Here’s an advance look at a some of the “This Day in Geographic History” (TDIGH) events coming up this week. For each date, we’ve matched it with a map or visual, background information, and a classroom activity so you can plan ahead.
Tuesday, November 29
The UN’s 1947 decision to divide the British territory into a Jewish and an Arab state resulted in a conflict that continues to this day.
Map: Israel and the Palestinian territories
Background: British support for a Jewish state
Activity: Watch this video to see perspectives from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.
More than 200 members of the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes were slaughtered by the US Army in Sand Creek, Colorado in 1864.
Map: Battles between Native Americans and the US Army
Background: Indian Removal Act
Thursday, December 1
In 1955 Rosa Parks challenged segregation on a bus, helping spark the civil rights movement.
Visual: Jim Crow laws and signs
Background: Civil Rights resources
Activity: Read about and discuss five current civil rights leaders. What are some civil rights issues that are still not resolved?
Friday, December 2
TDIGH: Cartographer Mercator Dies
The 16th century cartographer is famous for creating the Mercator projection, which greatly improved navigation.
Visual: The cartographer’s dilemma
Background: What is an atlas?
Activity: Learn about what it’s like to be a cartographer.
Sunday, December 4
Polluted air and a change in weather patterns created a smog that blanketed London for a week, killing thousands.
Background: What is smog?
Activity: Measuring Air Quality