1. Take off with history! Welcome to April 1! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1700: Leave it to the British! The English began to play jokes on each other, beginning the practice of April Fool’s Day. What is the best April Fool’s Day prank you have ever heard (or experienced) and what was the worst? Demand: The amount an item is desired. If lots of people want a product, the producer can produce more or charge more for what he has. If he decides to just price it higher, what usually happens in a free market Economy? 1889: Josephine Cockrane from Chicago markets the first dishwasher. It required the owner to pour hot water over the dishes and then let them dry. What is your assessment of this style of cleaning your dishes? What invention am I? I was invented in 1929. I really have my ups and downs! There are tournaments now with me! You can string me along (and walk the dog)!

2. Take off with history! Welcome to April 2! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1805: Hans Christian Andersen was born in Denmark. He wrote many fairy tales, including “The Little Mermaid.” What would be fascinating about living under water? What creature would you be and as that creature, what would terrify you? Income: The amount of earnings. What do you hope to be your main source of income as an adult? What do you need to do to reach a point where that happens? 1943: John Maunchly, a physicist, wants to find an easier way to calculate missile firing charts. His invention becomes the first computer. What is your favorite use of a computer? What new experience was launched on this date? The year was 1902. I was opened in Los Angeles. The cost was $.10. They used a circus tent for this first one. I could see the action for the first time!

3. Take off with history! Welcome to April 3! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1559: 60 years of war are ended when France, England and Spain sign a treaty. This countries, however, will soon fight again. Why do you think peace often has a short history? Natural rights: The ownership of naturally occurring minerals, oil or water by persons who have purchased the land. It is often debated that just because you have the land, many of these resources, especially water, need to have shared ownership. What is your opinion? 1860: The Pony Express began on this date. This mail service was greatly appreciated but short lived. By October of 1861, it was no longer in business. Infer what might have been its downfall in such a short time. “There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.” -Washington Irving (Born in 1783) Share when tears speak words in your life.

4. Take off with history! Welcome to April 4! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : The oldest reference to a lunar eclipse was recorded in: 1.2094 B.C.E. 2.1492 B.C.E. 3.562 B.C.E. 4.562 C.E. Manorialism: The system of lords with land, nobles (vassals), knights and serfs who populated Europe in the middle ages (600-1300 C.E.) If you could serve in any role at this time, what role do you think you would be best suited for and why? 1968: Martin Luther King Jr. was killed on this day by James Earl Ray. He was 39 years old. He left behind a legacy of peace and racial equality. What evidence can you cite that validates improvement in racial equality? The following quote was penned by Maya Angelou, born on this date in 1928: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” How do you make others feel?

5. Take off with history! Welcome to April 5! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1923: The tomb of King Tut was a tremendous find but also a horrible curse. On this day, yet another member of the excavation group dies of a “mysterious illness”, often called the Mummy’s Curse. Create a fictionalized story for why this man had to die! Vassal: A noble, during medieval times, who received land in exchange for services and/or protection. Many vassals became knights. Knights pledged to a high moral code called chivalry. It meant they lived a life of honesty. If you were in this position, when would you find it hardest to be honest? 1758: Mary Jemison was captured by Seneca natives as a teenager along with the rest of her family. She spent the rest of her life with the tribe, having 7 children. A biography was written of her life and was quite popular. What would you imagine were her joys and her fears? Who was I? I was born in 1856. I fought for rights of African Americans. I was an educator and author. My first name is novel! My last name is shared by an American president!

6. Take off with history! Welcome to April 6! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1945: As the British approached Buchenwald Concentration Camp, the Nazis marched the remaining 28,000+ prisoners in order to elude capture and 7000 of them died. Imagine living on almost no food for days on end and then being forced to march. Describe your feelings and view of life. Matriarch: A society in which women have the power. Think of your home. What aspects does your mother control? Which elements are governed by your father? 1830: Joseph Smith establishes the Mormon Church in Fayette Township, New York. He went on the expand his faithful members and relocate several times, ending up in Salt Lake City, Utah. Why do you think the Mormons, like many other faith groups, were persecuted for their beliefs? Who was I? I was born in 1874. My first name was Harry. I was Hungarian by birth. I really could disappear if I wanted to!

