International Peace Day, 2022

  Perhaps, you will find this helpful to use on the International Day of Peace:

Click here for free downloadable version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/International-Peace-Day-September-21st-3379110

The International Day of Peace is held every year on  September 21st. Also called Peace Day, the first celebration was adopted by the United Nations in 1982. It would be in 2001, that nations of the world established September 21st as International Day of Peace. In 2018, the theme for the  International Day of Peace is “The Right to Peace”.  At the United Nations, in New York City, the Japanese Peace Bell is rung to start the day. Made from coins collected by children from sixty countries,  the Peace Bell has the following words engraved on the bell, “Long live absolute world peace”.  There is a minute of silence at noon(at all time zones around the world).

Possible Activities for the International Day of Peace:

1. The dove is the international symbol of peace. Draw/ color a picture of a dove. Write a statement about the International Day of Peace.

2. Write an acrostic poem using the words PEACE.

3. Have students list some of the places in the world where there is conflict. Locate these places on a world map. Ask the students if they have any prior knowledge about the areas .

4. Alfred Nobel established the Nobel Peace Prize. https://mocomi.com/alfred-nobel/

Learn about some of the people that have been award recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. The youngest was teenager, Malala Yousafzai. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lists/all-nobel-peace-prizes/

5. Make a Peace Pole(“May Peace Prevail on Earth) and place in the lobby of your school.

6. Read Sadako Sasaki and her One Thousand Paper Cranes. Free online book: http://www.storyjumper.com/book/index/15882492/sadako-and-the-thousand-paper-cranes#   Make an origami paper crane.  http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html

7. Make a pinwheel for peace: http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/dailylp/dailylp/dailylp006.shtml

8.Share with kids how to say "PEACE" in many different languages: Write Peace In Different Languages

9. Check out my Purple Turtle story, Purple Meets Dovey, the Dove: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Purple-Turtle-Stories-Purple-Meets-Dovey-849071

10. Illustrate one of these quotes: Write a short paragraph explaining what they think the quote means.

A. “ Peace begins with a smile. “ Mother Teresa

B. "You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.“ Indira Gandhi

C.  "If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.”  Nelson Mandela

D.  "An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”  Mahatma Gandhi

E.  “It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." Eleanor Roosevelt

F.  "While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.”  Francis of Assisi

G.  “If you want peace, you don't talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.”  Archbishop Tutu

Gail Hennessey

Note: Illustration from wpclipart.com

Constitution Day is Coming:

 

      

Constitution Day

by

Gail Skroback Hennessey

Click here for a free downloadable version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CONSTITUTION-DAY-FREEBIE-FUN-FACTS-3338019

Each year, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th. This is the date, in 1787, when delegates to the Constitutional Convention, signed the Constitution. They had met for 116 days, at the State House(now called Independence Hall), in Philadelphia, PA. If Constitutional Day falls on a Sunday, as it did in 2017, the official observation is the following day. Constitution Day is also called Citizenship Day.  It’s a day to celebrate this important document of our nation!

   

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that Ben Franklin arrived at the Grand Convention in Philadelphia on a sedan chair? Four prisoners from the local Philadelphia jail carried Franklin on the chair.

2. Before deciding on Mr. President, names for George Washington, the first leader of the United States, included “His Most Benign Highness” and “His Highness, the President of the United States of America and Protector of their Liberties.”

3. Philadelphia, the largest and most modern of cities at the time of the Convention, had a population of 40,000.  Gravel was used to cover the cobblestone streets to make it less noisy for the meetings.

4. It took 116 days to complete the draft of the document called the Constitution.

5. To date, only ONE amendment to the constitution has been removed(repealed). The 18th Amendment(1918) which abolished the making, sale and transportation of alcohol, was repealed in 1933.

6. Each night, the Constitution is lowered into a specially made vault for its protection.

7. George Washington announced the first national “Thanksgiving Day”, November 26, 1789, to “give thanks” for the creating of the Constitution.

8. The words “democracy” and “God” do not appear in the document of the Constitution.

9. Eighty-one year old Ben Franklin cried as he signed the Constitution.

10. James Madison, who would become the 4th President of the United States, was called the “Father of the Constitution”. 

Teacher Page:

Things to do:

1. Have students pretend they are the Constitution on display at the National Archives. Tell a day in your life as people come to see you. What do you hear? See? feel? https://www.archives.gov/publications/general-info-leaflets/1-about-archives.html

2.  This link explains the Bill of Rights  for kids: http://kids.laws.com/bill-of-rights  Groups of students could be assigned one of the rights and make a poster.  Have students write a paragraph explaining which right they feel is most important and why.

