Monday, August 15
The canal, which cuts across the Isthmus of Panama, allows ships to travel from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean in half the time.
Map: Historical map showing Panama’s unique location
Background: Read more about the Panama Canal
Activity: How is climate change affecting shipping?
Wednesday, August 17
Though the “King of the Wild Frontier” fought against Native Americans as a soldier, he later stood up for their rights as a statesman.
Map: Native American cultural regions
Background: Read about the Indian Removal Act, which Crockett opposed
Activity: Use this collection of maps to discuss multiple perspectives on Westward Expansion.
Friday, August 19
TDIGH: Happy Birthday, Orville Wright
Orville Wright, along with his brother Wilbur, successfully flew the first powered airplane in 1903.
Visual: Watch a video on how planes fly
Background: Info about the first flight
Activity: Read this interview with a pilot and educator and discuss
In 2009 the United Nations created this day to honor those who help others in times of crisis, whether man-made or environmental.
Map: Trace the world’s most congested human migration routes in five maps
Background: Humanitarian aid often focuses on refugees
Activity: Read about how crisis mapping is improving humanitarian response
Sunday, August 21
TDIGH: First Shogunate in Japan
The appointment of Minamoto Yorimoto to shogun in 1192 established the first of three shogunates, or military governments, which led Japan until 1868.
Map: Japan
Background: Learn more about the culture and politics of Asia
Activity: How did the arrival of American ships in 1853 contribute to the fall of the shogunate in 1868?