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 resources!
Monday, April 30

Photograph by W.E. Garrett, National Geographic
TDIGH 1975: Fall of Saigon
North Vietnamese troops captured the South Vietnamese capital of Saigon, ending the nearly 20-year war.
Map: Use our map to navigate North and South Vietnam, as well as major military routes.
Background: Scroll through this timeline of the Vietnam War, and learn how the Tet Offensive changed the conflict.
Tuesday, May 1

Photograph by Patrice Carlton, My Shot
TDIGH: Lei Day
Lei Day celebrates Hawaiian cultures and lifestyles, symbolized by the islands’ colorful floral necklaces, leis.
Map: Customize our outline map of Hawaii with each of the islands’ lei motifs.
Background: This easy-to-read article lists “Everything You Never Knew about Leis,” while this site gives more information on Hawaiian culture, leis, and how to make them.
Activity: Use this lei-making lesson plan to better understand the “Spirit of Aloha.”
Friday, May 4

TDIGH: Star Wars Day
The Star Wars universe (a galaxy far, far away) is actually rooted in global myths and real geographic ecosystems.
Background: Learn how Star Wars creator George Lucas was influenced by mythology with this video, and then get some ideas to visit the Star Wars galaxy without leaving Planet Earth.
Activity: Join the Resistance—check out the terrific lesson plans on everything from social studies to robotics to service learning with Star Wars in the Classroom. We also love this video lesson that uses Star Wars to teach economics.
Saturday, May 5

Photograph by Jodi Cobb, National Geographic
TDIGH: Cinco de Mayo
Though technically the holiday commemorates the Mexican victory over the French in 1862, it has evolved into a celebration of Mexican-American identity.
Background: Learn five fast facts about Cinco de Mayo.
Sunday, May 6

TDIGH 1994: ‘Chunnel’ Opens
The underwater tunnel between Great Britain and mainland Europe has made travel faster and more affordable.
Map: Use these engineering maps to navigate the longest undersea tunnel in the world.
Background: Use this terrific, downloadable graphic from Eurotunnel to learn about this “Wonder of the Modern World.”