May Warm Ups

May 1 Today is the day that the Empire State building was dedicated in At the time it was the tallest building in the world. Why was this event important?

May 2 On this day in 1519 Leonardo Da Vinci died in France. Can you think of something Leonardo Da Vinci accomplished during his life?

May 3 May 3rd is “Space Day.” We see the moon almost everyday. Do you think we will ever live on the moon? If we do inhabit the moon, what type of housing do you think we may construct?

May 4 May 4th is “National Weather Observer’s Day.” Different types of weather occur around the world. What effect does weather upon our state? In other words how would our lives be different if the weather or climate was very different?

May 5 May 5th is “Cinco de Mayo.” This day marks the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. Does our country have a day of victory that we celebrate every year? Tell us about that day.

May 6 Fear of something is at the root of hate for others, and hate within will eventually destroy the hater. George Washington Carver What does this quote mean to you?

May 7 On this day the first stamp collection was started. What can a stamp tell us about the country that printed it? Why do we select certain pictures to put on stamps?

May 8 Socks come in many colors and designs. May 8th is “No Socks Day.” If you could design a pair of socks that would best describe you, what would those socks look like? What type of colors would you use? What designs or patterns would be on them? Would you include drawings? Be sure to include all the details as well as a drawing.

May 9 On this day in 1754, the first newspaper cartoon was printed. If your school had a newspaper and you were asked to write and draw a cartoon, what type of cartoon would you create? After explaining what you would make and why, draw the actual cartoon.

May 12 "Everyone thinks about changing the world, but no one thinks about changing himself."- -Leo Tolstoy What does this quote mean to you?

May 13 May 12th 2002, Jimmy Carter, a former US president visited Fidel Castro's Cuba. Why does the U.S. have a trade embargo (block) against Cuba?

May 14 On this day in 1804, the Lewis & Clark began. Their journey had them exploring unknown land in the West. Would you have liked to of been a member of their expedition party? Why or why not?

May 15 You have a friend who does not like history class. Explain to this friend why history is so important. (Yes, you do think history is important)‏

May 16 On this day in 1866, the first US nickel, called the “Shield Nickel” was minted. Over the past several years, a series of state quarters have been minted. Design a new coin for your state that highlights an important place, event or symbol. Be sure to include a description of your coin, along with a sketch.

May 17 We learn from history that we learn nothing from history. George Bernard Shaw: What does this quote mean to you?

May 18 On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens, a volcano that had long been dormant, erupted. Volcanoes have been important in the history of many countries. How could a volcanic eruption change history?

May 19 "This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector." – Plato (circa 400 B.C.) What does this quote mean to you?

May 20 On May 20, 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off in the airplane called the “Spirit of St. Louis” and became the first to fly the Atlantic Ocean alone. How has this event changed the world we live in today?

May 21 On this day in 1881, the American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton. The Red Cross provides aide to people and communities in times of need. Why do we need groups that do this type of work?

May 22 Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory. George S. Patton What does this mean to you?

May 23 Today is “Penny Day.” The penny is only worth one cent. Do you think there is a valuable reason to keep the penny? Why or why not?

May 24 On May 24, 1844, the first Morse Code message was sent from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore. Why would Morse code have been useful before the days of satellites and cell phones?

May 25 May is “National Bike Month.” Imagine our community was thinking of building a bicycle path to reduce the amount of gas we use. Do you think this plan would work? Why/Why not?

May 26 Today is Memorial Day. Once known as “Decoration Day,” this holiday commemorates the men and women who have died serving in the U.S. Military. Write a letter explaining why you are grateful for the sacrifices these men and women have made.

May 27 On this day in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened. The Golden Gate bridge is in San Francisco. How has this bridge benefitted San Francisco?

May 28 On this day in 1888, Jim Thorpe was born. Thorpe was an amazing athlete playing both professional sports and participating in the Olympics. Thorpe’s achievements were recognized on a postage stamp. Think of another famous American you know about and create a postage stamp for their achievements.

May 29 On this day in 1917, the 35th President, John F. Kennedy was born. What do you know about JFK? (5 things)‏

May 30 On this day in 1848, the ice cream freezer was patented. How do you think food was preserved before we had equipment to keep it cold?

May 31 "The constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests."--Patrick Henry What does this quote mean to you?