January Warm Ups

January 1 On this day in 1892, Ellis Island opened January 1 On this day in 1892, Ellis Island opened. Put yourself in the shoes of those first immigrants to the United States. What do you think were some of their feelings, their hopes, and their fears? 2

January 2 The drinking straw was patented on this day in 1888 January 2 The drinking straw was patented on this day in 1888. A patent helps to protect the rights of an inventor. Why is this protection important? 3

January 3 Author J. R. R. Tolkien was born on this day in 1892 January 3 Author J.R.R. Tolkien was born on this day in 1892. Tolkien is best known as the author of “The Lord of the Rings.” This book recently became a movie. Many people, possibly even you, enjoy comparing the original book to the movie. Which do you think people should do first? Read the book or see the movie? Explain your thinking. 4

January 4 Jacob Grimm was born on this day in 1785 January 4 Jacob Grimm was born on this day in 1785. Jacob and his brother are known for the “Grimm’s Fairy Tales.” Did you know that many famous fairy tales were written about political or historical events? Explain why someone would do this. 5

January 5 On January 5, 1925, the first woman governor, Nellie Ross, was inaugurated in Wyoming. Would you like to be the governor of your state? Why or why not? 6

January 6 Poet Carl Sandburg was born on this day in 1878 January 6 Poet Carl Sandburg was born on this day in 1878. Write a poem or song that relates to what we have been talking about this week. 7

January 7 In 1789, the first U. S. Presidential election was held January 7 In 1789, the first U.S. Presidential election was held. If you were running for President at that time, what issue(s) would you have based your campaign on? 8

January 8 Elvis Presley was born on this day in 1935 January 8 Elvis Presley was born on this day in 1935. Presley is well known as “The King of Rock and Roll.” How has music influenced our nation's history? 9

January 9 The 1st U. S. balloon flight occurred on this day in 1793 January 9 The 1st U.S. balloon flight occurred on this day in 1793. Why do you think people wanted to find a way to travel in the air? 10

January 10 The first meeting of the United Nations General Assembly occurred on this day in London in 1946. What does the United Nations do? If you don’t know…explain how you could find out. 11

January 11 On this day in 1908 Theodore Roosevelt made the Grand Canyon a national monument. Why is it important to protect the Grand Canyon? 12

January 12 January 12th 1986 the Columbia spaceship was launched January 12 January 12th 1986 the Columbia spaceship was launched. This was the first spacecraft to be piloted by an African American. Why is this important? 13

January 13 On this day George Washington created the idea of adding a new star to the US Flag every time a new state was added. 14

January 14 Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day January 14 Today is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. King was born in 1929. He delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963. Beginning with those same words, write your own speech about your hopes for our world and its people. 15

January 15 On this day in 1967, the first Super Bowl played January 15 On this day in 1967, the first Super Bowl played. Green Bay defeated Kansas City by a score of 35 to 10. To make it to the Super Bowl, football teams must work together. What do you think is the most difficult part of working with other students, or in teams, at school? What are the advantages of working with others? 16

January 16 In 1857 Ivan the Terrible was crowned as Russia's first Czar. How is monarchy (a king or czar) different from a democracy? 17

January 17 On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born January 17 On this day in 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born. List 5 things you know about Benjamin Franklin. 18

January 18 On January 18, 1803, the first official exploration of unknown spaces was undertaken by the United States government. This exploration was conducted by Lewis and Clark. Would you liked to have joined these two on their adventure? Why or why not? 19

January 19 On this day in 1809 Edgar Allen Poe was born January 19 On this day in 1809 Edgar Allen Poe was born. Do you know about any stories or poems Poe wrote? If not how could you find this information? 20

January 20 On this day in 1887 Pearl Harbor was created as a Naval Base. How was Pearl Harbor important during WWII? 21

Jan, 21: What does GKTOADS stand for? 22

January 22 Explain how history could help you with something you need to accomplish today. 23

January 23 “There is nothing impossible to him who will try January 23 “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” Alexander the Great What does this mean to you? 24

January 24 On this day in 1848, gold was discovered in California at Sutter's Mill by John Marshall. Would you have liked to of been an early miner? Why or why not? What do you think like was like for these men? 25

January 25 On January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held January 25 On January 25, 1924, the first Winter Olympics were held. What is your favorite event to watch during the Winter Olympics? Explain your answer. 26

January 26 Today is “Australia Day January 26 Today is “Australia Day.” It marks the date that Australia was first settled in 1788. List 5 more things you know about Australia. 27

January 27 On this day in 1832, author Lewis Carroll was born January 27 On this day in 1832, author Lewis Carroll was born. His most famous piece of work was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. What is your favorite book and why is it your favorite? 28

January 28 Today is the birthday of Sesame Street character, Ernie's birthday. If you could create a television show for kids, what type of a show would it be? What is its name? What type of information would it contain? 29

January 29 On this day in 1990 Joseph Hazelwood went on trial for his role in the oil spill caused by the Exxon Valdez. How are oil spills harmful? 30

January 30 On January 23, 1882, the 23rd President, Franklin D January 30 On January 23, 1882, the 23rd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was born. He was president during the Great Depression and World War Two. List 5 more things you know about FDR. 31

January 31 On this day in 1919, baseball great Jackie Robinson was born. What do you think it takes to be a great athlete? Write about the characteristics and qualities it takes for someone to reach a level of greatness in a sport. 32