Secondary – December 13

Sir Francis Drake launched on a three-year journey around the world on this date in 1577. Describe what you imagine your life would be like if you were to be away from, and unable to communicate with, your family and friends for three years.

Primary – December 13

Explain why you would rather be a great artist, a great athlete, or a great public leader.

Secondary – December 12

The first Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, John Jay, was born on this date in 1745. He was also co-author of the Federalist Papers. He wrote in Georgia v. Brailsford (1794), “The jury has the right to judge both the law as well as the fact in controversy.” What does this idea mean to you, and do you agree or disagree?

Primary – December 12

Gustave Flaubert, born on this date in 1821, said, “The future is the worst thing about the present.” What do you think he meant when he said this?

Secondary – December 11

On this date in 1972, Apollo 17 landed on the moon. It was the sixth and last manned mission to the moon. Describe what happens to a place you visit but never return to.

Primary – December 11

Sir David Brewster, the Scottish scientist who invented the kaleidoscope, was born on this date in 1781. Write a story about a time you saw a common object from a different perspective and realized you could use it in a new and different way.

Secondary – December 10

William Faulkner accepted the Nobel Prize in Literature on this date in 1950, telling the audience, “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail.” More than six decades later, explain whether he was correct.

Primary – December 10

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published on this date in 1884. Tell a story about a time you got in trouble that was totally worth it.