3. Have students create posters or greeting cards for Constitution Day.

Website of Interest:

http://www.constitutionday.com

*Check out my Ms. Bie Ografee Play on James Madison, Father of the Constitution: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ConstitutionReaders-Theater-Script-James-MadisonFather-of-the-Constitution-3337971

World Elephant Day is August 12th

 

ELEPHANT FUN FACTS!

World Elephant Day is August 12th and April 16th is Save the Elephant Day

If you'd like this Possible Interactive Notebook download, go to this link: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Elephant-Fun-Facts-Possible-Interactive-Notebook-Activity-1793743

Sadly, the Wildlife Conservation Society says that 96 elephants are killed EVERY day in Africa!

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that elephants can be right or left tusked, similar to how humans are with their hands? Which are you?__________________________

2. Elephants will quickly wave their ears, twirl their trunks and blowing dirt when they are ___________________.

3. The elephant has the largest brain of the animal world. They are very intelligent!

4. Elephants can show many emotions including joy, anger, playfulness and grief with the death of a family member

5. Surprisingly, peanuts are NOT a favorite food of elephants.

6. The world’s largest LAND mammal, elephants eat about 300-600 pounds of food every day. They are herbivores, non-meat eaters.

7. Elephants live in families with females being the head of the heard(called a matriarch). There can be as few as 8 or as many as 100 in a group.

8. Did you know the elephant can use its trunk as a “snorkel” making it possible to swim in deep water.

9. In the last 100 years, the number of  Asian elephants in the wild have declined by about 90%. What are TWO reasons for the declining numbers of elephants in the wild?_______________________  and ________________________________

10. Elephant throw dirt/mud onto their backs in the hot sun. Why do you think this is done?___________________________________

11. Did you know that ever 15 minutes a poacher kills an African elephant?

12. Of the two, Asia and African, there are much less Asia elephants left in the wild.

13. Elephants make a sub-sonic rumble sound to communicate over long distances. The feet and trunks are very sensitive and other elephants can feel the sound being sent over the ground.

14. The word, jumbo, comes from the circus animal by that name. It means “large” or “huge”.

15. Elephants walk on average about 4 mph but can actual run up to 24 miles per hour!

16. The skin of an elephant is about 1 inch thick. Look around and find something that is about 1 inch thick._______________________________

17. An elephant tusk can be as long as 10 ft. and weigh over 200 pounds.

18. Elephants are one of the few animals that can recognize itself in the mirror.

19. There are 40,000 muscles, but no bones in an elephant’s trunk.

20. Did you know that an elephant tooth can weigh up to 12 pounds?

Which three facts did you find the most interesting to learn about and why?_____________________. _____________________  ___________________________

Teacher Page:

Extension Activities to Use with Your Students:

* Have students write a letter to a parent, grandparent, etc. to spread the word of the dwindling number of elephants. Include 3 facts about the elephant in the letter.

* Draw a picture of an elephant. Write 3 facts about elephants on the picture.

* Adopt an elephant project: http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/African-Elephant.aspx?sc=AWY1500WCM18&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Adopt%20-%20Elephant&utm_term=adopt%20a%20elephant  ( WWF) or https://secure.defenders.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=wagc_elephant

* Write a poem about an elephant using all the letters in the word, elephant, or write a haiku.

* Read a story about elephants. https://www.peacecorps.gov/educators/resources/story-blind-men-and-elephant/. The Blind Men and the Elephant.  Discuss summary writing and have students write a summary of the story.

* Write three facts from this site about elephants: https://www.ducksters.com/animals/elephant.php

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/angels-help-elephants/ Children’s efforts to stop ivory and destroy stockpiles of Ivory in Hong Kong

Check out my web quest on Elephants:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ElephantsOn-SafariA-Webquest-610125


Note:
If you see an elephant quickly move its ears, throw dirt and twirl  its trunk, it is angry!
Elephants are dwindling because of the destruction of their habitats and for their ivory tusks.
Elephants apply dirt/mud on their backs in the sun to prevent sunburn!


Gail
I also have web quests on the Rhino, Polar Bear and the Leopard.

