Take off with history! Welcome to December 1! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition!

1. Take off with history! Welcome to December 1! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1835: Fairy tales help us escape the real world and transport us into another place and time. Hans Christian Andersen published his first fairy tale on this date. What is you favorite fairy tale? Boycott: An organized refusal; when the African Americans of Montgomery refused to use the busses, the bus company lost a lot of money and eventually allowed all persons to take whatever seat they preferred, regardless of color. Think of our news today. What are people boycotting? American History: Bonus Corner: 1959: Rosa Parks, after working all day on her feet, refused to get out of her bus seat and move to the back so a white person could have her seat. She was arrested but her subtle action sparked a boycott of the bus services and after a year, policies changed. Why do you think her action had such a lasting impact? • What entertainment style was first • made available in Paris (opening in • 1906)? • I personally love the popcorn! • Lots of other people join me in this place! • We find this place reel fun!

2. Take off with history! Welcome to December 2! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1804: Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned Emperor Napoleon I. He was crowned by Pope Pius VII in Notre Dame Cathedral. A year later, he defeated the Russians and Austrians in the Battle of Austerlitz. What elements, can you infer, give one side an advantage over another side in battle? Emperor: Supreme ruler. If you were made emperor for that day of your school, what events would you host and what rules would change? American History: Bonus Corner: 1954: The Senate had enough of Senator Joseph McCarthy’s accusations of which persons were a communist threat. They voted to condemn him of “conduct unbecoming of a senator”. What is detrimental about constant accusations of wrongdoing? 1823: The Monroe Doctrine prohibited European nations from interfering with the United States and President Monroe went on to say that from then on, the U.S. would stay neutral in European conflicts. What forced America out of its neutrality commitment?

3. Take off with history! Welcome to December 3! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1586: Potatoes were first introduced to England. Potatoes have certainly become a mainstay in our diet. What is your favorite way to eat potatoes and what is the most unusual potato style that you have heard of? Capitalism: Governmental style that allows free market system for persons to buy and sell as they wish. What is the up and down side of this type of system? American History: Bonus Corner: 2001: Dean Kamen invents the Segway and spends $100 million to develop it into a product. Fortunately for Dean, it was a success. Why would a person risk so much money on a product? What steps do you think an inventor must take before sinking a lot of capital? In 1968, which of the following did the American major leagues do to increase scoring? Converted to steel bats. Made the pitcher’s mound shorter. Changed the material used to make the baseball. 4. Increased all batters’ salaries.

4. Take off with history! Welcome to December 4! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1829: Great Britain prohibits the practice of “suttee”, a tradition in India that when a woman’s husband dies, as his body is being burned, she is to throw herself in too! What should be the general guidelines in which one country is permitted to interfere with another country’s policy? Unification: When people and/or countries league together in mutual support. Compare and contrast the benefits and dangers of being unified. American History: Bonus Corner: 1945: Overwhelmingly, the U.S. Senate approved the U.S. involvement in the United Nations. The organization attempts to help nations solve their differences instead of going to war. Why do you think it is important that all of the major nations be a part of this group? 1674: The first building is constructed at the site that will eventually be Chicago, Illinois. Chicago is nicely situation at the base of what Great Lake?

5. Take off with history! Welcome to December 5! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1349: 500 Jews are tortured and executed . They are blamed for the Black Death. Why do you think that the Jews have historically been blamed for many things that they were not responsible for? Prohibition: An order or command that forbids. In 1933, Prohibition, the forbidding of alcohol, was repealed. Americans were concerned over the negative impact of alcohol but when it was banned, its use increased. Why do you think people are drawn to things that are prohibited? American History: Bonus Corner: 1861: The Gatling Gun is patented which is capable of firing 200 rounds per minute. This happened at the start of the Civil War. How might an invention of this type impact that war? • What famed musician died on this day and • was buried in a pauper’s grave? • He began composing at age 5. • Most would view him as a classical • musician. • He composed more than 600 pieces. • Beethoven was greatly influenced by this • genius!

