Educator Spotlight: Exploring History Through Reading and Writing

Kristi Barnes engaged her sixth-grade world history students in an exploration of reading and writing around the world. By supplementing a unit on ancient Japan with haiku writing exercises and the novel Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes, she helped students make personal connections to the material. Continue reading Educator Spotlight: Exploring History Through Reading and Writing

Axis Bomb Shuts Down London Airport

WORLD More than 70 years after the Blitz, a WWII-era bomb prompted authorities to cancel flights at London City Airport. (BBC) Learn more about the Blitz here with our short reference resource. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including a link to today’s simple MapMaker Interactive map. Discussion Ideas How did a bomb end up buried in … Continue reading Axis Bomb Shuts Down London Airport

This Week in Geographic History, September 4 – 10

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 related resources! Tuesday, September 5 TDIGH: International Vulture Awareness Day Vultures play a critical role in ecosystems … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History, September 4 – 10

This Week in Geographic History: Nuclear Weapons

Check out our Pinterest board for more related resources! We’re slowing down for the summer! Instead of our usual roundup of “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events, here’s a closer look at one historic event that connects to something in the news today. We’ve also matched it with a map or visual, background information, and additional resources. Tuesday, August 15 TDIGH: V-J Day Japan … Continue reading This Week in Geographic History: Nuclear Weapons

The Real Reason Spaniards Stay Up Late

WORLD Many travelers believe Spain’s late mealtimes are a reflection of the country’s laid-back attitude, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. (BBC) Map the reason why Spain stays up late. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit, including today’s MapMaker Interactive layer and fun poll. Discussion Ideas Why does the BBC article claim Spain is in … Continue reading The Real Reason Spaniards Stay Up Late