*Photograph from WPclipart.com

Back to School Highlighted Resources

  Here are some of my highlighted Resources for BACK to SCHOOL

Gail

1. FAKE NEWS. FAKE NEWS: The term FAKE News seems to be used a lot these days! A recent survey found that many young people(and adults for that matter) can't seem to determine which is a real news story from a fake news story. We need to develop digital critical literacy with our students. This Interactive Notebook activity also has extension activities: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FAKE-NEWS-Developing-Digital-Critical-Literacy-with-Kids-INA-3074653

 

2.  Need information to use with your students on map skills? Included are notes, lots of activities to use with your students(4-8th grade) and website resources. Also included, a 10 question web quest, comprehension questions(and writing in the content area), and some fun facts on the topic of maps and geography of the world. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Maps-and-Geography-Lets-Map-It-433017

 

3. Geographic Secret Messages: Need a geography activity? Try my geographic secret messages. Students find the answers to geographic questions and then use the first letter of the answer to arrive at a secret message. When the questions are answered, the "secret" term(a geography term) will be revealed!  

There are 5 geographic messages to solve. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geography-Geographic-Secret-Messages-709102   and https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Geography-Geographic-Secret-Messages-Continuepart-2-709110

 

4.Mesopotamia, called the cradle of civilization, is where archaeologists have found the remains of the oldest historic people.People called the Sumerians, Babylonians, Chaldeans, Akkadians and Assyrians, all called the area home. These people left behind many ideas which we still have today. This unit of study includes notes, map work, a webquest, activities and resources. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Mesopotamia-First-Historic-PeopleUnit-with-notesactivites-and-resources-349937 Have students learn aboutHammurabi, the important lawmaker of ancient times with this biographical reading passage. Additional, there are several Did You Know? facts and comprehension questions. The teacher page gives additional links and the key.  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hammurabi-King-of-Babylon-A-Reading-Passage-2728405. I also have a bundle of resources on this topic: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ancient-Mesopotamia-A-Bundle-of-Resources-2808475. A reading on Enheduanna, First Known Poet in History(Mesopotamia): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Womens-History-Mesopotamias-Enheduanna-First-Known-Poet-in-History-4039105

 

5. This product covers an introduction to the Phoenicians and their contributions to the world(Alphabet, color purple, first sea traders).Notes, extension activities and links and several comprehension questions, too. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Lets-Learn-about-the-Phoenicians-366696. Learn about Hannibal with this reading resource: This resource is part of my new series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history. With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Hannibal, the famous general of ancient times. There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, map activity and a teacher page with extensions and links and the key.  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hannibal-Famous-General-of-Ancient-TimesReading-Activity-3978956. I also have a bundle on this topic: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Phoenicians-A-Bundle-of-Resources-4028719

I also have a reading on Hanno, Phoenician explorer: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hanno-Phoenician-Sea-Explorer-4028002

 

6.  Learn all about mummies of the world. Included: Bog Mummies, Otzi, Chinchorro Mummies, Taklamakan Desert Mummies, Egyptian Mummies and more. 12 informative text questions/comprehension questions/extension activities, key, fun facts: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/MUMMIES-A-WebquestExtension-Activities-1915946King Tut: Learn lots of fun facts about mummies and specifically the discovery of King Tut's tomb with this play based on the To Tell the Truth Game Show Format(currently on ABC Television during the summer months). Directions and a suggested YouTube Clip to show the idea of the game, comprehension questions, discussion questions and extension activities(and resources) are included. The biographical play meets several common core standards in social studies and language arts.

I really think your students will have fun with this play on King Tut!https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/King-Tut-Wrapping-with-a-Mummy-Biographical-PlayTo-Tell-the-Truth-Play-338665

 

7. With this biographical reading passage, students will learn about Hatshepsut,the first female Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. There is a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions and a teacher page with extensions and links. This resource is part of my new series, "Let's Meet..." famous people in ancient history. More titles are being added in the coming weeks. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Hatshepsut-First-Female-PHARAOH-of-Ancient-EgyptReading-Passage-2733259. I also have a similar resource on Ramses: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ramses-the-Great-Pharaoh-of-Ancient-Egypt-A-Reading-Passage-2763573. I have a bundle on all things Egyptians: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ancient-Egyptians-A-Bundle-of-ResourcesAncient-Egyptians-2808551

 

8. This mini-unit on Early Humans/Prehistoric Cultures will assist the classroom teacher in presenting this topic of history to students.In addition to an overview and notes, lots of additional resources, websites and activities are also included. This resource also includes a web quest with 12 web questions. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Prehistoric-Man-Earliest-Cultures-Early-Humans--342418

