Classroom Ideas, Main

Looking Ahead: This Week in Geographic History, August 8-14

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, August 9

Quechua villagers line up to head out into the hillsides to help with the Gran Chaccu, a yearly round up of vicuña, outside of Picotani, Puno Department, Peru
The Quechua are an indigenous people native to the central Andes region of South America. Photograph by Beth Wald, National Geographic

TDIGH: International Day for the World’s Indigenous Peoples

The United Nations created this day in 1994 to promote and protect the rights of people who can trace their culture back to the same location through their known history.

Map: Explore our Language Diversity Index

Background: Read about Australia’s indigenous people

Activity: Discuss the treatment of Native Americans in the United States

 

Friday, August 12

TDIGH: Largest T. Rex Discovered

In 1990 a paleontologist discovered the bones of the largest and oldest Tyrannosaurus rex ever recorded.

Map: See which dinosaurs lived in North America

Background: What is paleontology?

Activity: Explore the NG Kids Dinosaur page

 

Saturday, August 13

TDIGH: Cultural Revolution in China

Communist Party Chairman Mao Zedong launched the “Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution” in 1966 to strengthen his leadership. The revolution lasted ten years and resulted in the deaths of more than a million people.

Map: Illustrated “Peoples of China” map

Background: Information about China

Activity: Research and discuss other cultural revolutions and repressive regimes.

 

NGS Picture Id:2210776
Since its fall in 1989, the Berlin Wall has been transformed from a barrier dividing communism and democracy into a symbol of freedom. Photograph by Gerd Ludwig, National Geographic

TDIGH: Construction Begins on Berlin Wall

In 1961 East Germany began building a wall through the city of Berlin to prevent people from fleeing Soviet-occupied East Berlin to reach Allied-occupied West Berlin.

Visual: Look at photos of other borders around the world

Background: Information about U.S.-Soviet relations and the Cold War

Activity: Drawing Political Borders

 

Sunday, August 14

TDIGH: Social Security Goes into Effect

Following the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created Social Security to help prevent poverty, especially for the most vulnerable Americans.

Visual: Infographic comparing the Great Depression and the Great Recession

Background: How did the Great Depression begin?

Activity: Which New Deal  programs do we still benefit from today?

 

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