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.
Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources!
Monday, September 25

TDIGH: Sequoia National Park is Created
Created in 1890, the California national park is named for the giant sequoia tree; the world’s largest living organism.
Background: More about redwoods

The treaty signed in 1237 established the border between England and Scotland; one of the oldest existing political borders.
Map: The United Kingdom
Context: Brexit
Thursday, September 28
In 1928 Alexander Fleming discovered one of the world’s most important antibiotics after noticing mold growing in his lab.
Visual: Video about microbes
Background: “The story behind penicillin”
Friday, September 29

TDIGH: Tsunami Hits South Pacific
In 2009 a magnitude 8.1 earthquake occurred in the Pacific Ocean, generating a tsunami that devastated the Samoan Islands.
Map: Samoa and American Samoa
Background: Video: Tsunamis 101
Activity: Read about plate tectonics. How does the theory of plate tectonics explain where tsunamis occur? (More info here.)
Sunday, October 1
TDIGH: Yosemite National Park Established
Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Yosemite is one of America’s oldest national parks, designated in 1890.
Visual: Half Dome
Context: National Parks resources
Activity: Listen to this segment about how Yosemite rangers are using technology to save bears from speeding cars and explore this interactive bear tracker map.