Teaching August 2025
- July 30, 2025
- By KIDS DISCOVER
August marks the start of something new: fresh notebooks, curious minds, and a classroom buzzing with possibility. Whether you’re setting up bulletin boards or planning your first lessons, know that Kids Discover is here to support you every step of the way. To kick off the year with wonder and inspiration, here are eight fascinating moments from history and science that are perfect for sparking discussion this month.
August 1 – Discovery of Oxygen (1774)
On this day in 1774, chemist Joseph Priestley conducted an experiment that would change science forever, discovering oxygen! Though he didn’t call it that at the time, his work helped scientists better understand the air we breathe and the way elements interact. This moment connects to our Atoms Unit, offering a great opportunity to explore the building blocks of everything around us.
August 1 – Anne Frank Writes Her Last Diary Entry (1944)
Also on August 1, but 170 years later, Anne Frank wrote the final entry in her diary while hiding during World War II. Her words, filled with hope and reflection, remain one of the most powerful personal accounts of the Holocaust. In the World War II Unit, students, especially Middle School students, can learn more about the broader history of this era.
August 5 – Neil Armstrong’s Birthday (1930)
Born on August 5, 1930, Neil Armstrong would go on to make history as the first human to walk on the Moon. His famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” are featured in our Moon Unit, which explores science, history, and even some fantasy about space exploration.
August 12 – Ford Builds First Model T (1908)
The automobile changed the way people lived, worked, and traveled, and it all began with the Model T. On this date in 1908, Henry Ford built his first Model T car, launching a new era of innovation. Our Inventions Unit, including The Automobile Topic, helps students dive into this moment and see how one idea can reshape the world.
August 14 – FDR Signs the Social Security Act (1935)
During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced many new programs to support struggling Americans. On August 14, 1935, he signed the Social Security Act, creating a safety net that still exists today. The Great Depression Unit gives students a look into this challenging chapter in U.S. history, and the ways people worked to overcome it.
August 21 – Hawai‘i Becomes the 50th State (1959)
On this day in 1959, Hawai‘i officially became the 50th state of the United States. From its volcanic landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, Hawai‘i is truly unique. Celebrate statehood day with our Hawaii Unit, which explores the islands’ history, geography, and traditions.
August 24 – Mount Vesuvius Erupts (79 CE)
When Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE, it buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under ash and stone. For centuries, the world forgot about them, until archaeologists unearthed the ruins and opened a window into ancient life. This incredible event ties perfectly into both our Volcanoes and Pompeii Units, allowing for a cross-curricular lesson plan to start out the new school year.
August 28 – Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” Speech (1963)
On August 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. His powerful words became a defining moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Our Civil Rights, MLK JR., and Washington, D.C. Units give students the context to explore this moment, and the movement that shaped it.
