Here’s an advance look at 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, May 8
The day Nazi Germany surrendered is known as Victory in Europe Day (since WWII did not end until Japan surrendered months later).
Visual: Photo gallery about the fall of Nazi Germany
Background: Interactive timeline: WWII in Europe
Wednesday, May 10
The completion of the American transcontinental railroad in 1869 boosted westward expansion by cutting travel times from months to days.
Map: U.S. Railroads, 1870-1890
Background: The Oregon Trail
Activity: Explore this interactive map to see how the American West transformed from 1860 to 1890.
Thursday, May 11
TDIGH: Glacier National Park Created
In 1910 Glacier National Park in Montana became the tenth national park in the U.S.
Visual: Photo gallery of Glacier National Park
Background: National Park Service Created
Activity: Learn more about glaciers by reading about Antarctica’s “bleeding” glacier.
Sunday, May 14
TDIGH: Jenner’s First Smallpox Vaccination
The vaccine Edward Jenner invented in 1796 helped lead to the eventual eradication of smallpox in 1979.
Map: Global Smallpox Eradication
Context: Smallpox Eradicated
Activity: Read and discuss “Q&A on Measles and Vaccines.”
TDIGH: Polar Bear Listed as “Threatened”
In 2008 polar bears became a threatened species, partially as a result of climate change.
Map: Polar Bear Territory
Background: What is an endangered species? and The Endangered Species Act
Activity: Watch this video about the common ancestry of polar bears and brown bears.