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, October 24
Directly after World War II, representatives from 50 countries created the UN in hopes of increasing international cooperation and preventing future conflict.
Map: UN Membership
Background: More info about international and intergovernmental organizations
Activity: What is Model UN? Read about one class’ experience with Model UN.
Tuesday, October 25
Japanese pilots adopted the kamikaze suicide bombing tactic in late 1944 as a last, desperate effort in World War II.
Map: Use Mapmaker Interactive to show the Pacific Theater of WWII
Background: Timeline of WWII in the Pacific
Activity: How can Japan’s use of kamikaze strikes be traced back to what happened at the Battle of Midway?
Wednesday, October 26
TDIGH: Uluru Returned to Australian Aborigines
Returning ownership of the famous sandstone formation, known as Uluru or Ayers Rock, to Australia’s indigenous population in 1985 marked a growing recognition of their rights.
Visual: Ayers Rock
Background: Human Geography of Australia
Thursday, October 27
TDIGH: New York City Subway System Opens
The busiest subway system in the U.S. opened in 1904 after a major blizzard in 1888 showed the benefits of underground transportation.
Map: 1904 subway map
Context: More info about urban areas
Activity: Explore public transportation around the world using this interactive.
Saturday, October 29
The crash of the U.S. stock market in 1929 led to the decade-long economic crisis known as the Great Depression.
Visual: Poster created by the WPA
Background: Timeline of the Great Depression
Activity: What is a bond? What does “recession” mean? Review terms in Scholastic’s Kid’s Economic Glossary