Secondary – February 9

The Beatles appeared on Ed Sullivan’s show for the first time on this date in 1964. 73 million people watched – about 40% of the US population at the time, and more than the percentage of people who watch the Super Bowl. What do you think could get that many people to do the same thing at the same time, and why would they do it?

Primary – February 9

The first sitting president of the United States to have his photograph taken, William Henry Harrison, was born on this date in 1773. If you could be the first person to take a picture of someone or something, who or what would that be, and why is it so important?

Secondary – February 8

John Williams, whose written the music for films like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, was born on this date in 1932. Describe how movies would be different if there were no music in...

Primary – February 8

“Science, my lad, is made up of mistakes, but they are mistakes which it is useful to make, because they lead little by little to the truth.” -Jules Verne, born on this date in 1828. Describe a time you made a mistake and learned something important because of it.

Secondary – February 7

Charles Dickens was born on this date in 1812. Explain what you think he meant when he said, “Charity begins at home, and justice begins next door.”

Primary – February 7

James Murray, who wrote half of the original edition of the Oxford English Dictionary before he died, was born on this date in 1837. What’s your favorite process for finding out about something you don’t know anything about?

Secondary – February 6

Eric Partridge, author of A Dictionary of Slang and Unconventional English, was born on this date in 1894. Think about a slang word that was popular when you were younger, or with your parents, that has fallen out of use. Explain why that happened — and what slang that’s currently popular you think will fade from use in 10 or 15 years.

Primary – February 6

Babe Ruth was born on this day in 1895. He hit more home runs than any player in major league history (until recently), but he also struck out more times than any player. What do those two records tell you about your life?