 

9. Show kids that pretzels, shoes, chewing gum, peanuts, tulips and candy all have a history with my Everything Has a History series ! For the beginning of the school year, show kids that even pencils, pens and paper have a history! https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Pencils-Pens-Paper-Webquest-Back-to-School-Activity-737576 I also have a bundle on this topic: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/History-Everything-has-a-History-A-Bundle-of-Resource-4448553

 

11. Learn about the U.S. Constitution(Constitution Day is September 18th). Part of my Ms. Bie Ografee series of plays, this Reader's Theater Script is on the "Father of the Constitution", James Madison(1751-1836). With 13 audience questioners, a Did You Know Section, comprehension questions, a Teacher Page with extension activities, key and additional links, students will learn about the writing of our important government document, the Constitution. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ConstitutionReaders-Theater-Script-James-MadisonFather-of-the-Constitution-3337971

 

12. Countries in Focus: Great for a Friday Activity, a substitute or if you are covering the areas in your units of study: TEN countries are in the bundle: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Countries-of-the-WorldA-Bundle-of-Webquests-on-Different-Countries-4725632

FREEBIES!

 

1. FREEBIE ON APPLE FACTS: This interactive notebook on Apples has several activities and 17 interesting fun facts about apples. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/APPLE-FACTS-Interactive-Notebook-Activity-3259122.

 

2. FREEBIE: CONSTITUTION Fun Facts!Learn some fun facts on the Constitution. Activity for Constitution Day! Each year, Constitution Day is celebrated on September 17th. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/CONSTITUTION-DAY-FREEBIE-FUN-FACTS-3338019

 

3. Mummy Facts:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Amazing-Mummy-Facts-Possible-Interactive-Notebook-Activity-906580

 

4. Antibullying: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Antibullying-FreebieINA-2971457

 

5. International  Peace Day: September 21st. The International Day of Peace is held every year on September 21st.  https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/International-Peace-Day-September-21st-3379110

 

6.  World Rhino Day( 9/22)  Freebie: http://www.gailhennessey.com/index.shtml?rhinofacts.html

 

7. Fake News:https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/FAKE-NEWS-Teaching-Digital-Critical-LiteracyFREEBIE-INA-4494790

The Monarch Butterflies NEED our Help!

 

North American Monarch butterflies are in trouble. According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, the population of monarchs has dropped so much that they have listed the butterfly on the endangered list. Just in the past 10 years, it is estimated their numbers have gone down 70%. A source of food for many North American birds, the monarchs are important pollinators helping to grow our different crops. Pesticides, loss of habitat and climate change are the cause for the dwindling number of these beautiful orange and black butterflies.  

NOTE: 

One main reason for less monarch butterflies is a pesticide that is used today. It kills weeds and it also kills a plant called milkweed. Milkweed is the only plant that a monarch butterfly uses to lay their eggs. It is also the only food of the Monarch caterpillar. The lepidoptera(name for butterflies) need our help. People are being encouraged to plant more milkweed plants along the routes that Monarchs follow on their migration south. 

When Liam Lopez Wagner was just 2 years old, he was fascinated with butterflies. Now, 7, Liam, of Lowell, Michigan, has started Amigos for Monarchs. Liam says that milkweed plants are what monarchs especially like to munch on and they also lay their eggs on the plants. So, Liam figures, the more milkweed plants, the more monarchs! For the last couple of years, Liam has been sending  packets of milkweed seeds (and a personal note) to people around the country to plant milkweed seeds.  He calls himself Liam the Lepidopterist. Check out his website: https://www.amigosformonarchs.org/

Learn More About Monarchs:

1. https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/monarch-butterfly-facts

2. https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/monarch-butterfly

3. https://www.rhinorest.com/fun-facts-about-monarch-butterflies/

4. http://kidzone.ws/animals/monarch_butterfly.htm

5. http://www.kidsbutterfly.org/life-cycle

6. http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/butterfly/species/Monarch.shtml

Extension Activities:

1. Draw/color a picture of a monarch butterfly. Write a day in the life of a monarch. What do you see? Hear? Feel? Touch? as you migrate toward Mexico for the winter.

2. Discuss the Japanese poem, Haiku. Three lines, syllables 5/7/5. Write a Haiku about a Monarch Butterfly.

3, Review prior knowledge on why butterflies are important.Review the information at this site: https://www.nps.gov/articles/monarch-butterfly.htm  Make a poster and include 3 facts learned.

