Secondary – September 24

F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on this date in 1896. He believed “there are no second acts in American lives.” Use examples to prove him wrong.

Primary – September 24

The person who created the Muppets, Jim Henson, was born in Greenville, Mississippi, on this date in 1936. Explain whether you think people can learn from puppets.

Secondary – September 23

“Youth is the best time to be rich, and the best time to be poor.” -Euripides, born on this date in 480 BC. Why both?

Primary – September 23

“Cleverness is not wisdom.” Euripides, who was born on this date in 480 BC. Describe what you think the difference is.

Secondary – September 22

Francisco Vásquez de Coronado died on this date in 1554 without ever finding any of the seven cities of gold for which he searched. Argue whether it’s better to have tried but failed to achieve an ambitious goal or to have set and achieved an insignificant goal.

Primary – September 22

“Water is to me, I confess, a phenomenon which continually awakens new feelings of wonder as often as I view it.” -English scientist Michael Faraday, who was born on this date in 1791. Describe what you see when you look at water.

Secondary – September 21

On this day in 1970, The New York Times premiered a new section called the Op-Ed Page, a section opposite the editorial page given over to columnists and illustrators to opine on the issues of the day. What’s your opinion about whether newspapers should express opinions or report only facts?

Primary – September 21

JRR Tolkien published The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, on this day in 1937. Describe the scariest place you want to visit.