Teaching May 2023
As the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” For many schools, this month marks the last leg of the academic year. No matter when you celebrate the last day of school, you can keep your students engaged. Here are 6 days on the calendar with exciting Units and Topics, courtesy of Kids Discover.
May 4 – Construction Begins on Panama Canal (1905)
The Panama Canal was completed over 100 years ago. It is still considered one of the greatest engineering feats of modern history. The construction began on this day in 1905. In our Panama Canal Unit, your students will learn about the challenges the project faced, discover the geopolitical controversy between the U.S. and Panama, and take an interactive tour through the Canal itself.
May 5 – Alan Shepherd is the First American in Space (1961)
Before he walked on the moon, Alan Shepherd became the first American in space on this day in 1961. The 60’s Space Race inspired countless boys and girls worldwide to take an interest in science. Share the Space Unit with your students to have your class learn about our Solar System.
May 13 – National Train Day
Trains are magical machines that stimulate the imagination. From The Little Engine That Could to the Hogwarts Express, stories and films are filled with trains and the amazing places they go. For National Train Day, your students can fall in love with our Trains Unit, where they’ll learn about the locomotive’s beginnings and how this mode of transportation can be a wave of the future.
May 19 – National Endangered Species Day
Elephants. Tigers. Gorillas. Oh my! 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.
May 21 – American Red Cross Founded (1881)
Clara Barton was no ordinary 19th century woman. A model of strength, intelligence, determination, and grit, she was a role model by any calculation. To celebrate the founding of the American Red Cross in 1881, students can take a deep dive into our Clara Barton Unit, from a childhood with few playmates to an adulthood of accomplishments still known and very much relevant today.
May 29 – Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an occasion to pay tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while in the armed forces. People nationwide commemorate this day by participating in various services and events. As you enlighten your students about the importance of this holiday, you can start with The Monuments of Our Capital Topic from our Washington, D.C. Unit. This will help your students gain insights into the history and significance of the war memorials in the capital. Following this, students can delve into other relevant Units, such as those covering the Civil War, World War I, or World War II.
Teaching May 2023 Kids Discover