6. Take off with history! Welcome to December 6! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1768: The first Encyclopaedia Britannica was published on this date over 200 years ago. We do not use encyclopedias much any more. What was wonderful about using an encyclopedia and what resources have been a great addition to our learning? Secondary source: A resource that represents a research compilation of information about a given topic. What are the strengths and limits of this type of resource, such as a encyclopedia? American History: Bonus Corner: 1884: The Washington monument is completed and becomes the tallest structure in the world. Imagine that George Washington is transported into the future and is the keynote speaker at its dedication. What would he have said? What did Dave Brubeck, jazz musician born on this day in 1920, infer by the following? “There's a way of playing safe, there's a way of using tricks and there's the way I like to play which is dangerously where you're going to take a chance on making mistakes in order to create something you haven't created before.”

7. Take off with history! Welcome to December 7! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 185: Astronomers in the Han dynasty recorded the sighting of a “guest star” which we now term a supernova. It was the first one ever recorded. Imagining that the discoverer could speak English, how would he describe it to the emperor? Implied powers: Powers not specifically stated in the Constitution but are recognized as appropriate for certain circumstances. This interpretation allowed the Constitution to be flexible as authors of the document could not always anticipate every possible decision. What would be the drawbacks? American History: Bonus Corner: 1941: Americans, on this date, lost 1200 men (Japan lost less than 100) and the bombing of Pearl Harbor was the catalyst for our entry into World War II. Besides the casualties, what do you think were other reasons why this event forced us to enter the war? December 7th, 1941: Franklin D. Roosevelt coined this famous quote following the bombing of the American fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii: “… a day that will live in infamy!” What does he mean by “live in infamy”?

8. Take off with history! Welcome to December 8! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1326: The Zen Temples in Kyoto, Japan was completed on this date and much later became the site of the most famous Zen Gardens. Zen techniques, Japanese religious practices, are said to be quite relaxing. What types of activities help you relax? Deflation: If inflation is when prices soar, what happens during a deflation? What difficulties does this condition create? American History: Bonus Corner: 1945: On this date, the Toyota Motor Company was given permission, in an effort to get the Japanese back on their feet following World War II, to begin manufacturing buses and trucks. Obviously, Toyota has greatly expanded since those early days. What is your favorite Toyota model and why? • What famous musician was killed on this • day in 1980? • My last name sounds like a famous • Russian ruler. • I was part of a band whose name sounds • like an insect. • I wrote many of the songs we sang, • including “Yesterday”.

9. Take off with history! Welcome to December 9! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 536: Belisarius, the Byzantine general, captured Rome. The Romans, in their height of success, conquered and ruled much of Europe. What are elements that can make a country strong and what elements could make them susceptible to defeat? Developing countries: Nations that are newly formed and beginning their growth. Developing countries are typified by their enthusiasm for their new nation but also their lack of experience and skills in being a country. What does a new nation need to learn in your opinion? American History: Bonus Corner: 1835: The Texas army takes possession of the city of San Antonio. This was a tremendous feat since the army was new and small and the city was taken from the mighty Mexican Army. What might be a reason (or two) that this less skilled group could be victorious? • What invention was developed on this date • In 1884? • I am found in rinks! • I keep you rolling! • I can make a journey quicker and more • fun! • My name is also the name of a sea • creature.

10. Take off with history! Welcome to December 10! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1901: The first Nobel Prizes are awarded on this day. It was a celebration of innovation and advancement in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. What unique discoveries do you think will be part of future awards? Invention: The creation of a new or modified version of a current item that solves a problem or saves time. Many people envision that schools of the future will be run by robots and all instruction will be online. What are positives and negatives of this potential future? American History: Bonus Corner: • 1938: One of the greatest film classics was • begun on this date. These are the clues to • unlock its title: • Takes place in and around Atlanta. • The rural property is called Tara. • It begins before the Civil War and ends • after it. • It’s title could describe a tornado! Born on this day in 1879 was the artist E.H. Shepherd. What two children’s books Did he illustrate? Book one clue: I am a whiny, yellow creature that loves the boy who loves me! Book two clues: My title means “breeze via the water plants.”

