2012 Teachable Moments
The New Year will give teachers many opportunities to share exciting events with their students. Lessons in American history, geography and civics will headline what promises to be an outstanding year educationally.
War of 1812
2012 will mark the bi-centennial of the War of 1812. Teachers will have opportunities to present lessons about future president Andrew Jackson as well as the famous Battle of New Orleans. A special web site has been created for this historic occasion lots of information for history buffs as well as teachers. Be sure to visit http://www.visit1812.com/
2012 Summer Olympic Games
The New Year is also an Olympic year. The Summer Olympics games will be held in London this summer. Teachers can create lesson about geography, flags, languages and customs as well as the numerous sports that Olympians will be competing in. Go to the web address http://www.london2012.com/ for more information. Help your students cheer our athletes on to victory.
Queen Elizabeth II - Jubilee
As long as we are discussing the United Kingdom, Brits will be celebrating the Jubilee year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Not since the reign of Queen Victoria has there been a monarch who ruled for 60 years. If you are focusing of Western European History or want to follow up on student interest in last year’s royal wedding, here is the opportunity to do so.
The Titanic.
April 2012 will mark the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ocean liner Titanic. The Titanic Historical Society web site is loaded with facts, figures and photos of artifacts. There will be several traveling exhibitions and commemorations. There will also be auctions of Titanic memorabilia. There are wonderful opportunities here for lessons in geography, history, laws of the sea, and early twentieth century society. Try this site http://www.titanic1.org/
Presidential Election
As has been discussed on this blog previously 2012 is a Presidential Election year. President Barak Obama will be running for re-election against one of seven current Republican candidates. These once every four year events cry out for civics lessons, dealing w current campaign issues like health care, the economy, immigration. There are also places to obtain information on elections, polling requirements and the Electoral College. Visit http://www.pbs.org/elections/kids/educators.html, http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/about.html.
Happy New Year!
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