Five Things You Probably Don’t Know About Thanksgiving

UNITED STATES When the Mayflower pilgrims and the Wampanoag sat down for the first Thanksgiving in 1621, it wasn’t actually that big of a deal. So what was going on? (National Geographic) What was that 1621 Thanksgiving like? Use “Geography in the News” to find out. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas 1. The 1621 … Continue reading Five Things You Probably Don’t Know About Thanksgiving

Talking Turkey

UNITED STATES There’s much more to America’s holiday bird than white and dark meat. (Nat Geo News) Use our great study guide to learn more about the wild turkey! Discussion Ideas “[T]hat big, tasty bird has left a significant mark on history, science, language, and culture,” according to the fun Nat Geo news article. Does “talking turkey” inspire inquiry?   “The Social Order of Turkeys,” … Continue reading Talking Turkey

This Week in Thanksgiving History

In place of our usual “This Week in Geographic History,” here’s a look at some of our Thanksgiving-themed content. Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources! Thursday, November 23 TDIGH: Thanksgiving Though not proclaimed a national holiday in the U.S. until 1863, feasts of thanksgiving were held as early as 1541 by the Spanish conquistadores. Maps: New York Toponyms Where Did the Pilgrims … Continue reading This Week in Thanksgiving History

Did Thomas Jefferson Hate Thanksgiving?

POLITICS Jefferson refused to acknowledge the holiday during his entire time in office. Why? Plus, did FDR create “Franksgiving”? (American Profile) Use our resources to learn more about this American holiday. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Discussion Ideas How did President Thomas Jefferson “cancel” Thanksgiving? He didn’t—there was nothing to cancel. Thanksgiving didn’t become an official … Continue reading Did Thomas Jefferson Hate Thanksgiving?

Creature Feature: Wild Turkey

What bird is native to North America and has a distinctive gobble call? Today’s featured creature, of course! Today we’re highlighting the wild turkey in celebration of Thanksgiving. Fast Facts Scientific Name: Meleagris gallopavo Family Name:  Phasianidae Classification: Bird Habitat:  Woodlands Diet: Omnivore (Favorite foods include: plants and animals, including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even salamanders!) Size: Body, 3.6 to 3.8 ft; wingspan, 4.1 to 4.8 ft Weight: 5.5 to 18.8 lbs Average … Continue reading Creature Feature: Wild Turkey