11. Take off with history! Welcome to December 11! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1936: Edward the VIII of England abdicated the throne in favor of his brother. He did so because the British people did not like his choice wife, an American actress. His brother took over but had a serious problem. What was it? (Think of a recent movie!) Abdicate: To give up the inherited right to be king. In what ways would this be a sacrifice? (Edward the VIII was the first one to do so in English history) American History: Bonus Corner: 1620: The Pilgrims land at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts and begin their colony. If you notice the date, it is December. What would you have advised the Pilgrims to do if you were in charge? What elements made that first year so difficult? Adolf Hitler declared war on the United States in 1941. Interpret one of his quotes shown below: “If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.”

12. Take off with history! Welcome to December 12! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1915: The first German all metal plane flew for the first time. It was called a Junker (J1). You are on the advertising committee to market this plane. Devise a new name that you think will inspire sales. Ratify: To approve as an acceptable action of the government. Our government must have support for any action they take, so it must be approved by the Congress (like the Revolutionary War). Do think this is wise or does it take too long? Justify your answer! American History: Bonus Corner: 1770: Two British soldiers are found guilty of manslaughter in the Boston Massacre. The soldiers fired into a crowd, killing five. They were discharged from the army and punished. This became another justification for the Revolutionary War. Why do you think it took 5 more years until the actual war broke out? 1980: The notebook of Leonardo da Vinci was auctioned off in London, England. Select the amount that you think was the final bid. a. 780,000 dollars b. 3.6 million dollars c. 4.7 million dollars d. 5.8 million dollars

13. Take off with history! Welcome to December 13! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1937: The Japanese military units captured the Chinese capital of Nanking and they killed 150,000 prisoners and 50,000 civilians. They also raped 20,000 women. Many of these deaths showed signs of torture. What motivates countries to commit these kinds of atrocities? Totalitarian: A person who determines the fate and decisions of a country. Hitler and General Matsui (who ordered the killings at Nanking) were totalitarians. Why do countries tolerate this kind of leadership? American History: Bonus Corner: 1918: Woodrow Wilson becomes the first president to visit Europe during his presidency. Why do you think it took until this date for this to happen? • Who am I? • I was short in statue. • I was born in 1818. • I lived in the White House. • My husband was well known for his • honesty!

14. Take off with history! Welcome to December 14! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1287: The Netherlands is mostly below sea Level and the Dutch have constructed seawalls to protect them since early times. In 1287, the seawall (called the Zuider Zee) collapsed and 50,000 people died. What do we do today to protect our coastlines from sea related catastrophes (hurricanes, etc.)? Prediction: To forecast or anticipate future events. Nostradamus was born on this day in 1503 and many of his predictions have come true. Was he just lucky, excessively smart or did he truly see the future? Share your opinion. American History: Bonus Corner: 1774: The first organized fight of the Revolutionary War was an attack on Fort William and Mary. The gunpowder and shots were to be kept from British hands. A well known horseman alerted the men of where the British were. Who was this person? • 1911: What was the discovery? • Amundsen of Norway made the discovery. • It was extremely cold! • No matter where you leave from, this • place is south!

15. Take off with history! Welcome to December 15! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1964: The Canadians approve a new design for their flag that included a maple leaf. What could that design have signified to the people of Canada? Credit rating: A numerical value assigned to adults on how efficiently they pay bills. If your score is high, it is easy to get a loan. J. Paul Getty once said, “If you can count Your money, you don’t have a billion dollars”! What would you do with that kind of money? American History: Bonus Corner: 1791: The Bill of Rights becomes law. This section of the constitution provides protections for citizens. One portion is the Freedom of Speech. We can say most any- thing and many do. Do you feel some people go too far with this or do you feel that the freedom needs to exist as is? • What textile is created in 1939? • -it is used for toothbrushes! • -it made musical strings! • -women liked it best (on their legs)! • -it is quite lightweight! • -we make windbreakers out of it!

