Secondary – May 30

“There is no sin but ignorance.” -Christopher Marlowe, who died in a bar fight at age 29 on this date in 1593. Explain what you think he meant when he wrote that line.

Primary – May 30

On this date in 1972, the US launched the unmanned scientific probe Mariner 9 to Mars, where it became the first spacecraft to orbit a planet other than the Earth. Describe what you would like a mission to Mars to look for and find.

Secondary – May 29

True or false: “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” Explain your response to Andre Gide’s opinion.

Primary – May 29

On this date in 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest. Since then, many other people have climbed Everest, and several have died trying to do so. Explain why you think people should be allowed to, or prohibited from, climbing Everest.

Secondary – May 28

On this date in 1987, West German teenager and novice pilot Mathias Rust flew a small plane through the Soviet Union’s allegedly impregnable air defenses and landed at the Kremlin in Moscow. He claimed he did it to improve relations between the Soviet-led East and American-led West. Describe the stunt you would pull to make a point about something important to you.

Primary – May 28

“When you confront a problem you begin to solve it.” -Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, born on this date in 1944. Describe a problem you’ve got and how you’d like to confront it.

Secondary – May 27

“When you find a burden in belief or apparel, cast it off.” -Amelia Jenks Bloomer, born on this date in 1818. Describe your plan to cast off the burden you most need to be rid of.

Primary – May 27

“It is not what they take away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left.” -US Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey, born on this date in 1911. Tell a story about your own life that describes what you think about this idea.