7. Take off with history! Welcome to April 7! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1994: 10 peacemakers were killed in Rwanda. The world stepped back and in the next 3 months, 800,000 Tutsis were killed, leaving in its wake the worst case of genocide in modern history. How should we keep this from happening? Why do we not always intervene? Genocide: The systematic extermination of a group, based on race, creed or lifestyle. Whether it is in Rwanda or Nazi Germany, genocide seems unstoppable until the death toll becomes high. Predict what signs might be present if this is the path a country or people are heading down. 1891: Phineas Taylor Barnum, founder of the traveling circus, dies. Interestingly, he asked the paper to publish his obituary before his death (he was quite ill) so he could enjoy reading it and they did! What do you want to be remembered for after you are gone? 1915: Billie Holiday was born. She was a jazz singer and she used her music to instrument change in how persons treated others, including in their own family. What are characteristics of your behavior that show respect for others, (even your siblings)?

8. Take off with history! Welcome to April 8! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 563 B.C.E.: Buddha is born. His gave up His royal heritage and money to follow A spiritual path of goodness for all mankind. What things do you do out of kindness, expecting no reward? Laissez-faire: An attitude of non-intervention, especially in business and governmental control. Many elements of life are closely monitored but others are not. What elements of our life do you think should be closely controlled? Which elements should be “hands off” from scrutiny? 1879: The latest in modern milk distribution was begun on this date in New York: glass bottles! Very few dairies use this any more. What were the advantages and disadvantages of glass bottles? Is what we have today better or not? State a position for modern packaging or glass bottling. A watchmaker from London patented a basket that could be lowered via a pulley system in order to escape a fire. The year was 1766. Was this a good and useful invention or do you feel this was problematic? Share your ideas.

9. Take off with history! Welcome to April 9! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1682: Rene-Robert LaSalle, a French explorer, claimed the Mississippi and west for the French and named it Louisiana. Later, the American government was able to Buy it back “for a song” (which means cheaply!). What do you love best about the American West? Criminal court: The legal system in which persons who commit crimes against other persons are tried, determined innocent or guilty and then sentenced if guilty. Do you think our criminal court system is strict or lenient? Share evidence from personal experience to support your position. 1865: Robert E. Lee surrenders, ending the four year Civil War battle. Civil war is especially devastating. Describe why that would be so. Robert E. Lee once said: “We must expect reverses, even defeats. They are sent to teach us wisdom and prudence, to call forth greater energies, and to prevent our falling into greater disasters.” What does this teach you about adversity?

10. Take off with history! Welcome to April 10! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1633: England goes bananas! The popular fruit went on sale for the first time on this date and have been enjoyed by many since that time. What is your favorite fruit? Refugees: Persons who have been displaced from one’s home country due to persecution or war. Refugees often have nothing but the shirt on their back and need everything – shelter, food, employment, etc. What would you imagine to be the hardest thing to bear as a refugee? 1849: Thank goodness for the safety pin! This little invention has saved many a wardrobe malfunction! Create a clever jingle, rap or poem extoling the merits of the safety pin. Joseph Pulitzer, journalist and initiator of the Pulitzer Prize, once said of journalism: “Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it and, above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.” Do you think the news media of today feel the same? Support your thoughts.

11. Take off with history! Welcome to April 11! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1940: Norway has usually been a country of neutrality and when Germany attacked, most anticipated a German dominance but on this date, three days after the initial attack, Norwegians destroyed three German ships and four cruisers. Pen a newspaper heading in the Oslo Times. Natural hazards: Problematic naturally occurring events that negatively effect people. Examples would be earthquakes, droughts and tornados. What natural hazards threaten where you live? What do you do to lessen the impact? 1957: At Edwards Air Force Base in California, a jet was able to take off and land vertically for the first time. What would be the advantage of that skill? 1803: On this date, France offered to sell the Louisiana Territory. Thomas Jefferson was really pushing for this to happen, especially after the Lewis and Clark expedition revealed the value of the American West. What states made up this purchase?

12. Take off with history! Welcome to April 12! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1204: The fourth crusade conquered Constantinople, the first time the city had been conquered in 900 years. A crusade was a religious war, waged with Christians against Muslims. What parallels do you see in the news today? Multinational corporation: A business with leadership and production in many countries. What is the value in this type of business? What is the downside? 1861: On this date, the Civil War begins. It will begin the four bloodiest years in American history. When the war ended, however, three major amendments were added to the constitution. What rights did they guarantee? 1786: Philadelphia, often termed the “City of Brotherly Love,” opened a facility that handed our medicine free of charge to the poor who needed it. What acts of kindness do you do (or plan to do someday) to help those less fortunate?