16. Take off with history! Welcome to December 16! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1915: German physicist Albert Einstein published his Theory of Relativity. It is defined as the interdependence of space and time. What if we could control time? When would you adjust time to slow down and when would you speed it up? Relative location: location as defined by what it is near to or close by. For instance, a grocery store could be located across from the high school. What is the relative location Of your home? American History: Bonus Corner: 1773: The Boston Tea Party wasn’t really a party at all. What happened and why did it occur? 1997: In Japan, 700 people felt nauseated as they watched cartoons on television. What about the cartoons created this sick feeling?

17. Take off with history! Welcome to December 17! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1790: The Aztec’s Sun Stone was discovered In Mexico City. The ancient Aztecs used it to predict the seasons and they also used it to control economic and social events as well. It was created in 1479. What makes this such an amazing discovery? Equator: The line at zero degrees latitude at which the greatest sun (and heat) exposure occurs. Unless you are at a high altitude, cultures who live close to the Equator have continual summer. What would be great about this and what would you not like about this tropical climate? American History: Bonus Corner: 1944: The U.S. ends the Japanese internment camps. Effective January 2, 1945, Japanese Americans can move back home. Why do you think America felt they needed to imprison Japanese Americans during this period of history? • What event occurred on this day? • They thought they would just wing it! • Many thought they were plane crazy! • Two brothers changed are future! • The location was Kitty Hawk!

18. Take off with history! Welcome to December 18! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1621: Did the British always get along? The House of Commons wrote a protest to the king, indicating that they has full right to deal with matters of the king without punishment. King James I tore the protest up immediately. Write how you would respond to the king’s action. Demand: The need for goods. If there is great demand for products, producing a lot of those products is justified. Think of a toy you had as a child that was quite popular. Were there a lot produced? Are they still in production? American History: Bonus Corner: 1865: The thirteenth amendment is adopted and slavery is officially abolished. The transition from slavery to no slavery took much longer than the legislation. What made the transition hard for slave owners and the slaves themselves? • Who was born on this day in 1947? • I am a director. • My career has spanned four decades. • My first and last name begin with the • Same letter. • My films include Indiana Jones, Schindler’s • List, E.T., Jaws and Jurassic Park.

19. Take off with history! Welcome to December 19! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1984: Hong Kong, which was under British rule since 1898, was signed back over to the Chinese, effective January 1, 1997. What adjustments might the people of the island of Hong Kong have in interacting with the rest of China? Colonial rule: The style of leadership in early America, usually state ruled. Each state had its own government but in the 1780’s, when the constitution was written, the U.S. transitioned to joint national and state government. What was problematic, do you think, about no national government? American History: Bonus Corner: 1777: George Washington and his men enter their winter camp at Valley Forge which would later prove to be an extremely tough time for the Continental Army and their young leader. Pen a letter home where you describe the conditions of your “winter retreat”. 1930: Amelia Earhart becomes the first autogyro pilot (an early helicopter) to carry a passenger. Detailing both sides, describe who is bravest, the pilot or the passenger.

20. Take off with history! Welcome to December 20! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1699: Russian czar Peter the Great changed New Year’s Day from September 1st to January 1st. Describe a New Year’s celebration in September. How would it differ from our current festivities? National identity: The characteristics that define a country. If you were to list symbols or characteristics that you think “stand for” America, what would they be? American History: Bonus Corner: 1989: The United States invades Panama in order to oust Manuel Noriega who was later convicted of drug trafficking in 1992. This was the first time in history that America convicted a foreign leader of criminal charges. Why do you think this action was somewhat controversial? • What historic event occurred on this day? • There were 3 ships. • They left England 1606. • It became a success (after the failure • at Roanoke) • The name is a compound word of a • man’s name and another name for a city.

