
Grades
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Author Eve Bunting was born in Ireland in 1928.
3 - 10
Calendar Activity
| Author & Text
Students listen to a news article about the LA race riots and then read Smoky Night to discuss how a younger observer might be affected by these events and their perceptions.
Grades
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On this day in 1918, the United States passed the U.S. Standard Time Act.
3 - 12
Calendar Activity
| Historical Figure & Event
A video conference with a class from a different country or time zone is planned. Students brainstorm questions to ask and figure out how many time zones they would have to travel through to have the conference.
Grades
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Celebrate National Library Week!
K - 12
Calendar Activity
| Literacy-Related Event
Students learn more about libraries as part of National Library Week.
Grades
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Today is D.E.A.R. Day!
K - 12
Calendar Activity
| Holiday & School Celebration
April 12 is known as D.E.A.R Day! D.E.A.R. stands for "Drop Everything and Read," a national month-long celebration of reading designed to remind folks of all ages to make reading a priority activity in their lives.
Grades
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Groundhog Day is February 2.
K - 5
Calendar Activity
| Holiday & School Celebration
A celebration is held for Groundhog day where students engage in a shadow-watching activity, make predictions, and listen to news reports to compare what happens with Punxsutawney Phil.
Grades
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Gary Soto, poet and children's writer, was born on this date in 1952.
K - 6
Calendar Activity
| Author & Text
Using one of Soto's stories, students take part in share stories about their families, describe their street/neighborhood, or compose an acrostic poem using the Acrostic Poems interactive tool.