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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Monday, December 11
The 1997 agreement was the first international effort to slow climate change.
Background: Greenhouse Gases Deemed Air Pollutants
Activity: Read about the most recent climate change accord, the Paris Agreement. Why do you think the Trump administration refuses to have the U.S. join?
Wednesday, December 13
TDIGH: George W. Bush Claims U.S. Presidency
Despite Al Gore winning the popular vote and the Florida recount being unfinished, the Supreme Court declared Bush the winner of the 2000 election.
Background: Bush v. Gore (2000)
Activity: Read this article and ask students to make connections between the 2000 and 2016 elections.
Thursday, December 14
TDIGH: Amundsen Reaches South Pole
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen outraced Robert Falcon Scott to become the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911.
Map: Race to the Pole
Background: More info about the South Pole
Activity: Watch historic footage from Amundsen’s 1911 expedition. What are two things that the video clip made you wonder?
Saturday, December 16
Lithograph by Nathaniel Currier, courtesy Wikimedia. Public domain
In 1773 American colonists dumped tea into the Boston Harbor to protest “taxation without representation” under British rule.
Map: Battles of the Revolutionary War
Background: Timeline of the Revolution
Activity: Watch and discuss this video about the Boston Tea Party.
Sunday, December 17
TDIGH: First Successful Airplane Flight
In 1903 the Wright brothers successfully flew an engine-powered, manned airplane for the first time.
Visual: Photo gallery of the 1903 Wright flyer
Background: History of Aviation
Activity: Choose an airplane-related activity from this NASA Aeronautics guide.