April Warm Ups

April 1

Today is April Fool’s Day. Write about the best April Fool’s Joke you have played.

April 2

In 1792 Congress authorized the U.S. Mint. The U.S. Mint is Responsible for creating our nations coins. Explain how this act has influenced our countries history.

April 3On this day in 1860, the Pony Express was established. The purpose of the Pony Express was to provide the fastest mail delivery between S. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California. To be a rider, you had to be between the ages of 11 and 40, and weigh less than 125 pounds.

Would you have enjoyed this job? Why or why not?

April 4

On this day in 1818, the first U.S. flag was approved. The flag is an important symbol of our nation's history. Our nation's flag code requires that the flag be treated with respect. It should be carefully folded when not in use and worn out flags must be discarded in a ceremony. Why is it important to treat our flag with respect?

April 5

April 5th is “National Read a Road Map Day.” How do you think the first maps were created? Do you think it was easy or difficult for these first map makers?

What types of challenges do you think they encountered?

April 6

On April 6, 1898, the North Pole was

discovered.

How would it have felt to discover the North Pole?

April 7On this day in 1994, Rwandan armed forces kill 10 Belgian peacekeeping

officers in a successful effort to discourage international intervention in the genocide that had begun only hours earlier. This event later was

captured in the movie Hotel Rwanda. Why do you think other countries did not intervene to stop the genocide

(killing)?

April 8

The first week of April is known as “Astronomy

Week.” If you could travel to any of the planets,

which one would you like to visit and why?

April 9

On this day in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant. Shortly after this event, the Civil

War came to an end.

Compare/Contrast this event to another war you remember

learning about.

April 10

History is a series of causesand effects that producechange. Cite a historical

event cause and its effect.The event should relate to

something we havediscussed recently.

April 11

On this day in 1968, PresidentJohnson signed the Civil Rights

Act. This act protected the rights of people, including African-Americans

and women.

Why do you think it’s important for all people to be treated equally?

April 12On April 12, 1981, the Space

Shuttle Columbia was firstlaunched. Is traveling into space

something that interests you?

Explain why or why not, as well as what type of space travel

interests you.

April 13

On this day in 1743, our third President, Thomas Jefferson, was born. As a young child, Jefferson was an enthusiastic student. He

would often spend up to 15 hours a day studying! How would you

compare yourself to Jefferson as a student?

April 14

On April 14, 1828, the Webster’s Dictionary was first published. Each

year, a number of new words are added to the dictionary. One of the

new words added in 2006 was “ringtone.” What do you think one of the new words added this year

may be and why?

April 15On April 15, 1452, artist and

inventor Leonardo da Vinci was born. He created plans for a number of flying machines,

including a four-man helicopter. Design your own type of flying

machine. Be sure to explain how your machine works and include a

sketch.

April 16

On this day in 1867, aviator Wilbur Wright was born. Through

a lifetime of work and commitment, the Wright brothers performed the first ever manned

powered flight. What type of lifetime dreams do you have for

yourself?

April 17

The third week of April is known as “National Wildlife Week.” What is one way you

could help conserve or protect the various types of wildlife found around your

school and/or neighborhood?

April 18

Paul Revere’s famous ride took place on this day in 1775. How would it have felt if you had been present on Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride?

April 19On this day in 1775, the Revolutionary War began. This was also known as the “War of Independence.” The thirteen colonies fought for and won their independence from Great Britain. How do you think our lives today may be different if we hadn’t won this war?

April 20

April is “National Humor Month.” Write several of

your own jokes. Each joke should be about one of the historical events we have

been studying.

April 21April 21st is “Kindergarten

Day.” The first kindergarten was founded by Friedrich

Froebel in Germany in 1837. Think back to your days in

kindergarten. How was your experience different from those

in 1837?

April 22

Today is “Home Run Day” in honor of baseball great Hank

Aaron hitting is first home run in 1954. If someone was to create a day to honor an accomplishment of yours, what would that day be called and what accomplishment

of yours would it honor?

April 23

Write to someone from 100 years ago

describing what life might be like for teenagers today.

April 24On this day in 1990, the Hubble Telescope was launched. The

Hubble has provided us with never before seen photos of deep space. Do you think it’s beneficial to study

our universe, as well as other universes? Do you think we may someday discover life on another

planet?

April 25

If I could give one piece of advice to any person in history, that

advice would be…

April 27

Ulysses S. Grant was born on this day in 1822. He was a civil war general and our 18th president. How was

Ulysses S. Grant influential in our countries history?

April 28

On April 28, 1758, our 5th President, James Monroe,

was born. Why is it important to know about

the people who have been presidents in our country?

April 29April 29th is “Penguin

Day.” There are seventeen species of

penguins world-wide. On what continent would you

be most likely to find penguins?

April 30

On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was

completed. How has this event affected our

country?