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.
Tuesday, December 13
TDIGH: George W. Bush Claims U.S. Presidency
Despite Al Gore winning the popular vote and the recount in Florida being unfinished, the Supreme Court declared Bush the winner of the 2000 election.
Background: Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore
Activity: Read this article and ask students to make connections between the 2000 and 2016 elections.
Wednesday, December 14
TDIGH: Amundsen Reaches South Pole
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen outraced Robert Falcon Scott to become the first person to reach the South Pole in 1911.
Map: Race to the Pole
Background: The South Pole
Activity: Watch a video clip of Amundsen’s 1911 expedition.
Friday, December 16
In 1773 American colonists dumped tea into the Boston Harbor to protest “taxation without representation” under British rule.
Map: Battles of the Revolutionary War
Background: Video about the Boston Tea Party
Activity: Test your knowledge about the American Revolution with this game!
Saturday, December 17
TDIGH: First Successful Airplane Flight
In 1903 the Wright brothers successfully flew an engine-powered, manned airplane for the first time.
Visual: Photo gallery of the 1903 Wright flyer
Background: Resources on aviation history
Activity: Choose an airplane-related activity from NASA Aeronautics.
Sunday, December 18
A few months after the Civil War, the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution officially abolished slavery.
Map: Slave states vs. free states, and Underground Railroad routes
Background: Interactive timeline of slavery in the U.S.
Activity: Why didn’t Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 end slavery? Why was the 13th Amendment necessary to abolish slavery?