13. Take off with history! Welcome to April 13! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1598: French King Henry IV was instrumental in ending 40 years of religious battle. The Edict of Nantes left the Catholic Church as the state church but gave Protestants the right to practice their beliefs. What role does faith play in people’s lives today? Reformation: The reforming of the church system which divided the Catholic Church, some remaining allegiant to Catholicism and the remainder becoming Protestants. Who was the leader of the reformation? (His name is part of a famed African American freedom fighter) 1943: The Jefferson Memorial was dedicated, 200 years after Jefferson’s birth. Washington D.C. is a fascinating place to visit. What did you enjoy most on a visit there; or, what do you hope to see when you travel there? Who am I? I had the greatest season in golf at age 21. On this date, I won the Masters. By 24, I had won the top four golf tournaments and was the youngest ever to so. Excelling in golf as an African American was also rare.

14. Take off with history! Welcome to April 14! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1916: Sir Ernest Shackleton was a British Explorer of Antarctica. On this date, he and his men were rescued after five months on an ice floe. Use your imagination – how do you stay warm on an ice floe for five months? Money supply: The amount of money that is available to run commerce. How do you keep your money supply plentiful? 1865: John Wilkes Booth played a key role in history on this date. He assassinated Abraham Lincoln in the Ford Theater. Booth was confident that even though the Civil War was virtually over, killing the president might give the Confederacy a chance. What is your favorite fact/memory of Abraham Lincoln? What famed discovery did Christiaan Huygens make? He was Dutch, born in 1629. He loved to study the night sky. He recognized and could name the planets. He noticed a feature of the largest planet.

15. Take off with history! Welcome to April 15! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1912: The British ocean liner, Titanic, sinks in the North Atlantic after striking an iceberg. Why were there so many deaths of the 2200 aboard? Jurisdiction: The legal right to determine policy for a given area. Jurisdiction gets complicated when it comes to the oceans. Different countries want to govern the fishing and boating lanes. What seems fairest in deciding these debates? 1923: Insulin is available commercially for the first time. Insulin naturally occurs in most persons and limits the destructive elements of sugars to the body. Diabetics have either none or very little insulin so taking this helps their body remain healthy. They also limit their sugar intake. What sugar goodness would be hardest to give up? Who am I? I was born in 1452. I loved to write in a way that the only way to read it was to show it in a mirror. I was an inventor and painter. Mona Lisa was my creation.

16. Take off with history! Welcome to April 16! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1705: Isaac Newton became Sir Isaac Newton on this day. The honor was bestowed, making him the first scientist to receive knighthood. What are two meanings for the term “gravity”? Cold War: Conflict between nations that does not erupt in violence but is rhetoric-based. The United States and Russia were wrapped up in a cold war for almost 50 years. Why do you think neither country advanced their cause through violence? 1813: Standardization means that products are made with all the same parts so that the final product has a consistency. This makes good sense but was not instituted until 1813 and it was part of a contract for 20,000 pistols. Why would this be especially important with weaponry? Sir Kingsley Amis, English poet and novelist Born on this day in 1933, once said: “There was no end to the ways in which nice things are nicer than nasty ones.” Do you agree or not? Support your premise.

17. Take off with history! Welcome to April 17! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1524: Giovanni Verrazano discovers New York Harbor. He was Italian but was in America, exploring for the French. Later, the French donated a statue that still stands in that harbor. What has the Statue Of Liberty grown to symbolize? Cultural diffusion: The spreading of a traits that are part of a given group of people. America is formed from many cultural pieces, integrated together to form our identity. What characteristics does your family include from different cultures? (food, holidays, etc.) 1945: 1,100 tons of Uranium are seized in Germany, hopefully preventing the Germans from using Uranium to develop an Atomic Bomb. The United States used this technology to end to war in August of 1945. Where did America use this devastating Weapon? What famous man died on this day in 1790? He was a statesman. He was an author. He was a scientist (loved kites!). He was a printer. He signed the Declaration of Independence.

18. Take off with history! Welcome to April 18! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1506: The building began, in Rome, of Saint Peter’s Basilica (church) and it took 109 years to complete the project. Imagine you are the project manager. Pen your speech for dedication day (when the church was completed). Political Party: A group organized by similar beliefs of how the government should be run. Why is it good that there are at least two political parties? 1775: “One if by land, and two if by sea; And I on the opposite shore will be, Ready to ride and spread the alarm Through every Middlesex village and farm.” This poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow describes what event? What happened on this day in 1906? San Francisco, CA. It makes me tremor! Felt as far away as South Africa. It measured 8.0 on the Richter Scale. Fires after the event lasted for four days.

