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 15
TDIGH: Birthday of Sejong the Great
The 15th-century Korean leader’s legacy includes creating what many linguistics consider the best alphabet in the world.
Map: North Korea and South Korea
Background: Short bio of Sejong
Wednesday, May 17
In 1954 the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in schools, declaring that “separate but equal” schools are “inherently unequal.”
Visual: 8 charts showing the return of school segregation
Background: The 14th Amendment
Activity: Answer these discussion questions and read testimonies on how Brown v Board impacted different people’s’ lives.
Thursday, May 18
TDIGH: Mount St. Helens Erupts
The 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington was the worst volcanic eruption in U.S. history.
Visual: Photo gallery: Before and After
Background: Info about how volcanoes form, types of eruptions, and effects
Activity: Read about the Yellowstone supervolcano and scientists’ predictions on when it will erupt again.
TDIGH: International Museum Day
Since 1977 the annual event has honored museums’ importance to education and society overall.
Video: The history of museums
Background: More info about International Museum Day
Activity: Following this year’s theme of “”museums and contested histories: saying the unspeakable in museums,” explore the National Holocaust Museum’s resources.
Sunday, May 21
TDIGH: Lindbergh Completes Transatlantic Flight
In 1927 American aviator Charles Lindbergh completed a solo transatlantic flight, setting an aviation record and launching him to celebrity status.
Visual: Timeline of aviation
Background: First Successful Airplane Flight
Activity: Read about another thing Charles Lindbergh was in the news for.