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, September 26
TDIGH: Happy Birthday, Johnny Appleseed
Born as John Chapman in 1774, the nomadic farmer got his nickname from the thousands of apple trees he planted across America’s western frontier.
Map: See how the American “frontier” changed over time
Context: Johnny Appleseed is an icon of the conservation movement.
Activity: Read about a suburban farm where you can pick your own apples.
Tuesday, September 27
TDIGH: Typhoon Devastates Japan
The 1959 storm, called a typhoon rather than a hurricane due to its location in the NW Pacific Ocean, resulted in 5,000 deaths.
Map: Japan
Background: More info on extreme weather
Activity: Learn more about hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones using this interactive.
Friday, September 30
TDIGH: International Translation Day
This day was created in 1953 to acknowledge the vital role that translators play in our increasingly globalized society.
Visual: Video about learning a second language
Context: Which words are especially hard to translate?
Saturday, October 1
TDIGH: Yosemite National Park Established
Established by Congress in 1890, Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and is home to North America’s highest waterfall.
Visual: Video of Yosemite
Background: Creation of the National Park Service
Sunday, October 2
TDIGH: Supreme Court Swears in First African-American Justice
Thurgood Marshall served on the Supreme Court from 1967-1991 and played a central role in ending segregation through the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education.
Visual: Timeline: slavery through the civil rights movement
Background: Learn about Brown v. Board of Education
Activity: Read about current civil rights leaders and discuss the ways that racial discrimination still exists in America.