Primary – June 2

On this date in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in London. Describe what you think are the differences between a royal leader like a queen or king and an elected leader like the president.

Primary – June 1

On this date in 1990, the South African government proposed a bill to eliminate apartheid, the law that prevented black and white citizens from using the same public services like buses and swimming pools. How would you explain to a visitor from another planet why this law was a bad idea?

Primary – May 31

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine — and shadows will fall behind you.” -Walt Whitman, who was born on this date in 1819. Explain what you think is false or true about this statement other than its physical accuracy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Primary – May 26

John Churchill, who rose from a childhood as a page to become England’s most successful military leader and the 1st Duke of Marlborough, was born on this date in 1650. Explain why you agree or disagree that it is important to study historical examples of successful people.