19. Take off with history! Welcome to April 19! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 69: Vitellius was confirmed as the next emperor by the Roman Senate. In a few months, he was killed by his soldiers. He was said to be good natured but that led to his downfall. Why would it be fatal for a Roman emperor to be “good natured”? Oligarchy: A form of government in which the governmental control is in the hands of a few. Rome, in the later days of the empire, became this style of leadership. Why is this form of government often corruptible? 1994: The federal building was bombed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, killing 168 persons. The car bomb, left out in front of the building, changed security policies for all federal buildings. Why do you think the U.S. always has to learn to change policies after a disaster? Who am I? I was born in 1903. I was an FBI agent. The gangs ran for cover when they heard my name. My name rhymes with less.

20. Take off with history! Welcome to April 20! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1862: Louis Pasteur and Claude Barnard develop the process that became know as pasteurization (this process makes milk safe to drink). When does a cold glass of milk taste best? Map projection: The style of making a rounded globe show accurately on a flat surface. What parts of the globe are often most distorted? 1999: Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado became the site of a deadly school shooting. Thirteen students, one teacher and the two shooters were dead in when SWAT entered the building four hours after the shooters. What things are done at your school to ensure your safety? What famed dictator was born in this date? The birth year was 1889. He was born in Austria. He was an artist. He wrote Mein Kampf in prison. He believed that he was part of a superior race.

21. Take off with history! Welcome to April 21! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 753 B.C.E.: Rome is founded. The legend is that twins, Romulus and Remus, were raised by wolves and Romulus defeated Remus, beginning ancient Rome. What fascinates you most about Ancient Rome? Cabinet: Selected advisors to the president who have expertise in areas the president does not. If you create a cabinet member to help you with homework, what area would it be in? What area (s) could you be the expert? 1878: Firemen in New York struggled with quickly getting from the second floor to the first when the alarm was sounded. The firehouse pole was invented. What would be difficult about using one of those things? Would you like to try it or not? Why? What architectural feat is being described? This structure was opened in 1962. President Kennedy opened it with a remote control switch from Florida. The structure is in Seattle, Washington. It has a revolving restaurant on the top which makes a complete circle every hour.

22. Take off with history! Welcome to April 22! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1056: A supernova in the night sky triggered astrologists to predict the worst! Create a mini ad or display of what astrologists might have created (if they had your skills!) Exchange rate: The value of one country’s currency in terms of another. Sometimes, the United States money is quite valuable and at other times, it is worth less. Where do you like to shop? Do you pick it for what they sell or that they sell things cheaper? 1886: The Sooners, thousands of settlers who were promised cheap land in Oklahoma, raced across the borders at noon, trying to homestead a piece for themselves. Describe your strategy if you were attempting the same thing. “No man should escape our universities without knowing how little he knows.” -J. Robert Oppenheimer Oppenheimer, born on this day in 1904, created the atomic bomb. What does his statement imply about knowledge?

23. Take off with history! Welcome to April 23! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1564: William Shakespeare is born. He went on to be the leading playwright in all of history. The most amazing thing is that his work is still loved, read and performed today. What plays do you know of by Shakespeare? Political map: A map which shows boundaries determined by countries, states or counties. How does that differ from a topographical Map? 1867: The Zoetrope is patented which was the early stages of motion pictures. The machine would show pictures and because each picture varied slightly, they appeared to be moving. The techniques of today’s films are amazing. What films use the most incredible visual effects? Who was I? I had darling curls. I was born on this date in 1928. I died in 2014. I could sing and dance. My last name sounds like a place to worship.

24. Take off with history! Welcome to April 24! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1915: New Zealand and Australia hoped to open up the Dardanelle Straits in Turkey, but were defeated soundly - 300,000 lives were lost! It was discovered later that the waters were littered with mines. What might have been the strategy following this disaster? Feudal relationship: The way a lord, the vassals and serfs interacted in order to make the manor successful. Imagine you are lord of a manor. Convince the poor people of the town to come work for you (remember, you want most of the profit!) 1833: Americans must love Jacob Ebert and George Dulty! They patented the first soda fountain! What is your favorite kind (or kinds) of soda? The oldest woman in America was born in 1867 and lived 113 years, 273 days. That means she lived from 1867-1980. What events, inventions and people did she know in her lifetime?

