Here’s an advance look at a some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead.
Monday, August 29
TDIGH: Hurricane Katrina Makes Landfall in Louisiana
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast and devastated the city of New Orleans due to a massive storm surge that overpowered levees.
Background: Video on how Hurricane Katrina formed
Activity: The science of hurricanes interactive (select the third icon from the top left for hurricanes).
Tuesday, August 30
TDIGH: Happy Birthday, Sylvia Earle
Renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle has spent more than 6,000 hours underwater and is working to protect marine areas around the world.
Visual: See a map and photos of “Hope Spots” Sylvia has designated
Background: Sylvia Earle’s bio
Activity: Learn about Marine Protected Areas
Thursday, September 1
Seventy three years after the “unsinkable” ship sank, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Robert Ballard and his team discovered the Titanic’s remains.
Visual: Photo gallery
Background: More info on how and where the Titanic sank
Activity: Watch a video of Robert Ballard describing the discovery OR choose an activity from our Titanic collection.
Saturday, September 3
TDIGH: Wilderness Act is Signed into Law
Thanks to this act, which recognized the ecological, historical, and scenic value of wild areas, 106 million acres of wilderness have been protected.
Map: Find Your Park
Background: What does wilderness mean?
Activity: Explore a natural space
Sunday, September 4
Created by two graduate students in 1998, Google has evolved into a billion-dollar multinational company pioneering search, education, maps, platforms and more.
Video: Short film on how everyone should learn how to code
Context: Learn about the EU’s antitrust charges against Google
Activity: Read and watch a video about Google Classroom. Discuss its advantages and disadvantages.