1. April Warm Ups

2. April 1 Today is April Fool’s Day. Write about the best April Fool’s Joke you have played.

3. April 2 In 1792 Congress authorized the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint is Responsible for creating our nations coins. Explain how this act has influenced our countries history.

4. April 3 On this day in 1860, the Pony Express was established. The purpose of the Pony Express was to provide the fastest mail delivery between S. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. To be a rider, you had to be between the ages of 11 and 40, and weigh less than 125 pounds. Would you have enjoyed this job? Why or why not?

5. April 4 On this day in 1818, the first U.S. flag was approved. The flag is an important symbol of our nation's history. Our nation's flag code requires that the flag be treated with respect. It should be carefully folded when not in use and worn out flags must be discarded in a ceremony. Why is it important to treat our flag with respect?

6. April 5 April 5th is “National Read a Road Map Day.” How do you think the first maps were created? Do you think it was easy or difficult for these first map makers? What types of challenges do you think they encountered?

7. April 6 On April 6, 1898, the North Pole was discovered. How would it have felt to discover the North Pole?

8. April 7 On this day in 1994, Rwandan armed forces kill 10 Belgian peacekeeping officers in a successful effort to discourage international intervention in the genocide that had begun only hours earlier. This event later was captured in the movie Hotel Rwanda. Why do you think other countries did not intervene to stop the genocide (killing)?

9. April 8 The first week of April is known as “Astronomy Week.” If you could travel to any of the planets, which one would you like to visit and why?

10. April 9 On this day in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Shortly after this event, the Civil War came to an end. Compare/Contrast this event to another war you remember learning about.

11. April 10 History is a series of causes and effects that produce change. Cite a historical event cause and its effect. The event should relate to something we have discussed recently.

12. April 11 On this day in 1968, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. This act protected the rights of people, including African-Americans and women. Why do you think it’s important for all people to be treated equally?

13. April 12 On April 12, 1981, the Space Shuttle Columbia was first launched. Is traveling into space something that interests you? Explain why or why not, as well as what type of space travel interests you.

14. April 13 On this day in 1743, our third President, Thomas Jefferson, was born. As a young child, Jefferson was an enthusiastic student. He would often spend up to 15 hours a day studying! How would you compare yourself to Jefferson as a student?

15. April 14 On April 14, 1828, the Webster’s Dictionary was first published. Each year, a number of new words are added to the dictionary. One of the new words added in 2006 was “ringtone.” What do you think one of the new words added this year may be and why?

16. April 15 On April 15, 1452, artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. He created plans for a number of flying machines, including a four-man helicopter. Design your own type of flying machine. Be sure to explain how your machine works and include a sketch.

17. April 16 On this day in 1867, aviator Wilbur Wright was born. Through a lifetime of work and commitment, the Wright brothers performed the first ever manned powered flight. What type of lifetime dreams do you have for yourself?

18. April 17 The third week of April is known as “National Wildlife Week.” What is one way you could help conserve or protect the various types of wildlife found around your school and/or neighborhood?

19. April 18 Paul Revere’s famous ride took place on this day in 1775. How would it have felt if you had been present on Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride?

20. April 19 On this day in 1775, the Revolutionary War began. This was also known as the “War of Independence.” The thirteen colonies fought for and won their independence from Great Britain. How do you think our lives today may be different if we hadn’t won this war?

21. April 20 April is “National Humor Month.” Write several of your own jokes. Each joke should be about one of the historical events we have been studying.

22. April 21 April 21st is “Kindergarten Day.” The first kindergarten was founded by Friedrich Froebel in Germany in 1837. Think back to your days in kindergarten. How was your experience different from those in 1837?

23. April 22 Today is “Home Run Day” in honor of baseball great Hank Aaron hitting is first home run in 1954. If someone was to create a day to honor an accomplishment of yours, what would that day be called and what accomplishment of yours would it honor?

24. April 23 Write to someone from 100 years ago describing what life might be like for teenagers today.

25. April 24 On this day in 1990, the Hubble Telescope was launched. The Hubble has provided us with never before seen photos of deep space. Do you think it’s beneficial to study our universe, as well as other universes? Do you think we may someday discover life on another planet?

26. April 25 If I could give one piece of advice to any person in history, that advice would be…

27. April 27 Ulysses S. Grant was born on this day in 1822. He was a civil war general and our 18 th president. How was Ulysses S. Grant influential in our countries history?

28. April 28 On April 28, 1758, our 5th President, James Monroe, was born. Why is it important to know about the people who have been presidents in our country?

29. April 29 April 29th is “Penguin Day.” There are seventeen species of penguins world-wide. On what continent would you be most likely to find penguins?

30. April 30 On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was completed. How has this event affected our country?