25. Take off with history! Welcome to April 25! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1792: The people of prior times were often thought to be a little barbaric. That may be true when it comes to the guillotine. This instrument would drop down, cutting off the head of a criminal. Do you think the electric chair or lethal injection is more humane? State your stance. Caste system: Hierarchy of people, placing them in levels, used for some time in India. The sad part of the system was that if a person was placed in a low level, it was almost impossible to get status. How is life different in the U.S.? 1901: License plates are required for the first time. The vanity plates (plates that you name) are fun! One eye doctor had the following: 2 C C Me! Create a clever vanity plate that you could use in the future! (remember – there is a limit of seven letters or numbers!) What was my invention? Marconi came up with the idea (born on this date in 1874). It used to run on a transistor. You don’t have to pay for my services. Most people have their favorite DJ! I have a dial and different stations.

26. Take off with history! Welcome to April 26! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1994: South Africa elected Nelson Mandela in a landslide victory. Even though Mandela had been imprisoned for many years, the people of South Africa recognized a great man. What characteristics should a great leader possess? Demographics: Statistical make up of a population. Demographics counts people by male/female, age, occupation, ethnicity, etc. What are the demographics of where you live? 1954: The polio vaccine was tested in the United States. In a few short years, this vaccine would eradicate polio. What do you predict will be the diseases the future will not have to deal with when modern research locates a cure? Charles Francis Richter was born on this date in 1900. He was a seismologist who came up with the test to rate earthquake activity. A level 2 is 10 times greater than a 1 and a level 3 is ten times greater than a level 2. When there is a 7 or 8 pointer, you can see why it is so devastating. Share what you know about earthquakes in your area.

27. Take off with history! Welcome to April 27! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1521: I guess it was a bad day to visit the Philippines! After sailing ¾ the way around the world, Ferdinand Magellan is killed by a poison arrow. What might have been a clever retort he could of said, just before he passed on? Credit: The amount that you can pre-spend with the guarantee that you will pay it back. Many things are bought on credit these days. What are the pleasures and the dangers of buying on credit? 1865: It is awful to have a tragedy at the end of a tragedy. The Civil War was ending and as veterans returned home, 1700 perished when the boat they were in exploded and sank. The Mississippi was overflowing and most drowned. What do you love and fear about the water? Who was I? I was born in 1822. I served as president of the United States. I fought in the Civil War (Generally). I was a Union man!

28. Take off with history! Welcome to April 28! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 66: Roman forces sack Jerusalem. Jerusalem has always been a city that many want. It is significant to Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Where is Jerusalem located? Jim Crow Laws: Laws that limited freedoms of African Americans. These laws were in place prior to the Civil War but were abolished after the war. What groups of people, living in America, do you feel are restricted and it what way? 1897: Under pressure from the U.S. government, the Chickasaw and Choctaw Tribes of Oklahoma give up their claim to the land, allowing more settlers to enter. Describe what the natives lost in addition to their land. 1770: Captain James Cook arrives in Australia. Australia has the most unique features and wildlife. Describe what about Australia you would most like to see.

29. Take off with history! Welcome to April 29! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1429: Joan of Arc, then 17, broke the siege of Orleans. Despite her accomplishment, she was later burned at the stake. What inspires one so young to be unusually brave? Infer what might have given her the ability beyond her years. Civil Rights: The privileges of citizens and their relationship with other citizens. What freedoms do you possess? What are the limits to those freedoms? 1898: The first cancer lab is established in New York City. We are still battling this disease today. Why do you think cancer is still unbeatable, in some cases, yet today? Duke Ellington, jazz great, was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1969. When asked about being snubbed for previous awards because he was African American, he said, “Fate doesn’t want me to be famous too young.” He was 66. Describe how his words make you feel about him.

30. Take off with history! Welcome to April 30! Historical brains engaged…commence ignition! World History : American History : Word of the day : Bonus Corner : 1494: He’s back! Christopher Columbus lands in the New World again: Cuba! Our country has a rugged relationship with Cuba. The communistic government does not set well with our democratic ideals! Where is Cuba and how far is it from The United States? Consumer: A person who purchases and uses products. We are all consumers. What products does your family depend on? How do you decide where to buy what you need? 1789: George Washington is sworn in as the first President of the United States. He had many challenges to face, especially starting a new nation. What are the difficulties with starting something new? What happened on this date? I began in 1997. All we do is talk, talk, talk! I am hosted by a humorous blond! The hostess gives her guests gifts.