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.
Tuesday, September 13

TDIGH: Star-Spangled Banner Yet Waves
After proudly watching Americans fend off the British at Fort McHenry during the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem that later became the national anthem of the U.S.
Visual: See photos related to the final battle of the War of 1812
Background: What defines a nation?
Activity: Listen to national anthems from around the world and learn about how they were created.
Wednesday, September 14
Created in 1960 to coordinate global oil policies, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is made up of 12 nations.
Map: The world’s crude oil reserves
Background: Learn more about petroleum
Activity: Read about and discuss the effects of the 1973 OPEC embargo.
Thursday, September 15

TDIGH: Darwin Explores Galapagos Islands
Naturalist Charles Darwin developed his theory of natural selection, part of the process of evolution, from his observations of plants and animals in the Galapagos Islands.
Visual: Watch this video about the Galapagos Islands
Background: What is speciation?
Activity: Learn about a species of finch that Darwin studied and why it’s endangered.
TDIGH: Hispanic Heritage Month
In 1988, September 15 through October 15 was officially designated as a month to honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Map: Where do Hispanic and Latino people live in the U.S.?
Background: Read about why people migrate
Activity: Watch the above video explaining the difference between the terms Hispanic and Latino, and why ethnicity is real but race is not.
Saturday, September 17

TDIGH: First Space Shuttle Unveiled
Named after the fictional Star Trek starship, Enterprise served as the prototype for NASA’s next five space shuttles.
Visual: Panorama photos of inside space shuttles
Background: What is the atmosphere?
Activity: Test your knowledge about our solar system with this quiz.