21. Take off with history! Welcome to December 21! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1898: The Curies (Pierre and Marie) discover Radium. Radium was formally used in many things, including paint and toothpaste but it is highly radioactive and was discontinued in both of those uses. Imagine a toothpaste that would be so destructive! Write an ad for an innovative use of this product! Diplomatic: Tactful or dealing with relations with sensitivity. It is important to be diplomatic with countries but also with friends. Share times in which you choose to respond diplomatically and times when it is hard to be diplomatic. American History: Bonus Corner: 1988: One of the earlier events of terrorism is the explosion of the Pan American flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 aboard. The terrorists were from Libya. What would be the impact on this American people? (The plane was bound for New York and many of the passengers were American). Joseph Stalin is born in this day in 1879. Interpret the follow quote of Stalin: “Education is a weapon whose effects depend on who holds it in his hands and at whom it is aimed.”

22. Take off with history! Welcome to December 22! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: • 1900: What new vehicle was built for the • first time on this date? • This vehicle is German made. • It was named after the designer’s • daughter. • It is a symbol of luxury today. Extinct: No longer in existence. A coelacanth, a prehistoric fish five feet long, had been thought to be extinct but was discovered still in existence. Imagine if your favorite dinosaur was found to be still living. Create a short news article, detailing the discovery. American History: Bonus Corner: 1885: How do gravity and railroads create fun? On this date, the first rollercoaster is designed for Coney Island. What makes rollercoasters so popular? • 1882: What did a friend of Edison invent on • this date? • These come in strings. • They sparkle. • They decorate a holiday plant. • Some flash, some are white and some • are multicolored.

23. Take off with history! Welcome to December 23! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1834: The first cab is designed (horse drawn, of course) in England on this date. What are the advantages of taking a cab and what are the disadvantages? Landmark: A structure or natural feature that becomes a symbol of a given location. Share who historical and natural features Define you current location. American History: Bonus Corner: 1788: Washington D.C. is established. It was decided to locate the nation’s capital outside of any individual state. What fascinates you about Washington D.C. and if you could visit, what would you most like to see? 1986: Voyager made the first nonstop trip completely around the globe on one load of fuel. Predict what kind of travel will be available to you on your 50th birthday.

24. Take off with history! Welcome to December 24! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1914: The first air raid begins as Great Britain is bombed by Germany. What would be scariest about air raids? Listen to the sound below: Treaty: An agreement to compromise for peace. What treaties do you develop with friends, parents or siblings? American History: Bonus Corner: 1814: The Treaty of Peace and Amity is signed between Great Britain and the United States on this day. This marked the end of the War of 1812. What is best about the end of war? 1851: 50,000 books at the Library of Congress are destroyed on this date. What books would give you the greatest grief to lose?

25. Take off with history! Welcome to December 25! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1914: One of the most amazing things happened on this date. The German and British forces stopped fighting and sang Christmas carols together. Why would this be unusual? Domestic: Any elements that relate to one’s own country. What decisions are made that are domestic and what decisions require an international forum? American History: Bonus Corner: 1776: Imaged by artist Emanuel Leutz, Washington crossing the Delaware is a familiar site. Washington, as the first president, braved many frontiers. Imagine the struggles the first president of a new nation might face. What kinds of decisions and negotiations would likely be part of Washington’s early years? 1923: The White House is lit totally by electric lights for the first time. Decorating for the holidays is traditional for many families. What kind of decorations do you put up for the holidays?

