Here’s an advance look at 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.
Wednesday, December 7
TDIGH: Date Which Will Live in Infamy
Japan’s 1941 attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii caused the U.S. to formally enter WWII.
Visual: Explore an interactive map of the attack on Pearl Harbor
Background: Timeline of WWII in the Pacific
Activity: Listen to FDR’s “Date of Infamy” Speech and analyze it as a primary source.
Thursday, December 8
While the free trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada has kept prices of consumer goods low in the U.S., critics claim it’s taking away American jobs.
Map: North America
Background: What is globalization?
Activity: Play “The Trading Game” to learn more about imports and exports.
Since 1949 there have been “Two Chinas”: the democratic Republic of China (ROC) in Taiwan and the communist People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland.
Map: China and Taiwan
Background: The Chinese Revolution of 1949
Activity: Read about Nixon’s visit to China in 1972. Why was it in the U.S. national interest to recognize the PRC?
Friday, December 9
Smallpox is the only disease to have been driven to extinction, thanks to a worldwide campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Visual: Infographic about vaccines
Background: The first smallpox vaccine
Activity: Learn about polio and brainstorm reasons why it hasn’t been eradicated yet.
Sunday, December 11
The 1997 agreement was the first major international effort to help combat climate change.
Background: What is the greenhouse effect?
Activity: Learn about the most recent agreement to limit greenhouse gases: the Kigali Agreement.