This May we’re getting into some exciting units on the Human Body for National Nurses’ Day and World Asthma Day. We’ll also dive into some historical material to prepare for Memorial Day, JFK’s Birthday, and the 229th anniversary of the birth of our Constitution. Follow along with Kids Discover to supplement your lessons throughout the month. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook for regular updates. Have a great month!
From our Topic “Lungs in Trouble”
May 3rd – World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to improve asthma awareness and care around the world. Asthma is a disease that makes it hard for a person to breathe, and many things can trigger an attack, like allergies, a change in the weather, or physical exertion. Help kids learn more about asthma and other lung problems in our topic Lungs in Trouble. Our unit on Lungs also introduces kids to How Lungs Work, Lung Capacity and Dos and Don’ts for Lungs.
May 6th – National Nurses’ Day
From our Unit on Blood
National Nurses’ Day was founded in 1953 by President Eisenhower, after the department of Health, Education and Welfare requested a day to officially celebrate the contribution of nurses in our society. For kids with parents who are nurses, the week after this day may be filled with celebratory dinners and flowers from patients and loved ones. Want to introduce kids to things they may study as a nurse or doctor? Browse through our Units on the Human Body for inspiration – topics like The History of the Fight Against Germs, Fighting Infectious Diseases in Our Time, and Questions and Answers About Blood might be just the topics to get them started.
May 20th – Endangered Species Day
A young Malayian Tapir From our Unit on Endangered Species
Elephants. Tigers. Gorillas. Pandas. Blue Whales. What do these amazing creatures have in common? They are some of the biggest, coolest, and most loved animals on the planet. They are all also endangered species. Endangered Species Day was created to celebrate efforts to protect endangered species. Prepare for this day by reading our Free Mini-Unit on Endangered species, which includes topics like Biodiversity and Evolution, The Human Impact, and Preserving Habitats and Protecting Wildlife . You can also visit the Endangered Species Coalition’s website for additional resources!
May 25th – Anniversary of the Constitutional Convention (1787)
From our Topic on the Constitutional Convention
On this day in 1787, delegates from 12 of the original states gathered in Philadelphia with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation. Over a long, hot summer, the some of the most important names in American History, including Ben Franklin and George Washington, would draft and revise what was to become our Constitution. In our topic on the Constitutional Convention kids will learn how the purpose and structure of the new government was hammered out in the Preamble, Articles, Sections, and Clauses.
May 26th – Sally Ride’s Birthday (The First American Woman in Space)
From our Topic “Space Exploration in the Twentieth Century”
In the twentieth century, the dream of space travel finally became a reality. Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel in space in 1961, followed only a month later by American Alan B. Shepard. Two decades later Sally Ride became the first American female to visit space. She was part of a mission called STS-7 where she controlled a robotic arm to send satellites into orbit. After her career as an astronaut, she devoted her life to helping girls and women study science and mathematics as a professor at the University of California San Diego. Learn about her in our topic Space Exploration in the Twentieth Century.
May 29th – John F. Kennedy’s Birthday
AP Photo via The Nation
John F. Kennedy III, our 35th president, was born on this day in 1917. Forty-three years later, in 1961, he would become the youngest president ever elected in the United States. In his short time in office he established the Peace Corps, put the first man on the moon, and helped integrate black students into segregated college campuses. In our in-depth mini-unit on John F. Kennedy, students can learn more about his legacy and his tragic assassination in 1963.
May 30th – Memorial Day
Arlington Cemetery, by Joe Gough/Shutterstock
Memorial Day doesn’t only signal the beginning of summer. It’s also a day to remember everyone who has fought and died for the United States in our armed forces. In our topic on the Monuments of Our Capital, students will take a tour through historic monuments of Washington D.C., including the Arlington National Cemetery, The Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and more. Happy Memorial Day!