26. Take off with history! Welcome to December 26! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1926: The first overland journey in Africa from the south (Capetown) to the north (Cairo) is completed on this date. It took 27 months. Why do you think it took so long? Veto: To vote against. Legislation is often vetoed by groups that are not in agreement with the policies being debated. What laws or rules would you like to have the power to veto? American History: Bonus Corner: 1917: Woodrow Wilson, as an act of presidential war time responsibilities, took control of the nation’s railroads. It allowed the government to utilize this key transportation support. Have you ever ridden a train? What makes this travel experience unique? 1966: Kwanzaa is celebrated for the first time. The 7 day holiday centers around African roots and celebrates African Americans. What is your favorite holiday and why?

27. Take off with history! Welcome to December 27! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1831: Charles Darwin traveled to the Galapagos Islands to view the unique wildlife and his observations triggered his philosophies on how all life is related. What characteristics do you share with your parents? What characteristics do you share with your siblings? Prisoners of war: Captured military persons of a country’s enemies who are detained, often in very poor conditions. Why do we inflict such cruelty to those who were just doing their job? American History: Bonus Corner: 1845: Ether was first used as an anesthetic in childbirth. Prior to this point, what were often results of childbirth? 1942: The Nazis were quite clever. They took their Russian prisoners of war and trained them to fight their fellow Russians. Unfortunately for the Nazis, many defected and returned to the comrades and fought the Nazis. What advantages would these new warriors have?

28. Take off with history! Welcome to December 28! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1908: The most destructive earthquake (and tsunami) hit the Italian coast and left 100,000 dead in its wake. What natural disaster do you fear the most and why? Pledge: A promise. We pledge our time and focus to many things and many people. What would you include in your list of “important things in my life”? American History: Bonus Corner: 1869: Chewing gum is officially invented. It has been the nemesis of schools since students put used gum in inappropriate places. Create an “invention” for the storage of ABC (already been chewed) gum. • 1945 was the year this was officially • recognized: • I say this all of the time! • It certainly gets me on my feet! • It starts almost every sporting event! • I am promising my commitment!

29. Take off with history! Welcome to December 29! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1675: England closes the coffee houses, indicating that they are just a gossip mill and incites people to rebel. Do you think this edict worked? Explain your reasoning. Nativism: Protecting the rights of the indigenous (first) inhabitants. If we could start settlement over again, how would you redesign it to empathize protection of native rights. American History: Bonus Corner: 1607: Pocahontas intervenes on behalf of John Smith and Chief Powhatan spares his life. Pocahontas later marries John Smith and moves to England. What would be challenging for her, making that transition? 1890: 146 Sioux Indians are massacred at Wounded Knee, South Dakota. Most were children, women and unarmed. This ended the conflict with the Plains Indians but at such a cost. Give 3 reasons why this was so unjust.

30. Take off with history! Welcome to December 30! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1916: Rasputin (the evil Russian monk of Anastasia fame) was assassinated after attempts to poison him failed. What does the term ‘assassinated ‘ mean? Tyrant: A person with a dominant Personality. Rasputin was a tyrant. How do most people respond to tyranny? American History: Bonus Corner: 1924: Edwin Hubble discovered a galaxy beyond our Milky Way for the first time. Imagine he is sending a telegram to his wife and only has 10 words. Compose what 10 words he would use to tell of this discovery. Rudyard Kipling, the author of The Jungle Book, was born on this date in 1865. What did he mean by these words? “We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.”

31. Take off with history! Welcome to December 31! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History: Word of the day: 1973: The British adopt a 3 day work week as an energy saving measure during a strike by the miners. Imagine you now have 4 days off each week but 2 days less pay. How Would you spend your time? Resolution: A plan of change. At the end of each year, or start of a new year, many people make resolutions to improve themselves. What is on your list of improvement for next year? American History: Bonus Corner: 1852: The most profitable year of the Gold Rush ends on this date with a total of $81.3 million dollars worth of gold mined. What could be the devastating elements of having that much money all at once? Thomas Edison, in 1879, lights up a street in the area in which he lives in New Jersey. This is the first demonstration of the light bulb. You are a resident of that street. How would the Jersey Times quote you?