Secondary – February 21

“The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggles.” The Communist Manifesto was first published on this date in 1848. Explain what you think Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels meant when they wrote this, and whether you agree.

Primary – February 21

The poet W.H. Auden was born on this date in 1907. He once wrote, “Learn from your dreams what you lack.” What does that mean to you?

Secondary – February 20

Ansel Adams was born on this date in 1902. Explain why you agree or disagree with his statement, “Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.”

Primary – February 20

“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.” What do you think Ansel Adams, who was born on this date in 1902, meant when he said that?

Secondary – February 19

On this date in 1942, the US government began moving Japanese-Americans living on or near the Pacific coast to internment camps. They remained interned until the war ended and they were allowed to return to their homes in January 1945. Write one paragraph arguing this was a logical national defense position during World War II, and one paragraph disputing that position.

Primary – February 19

“To know that we know what we know, and to know that we do not know what we do not know, that is true knowledge.” -Nicolaus Copernicus, the first person to suggest using scientific observation that the Earth was not the center of the solar system and the universe, and who was born on this date in 1473. Explain why it’s important to know what you don’t know.

Secondary – February 18

On this date in 1884, Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was first published. Defend your position on whether it is right or wrong to help someone who is breaking an unjust law.

Primary – February 18

Describe what you would do if you could learn to play any musical instrument.