March came in like a lion, out like a lamb, and we’ve finally made it to April! While a big focus during this Spring month is nature and Earth Day, there are so many more important topics to teach too. Give your students something new to learn about with these relevant Units and Topics from Kids Discover.
Immigration
Before I go into interesting historical moments, I want to take the time to discuss a serious topic. Your students may have questions about what happened in Atlanta recently. Some students, particularly your students of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, may be afraid. While I always say you know your students better than anyone, I suggest reviewing our Immigration Unit with your students as the United States is a nation of immigrants. No matter where your family originally comes from, when they came to this country, what language they speak, everyone should be treated with respect and compassion. That mindset begins in your classroom and always deserves repeating.
April 6 – The United States Enters World War I (1917)
It was originally called The Great War and The War to End All Wars. On this day in 1917, the United States officially joined the Allies in World War I. While anything from over 100 years ago can feel like an ancient concept to your students, our World War I Unit will bring alive this great international conflict. Continue the story with your students about why some of the resolutions ultimately lead to the beginning of World War II.
April 15 – Titanic Remembrance Day (1915)
The Titanic was thought to be an “unsinkable” ship, but that all changed on its maiden voyage from England to New York City. Because of a collision with an iceberg and an insufficient number of lifeboats, over 1,500 souls were lost in the North Atlantic Ocean. Our Titanic Unit takes your students through the life of this massive ship from its construction to its legacy. Afterward, pair with our Boats and Ships Unit for a discussion on what could have been done differently to avoid this infamous disaster.
April 17 – Apollo 13 Returns Safely to Earth (1970)
“Houston, we have a problem.” It’s an expression that your students may have heard, but do they know where it comes from? On this day in 1970, NASA and the world waited with hope that the Apollo 13 crew would return safely to Earth after a failed oxygen tank was discovered. 10 million TV viewers held their breath as they watched the splashdown in the South Pacific. Your students will be fascinated by our Rockets Unit as it dives into where they came from and where they’re going.
April 18 – San Francisco Earthquake (1906)
In 1906, one of the biggest earthquakes in US history struck the major city of San Francisco, California. To make matters worse, the earthquake also broke the city’s water pipes, leaving 80% of the city in rubble or destroyed by fire. Earthquakes are an unpredictable force of nature that have been part of our planet for all of its 4.6 billion years. In our Earthquakes Unit, students will learn about how they work, how we measure them, and how humanity has learned to live with them.
April 22 – Earth Day
Today is the day to get outside and appreciate Mother Nature! Since you can’t spend the entire school day outdoors, if only, be sure to have your students read our Conservation Unit. Teaching students to care about the Earth now will hopefully create a generation of conservationists later. Our Ecology Unit also discusses the delicate balance between nature and mankind, and what we can do to protect it.
April 25 – Hubble Telescope Released Into Orbit (1990)
Nearly 50 years in the making, the Hubble Space Telescope was released into orbit on this day in 1990. The result was catching breathtaking images of outer space and learning so much about the cosmos. Definitely show your students our Images from the Hubble Telescope Topic and watch their faces light up with wonder. Humanity has always been curious about what lies among the stars. Our Telescope Unit explains how that technology was possible and how it led to some of our greatest scientific discoveries.
