This Week in Geographic History, January 30 – February 5

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, January 30 TDIGH: Tet Offensive The 1968 surprise attacks carried out by communist-affiliated troops against South Vietnamese and American forces shifted public opinion … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, January 30 – February 5

Dakota Access Pipeline: What You Need to Know

UNITED STATES Conflict between Native American protesters and private security personnel over construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline has turned violent. What is the Dakota Access Pipeline? (NPR and CNN) Use our resources to learn more about the long history of Native American protest movements in the Dakotas. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker … Continue reading Dakota Access Pipeline: What You Need to Know

Highlights from History: American Women in Politics

HISTORY Last week, Hillary Clinton made history by becoming the first woman in the United States to receive a presidential nomination from a major party. (Al Jazeera) We look back on a few highlights of women’s political progress in the US. Use our resources to learn about woman suffrage, suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and the first three waves of feminism. Teachers, scroll down for a … Continue reading Highlights from History: American Women in Politics

Beirut’s River of Trash

WORLD A river of stinking garbage bags is snaking its way through the suburbs of Beirut, a surreal and unhygienic blight on Lebanon’s cosmopolitan capital. (CNN) Use our resources to learn a little more about trash and other forms of pollution. Scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas Take a look at this simple locator map of Jdeideh, … Continue reading Beirut’s River of Trash

What’s Going On in Hong Kong?

WORLD What began as a student sit-in in Hong Kong has snowballed into an enormous protest as as police responded with tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets. Here’s what you need to know so far. (New York Magazine) Use our resources to learn more about the Occupy movement and one of China’s “Special administrative regions,” Hong Kong. Discussion Ideas What is “Occupy Central” and why … Continue reading What’s Going On in Hong Kong?