In 1935, Amelia Earhart made the first solo flight between Hawaii and North America. She said, "Courage is the price that life asks for granting peace.” Do you agree? Explain your answer?

This week is International Thank You Week, designated to encourage people to thank others who they may not have had a chance to thank before. Think of all the people who have helped you that you have not had a chance to thank for their hard work. Select one and write that person a thank-you note, then give it to them.

"When I'm right, no one remembers; when I'm wrong, no one forgets," is a saying many of us could agree with. What is something that you have done that you felt deserved praise but did not get it?

January 12:
British politician Edmund Burke, who sided with the Americans during the Revolutionary War, was born in 1729. He once wrote, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” What do you think he meant by that?

In 1773, the first museum in America was opened in Charleston, SC. What is something you would like to see that is in a museum? Why do you want to see that?

Jack London, author of The Call of the Wild, was born in 1876. Many of Jack London's stories were about dogs. What is your favorite dog story?

January 13:
The first newspaper was founded in Augsburg, Germany in 1609. If you could read an original newspaper account of a famous historical event, which one would you choose, and why?

In 1928, the first television program was broadcast in the United States. The TVs of the time had 1-and-one-half-inch wide screens. Suppose TV screens had never become any bigger. How would your life be different? List at least 3 ways.

The first full moon of the year is called the Wolf Moon because in earlier times, wolves would become desperate for food during this time of year and attack cattle and other domestic animals. (Wolves almost never attack people; apparently we taste bad to them.) Modern people almost never see wolves, so Wolf Moon is not a very useful name for us. What name would you give for the full moon in January that might be meaningful to today's people? Why that name?

In 1957, the Wham-O company introduced the first Frisbee. Now people all over the world, and even some dogs, love to play with Frisbees. If you and your friends could play with a Frisbee, a softball, a basketball, or a soccer ball, which one would you choose? Why do you like that one best?

January 14:
In 1908, Illinois selected its state tree, the oak, and state flower, the violet. If your state decided to change its tree or flower, what do you think they should change it to? Give some reasons for your answer.

In 1690, Johann Denner invented the clarinet. What instrument's music is your favorite? What is your favorite song or player of that instrument?

In 1734, the world record low temperature was measured in Yenisiesk, Siberia, when the temperature dropped to 120 degrees below zero. Temperatures like these are one of the reasons people used to be sent to Siberia for punishment. Yet some people love it there, and refuse to move away when given a chance. Why do you think some people (maybe even you) like cold weather so much?

In 1693, the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut were adopted. It was the first written constitution created in the United States. A constitution is a set of basic rules that allow everyone to work together and solve problems. What are some things you think a good constitution should mention?

January 15:
Tim Berners-Lee, inventor of the World Wild Web, released the first web browser in 1992. In a very few years, the Web became popular. What website do you think is the most useful for students? Why do you think so?

Today is Adult Day in Japan, in honor of young people who are 20 years old and have become adults. They put on traditional ceremonial adult clothing and are visited by their parents' friends. How would you celebrate becoming an adult?

Today in 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was born, but we celebrate his birthday on the nearest Monday, rather than on the right day. The same thing has happened to several other holidays. Some people think this is a good idea, as it gives more people a long weekend. Others feel that it causes people to forget the reason for the holiday and think only about the day off. Which do you agree with, and why?

The Pentagon was completed in 1943. It is the world’s largest office building and has five sides, rather than four. Suppose your classroom should suddenly become a pentagon. How would you arrange everything in it?

January 16:
Ethel Merman, a famous theater and movie star, was born in 1907. She once said, "You'll never prove you're too good for a job by not doing your best.” What do you think she meant by that?

Captain James Cook discovered St. George Island, which he named for England's patron saint. If you were to discover an island, what would you name it, and why?

Andre Michelin, the founder of the Michelin Tire Company, was born in 1853. To encourage people to travel in their cars, and buy more tires, he started the Guide Michelin, a guidebook that rated restaurants by the quality of their food and service. List some restaurants you have eaten at, including fast-food restaurants, then rate them in order based on how much you liked their food. Share your list with your classmates. Which restaurants are the favorites?

Today is National Nothing Day, so you don't have to celebrate anything. Instead, think of one holiday or celebration that you would like to cancel. Why do you want to get rid of that one?

January 17:
Comic actor Jim Carey, who became famous for his role in Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, was born in 1962. Which comic actor or actress is your favorite? Describe some funny scenes that person played.

In 1773, British Captain James Cook commanded the first two ships to ever cross the Antarctic Circle. Although it is a cold and barren place, many people visit Antarctica every year. If you went there, what would you expect to see?

Ben Franklin was born in 1706, the first American to become world famous. Franklin was famous for many things, including his wise proverbs. One of them is, "Little strokes fell great oaks.” What do you think he means by that?

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