For many schools around the country, March can mean one thing… Spring Break! The weather is hopefully going to start getting warmer and you have more daylight to look forward to. Even if your Spring Break isn’t until April, I’m sure your students are already starting to get antsy. Give your students something new to learn about with these 7 relevant Units and Topics for March, plus one new Video.
Women’s History Month
Since the very beginning of the United States, amazing women have helped make our country what it is today. Some of this was done behind the scenes and without the right to vote until 1920. March is Women’s History Month and the perfect opportunity to share these amazing stories with your students. Our Revolutionary Women Unit tells about the war effort from home, while the Suffragist Unit (free all month to view) teaches about the long battle women had to face for the right to vote. We also have our newest Video, Highlights of the Suffrage Movement, to walk your students through critical moments in women’s history.
March 1 – Yellowstone National Park Established (1872)
With a swoop of a pen, Yellowstone became the first U.S. National Park on this day in 1872. It spans over 3,000 square miles in Northwest Wyoming and is visited by about 4 million tourists each year. It’s home to hundreds of species of animals, but also the largest supervolcano in North America, which you can see displayed in the Old Faithful Geyser. Safely explore one of our planet’s most striking features in our Volcanoes Unit. Take an extra look at Volcanic America to see some more familiar sights.
March 6 – Michelangelo is Born (1475)
Michelangelo, one of the most famous artists of the Renaissance, was born on this day in 1475. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, and poet who is probably best known for painting the Sistine Chapel’s ceilings and sculpting the statue of David. Teach kids about the goals of the renaissance painters, Michelangelo and Da Vinci, including their fascination with the human form, from our Renaissance Unit.
March 12 – President Roosevelt Gives First Fireside Chat (1933)
The year is 1933. The United States is in the midst of the Great Depression, and the unemployment rate is nearly 25 percent. To help calm the fears most Americans were feeling, President Franklin D. Roosevelt held his first Fireside Chat on March 12th. He spoke directly to the American people through radio and could be a source of comfort during such uncertain times. In our Great Depression Unit, your students will learn about what life was like in the 1930s, how people were affected, and how our country ultimately recovered.
March 15 – The Ides of March (44 BC)
Beware the Ides of March. During the times of Ancient Rome, this day was often marked by religious observances but forever became infamous with the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. It was a betrayal created by nearly 60 conspirators and is considered one of Roman history’s most significant turning points. You can learn more about the events that happened on that fateful day in our Units on Ancient Empires and Early Romans.
March 22 – World Water Day
All living things on this beautiful planet of ours need water to survive. However, it has become a daily struggle for many to find even a minimal amount of clean drinking water. Since 1993, World Water Day has continued to highlight the importance of fresh water and raise awareness for the 2 billion who live with water scarcity. Our Unit Water addresses all of these issues and may even inspire your class to take up this incredible cause.
March 26 – Dr. Jonas Salk Announces Polio Vaccine (1953)
Dr. Jonas Salk was a virologist and medical researcher who became best known for developing a polio vaccine in 1953. Polio is a viral disease that could potentially affect the spinal cord, causing muscle weakness and paralysis. Because of the dedication of Dr. Salk and his team, the United States has been polio-free since 1979. In our Germs Unit, your students can learn about the seemingly endless fight against different viruses and what our body does to keep us healthy.
