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.
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Tuesday, October 31
The UN designated this day in 2011 to mark the approximate time when the world’s population reached seven billion people.
Background: Video: “7 Billion.”
Thursday, November 2
TDIGH: First Crew Docks at International Space Station
In 2000 the first crew of astronauts docked on the International Space Station, a spacecraft large enough to cover the size of a football field end to end.
Map: “Spot The Station”
Background: NASA Overview of the ISS
Activity: Learn about how astronauts exercise on the International Space Station.
Saturday, November 4
Iranian students took Americans hostage in 1979, in response to the US’ support for Iran’s former autocratic leader.
Map: Iran
Background: Timeline of US-Iranian Relations
Activity: One effect of the 1979 crisis was the increase of Islamophobia in the US. Watch this video of Muslim students dispelling harmful myths about Islam.
TDIGH: King Tut’s Tomb Discovered
The tomb of the famous Egyptian pharaoh was discovered in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings in 1922.
Visual: Photo Gallery: King Tut’s tomb
Background: Video: “King Tut’s Mysterious Death Examined”
Activity: Learn about the hidden chambers next to King Tut’s tomb, which archeologists discovered last year.
Sunday, November 5
TDIGH: Susan B. Anthony Illegally Votes
American women were not granted the right to vote until 48 years after the famous civil rights activist cast a ballot in the 1872 presidential election.
Map: Woman Suffrage
Background: Biography
Activity: Listen to the speech Susan B. Anthony gave following her arrest. What rhetorical appeal(s) does she use?