4. http://www.primarygames.com/puzzles/jigsaw/butterfly/ 

Gail

Dinosaur for Sale!

 

Want to buy your very own dinosaur? A Gorgosaurus(relative to the T-Rex )and estimated to be 76 million years old is for sale. It is the only such dinosaur skeleton that will be sold to a private owner and not go into a museum. Gorgosaurus once roamed the earth in what is now Canada and  the western USA and this particular skeleton was found in Montana in 2018.There aren’t many such skeletons so it is believed that the Gorgosaurus(meaning fierce or terrifying lizard) will be pretty expensive, at least $5 million dollars or more. You will need a LARGE room to display your purchase as the Gorgosaurus is 10 ft. tall and 22 ft. long! Do you think a dinosaur skeleton should be auctioned to a private collector or do you think such a discovery should be in a museum for others to see? Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/a-gorgosaurus-skeleton-will-be-privately-auctioned-off-for-the-first-time-ever-180980384/

Photograph from BBC

Learn more:

1. https://www.activewild.com/gorgosaurus-facts-for-kids-and-students/

2. https://abcdino.com/en/dinosaur/gorgosaurus/

Your turn:

• Pretend you are a gorgosaurus and write a story about your day.

• Pretend you are a paleontologist and write a diary entry of discovering a gorgosaurus.

• Pretend you are a gorgosaurus on display in a museum. Tell about your day. What do you hear? See, Smell, etc. as visitors come to visit you.

Everything Has A History...even Ice Cream! (July is National Ice Cream Month)

 

 COOL facts about Ice Cream

Did you Know that JULY is National Ice Cream Month  in the USA? It was established by President Ronald Reagan, in 1984. National Ice Cream Day is the 3rd Sunday in July. Learn some fun facts about ice cream!

• One scoop of ice cream needs about 50 licks to finish.

• The Chinese were making a type of ice cream with milk,rice and snow, about 2000 BC.

• The average American eats 48 pints of ice cream each year.

• To make one gallon of ice cream, you need 12 pounds of milk. A dairy cow can produce enough milk for about 9000 gallons of ice cream in its lifetime.

• The USA is the world's leading producer of ice cream.

• Alexander the Great liked nectar and honey flavored snow.

• National Ice Cream Month is in July.

• Yes...vanilla is the most popular ice cream flavor(followed by chocolate and strawberry).

• An ice cream tester for Breyer's Ice Cream actually insured his tongue for $1 million dollars!

• Dolly Madison served strawberry ice cream at the second inaugural ball of her husband, President James Madison, in 1812.

• Sunday is the day of the week when the most ice cream is sold in the United States.

• Did you know that one of the main ingredients in ice cream is ....AIR.(makes it lighter and gives it  smoothness)

• During WW2, the U.S. Navy(1945) built a floating ice cream parlor   for our sailors fighting in the Pacific.

• More ice cream is sold in the WINTER months in Canada than the summer months.

• Strange ice cream flavors? Jalapeno, dill pickle ice cream, garlic ice cream, bacon ice cream,blue cheese and shallots, squid ink and curry carrot ice cream might be flavors to include in this list.

• The world's largest ice cream cone weighted 2204 pounds. It was 13 feet tall. It was made in Gloucester, UK, in 2012.

• The world's largest ice cream sundae was created in Kingston, NY, in 2014. It  was 1606 ft. tall.

• Ever get a brain freeze from eating ice cream?  The top of the mouth has lots of nerves. When cold ice cream comes into contact with these nerves, it causes blood vessels in the brain to dilate, giving the short headache also known as an ice cream headache.

* During World War 2, Mussolini banned ice cream in the country of Italy. He thought it was too American!

• Thomas Jefferson loved ice cream. See his recipe for Vanilla Ice Cream.

Extension Activities:

* Write a haiku poem on ice cream.

* If you had to describe ice cream to an alien from outer space, what would be 3 descriptives you'd use to explain the treat.  Write a paragraph about your encounter sharing ice cream with an alien.

* Draw/color a picture of an ice cream sundae. Exchange your drawing with 3 others and have them write descriptive words to describe what they see. When your drawing is returned, write a paragraph using the comments about your ice cream sundae.

* There is a saying, " A picture is worth a 1000 words. Illustrate/color one of the facts about ice cream which conveys the fact.

Additional Link:

1. https://www.almanac.com/content/history-ice-cream Timeline on the history of ice cream.

Gail