A great way to develop background information on a variety of topics is to post an event from history for each day. Check out the events listed from each day April 25-30 and use the free online resources in this blog to supplement your teaching.
April 25–Watson and Crick
Watson and Crick formally announce they have determined the structure of DNA on August 25, 1953.
Genome Unlocking Life’s Code is a product of the Smithsonian and the National Human Genome Research Institute. A fun way to get your students interested in DNA might be to extract DNA from strawberries (fresh or frozen). The link gives a video and downloadable poster to explain the process.
April 26–Chernobyl
A nuclear disaster occurs at Chernobyl nuclear plant in the USSR April 26, 1986.
The PBS Newshour Extra video addresses the worst nuclear disaster in history, 30 years later. Essential questions, key terms, anticipatory set questions, and critical thinking questions for after the video are included.
April 27–Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square protest and deaths occur April 27, 1989 in Beijing, China.
CBS News has a 15 min video about the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing. China has censored information about this event. The video includes an interview with a protester.
April 28–Mutiny on the Bounty
Captain Bligh experienced a mutiny at the hand of Fletcher Christian.
The website, Famous Trials, has an account of the court-martial of the Bounty Mutineers. In addition to background information and trial recap, there are links to other resources which might be helpful in your classroom. This includes maps, logs, images, and transcripts.
April 29–Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock, often called the Master of Suspense, died April 29, 1980.
The video of the Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Movies will give your students a good overview of the Master of Suspense. Video lasts 14:16.
April 30-Operation Mincemeat
During WWII, British Intelligence officers pull off one of the best wartime deceptions–Operation Mincemeat on April 30, 1943.
The National Eisenhower Memorial presents a lesson “Art of Deception: Selling a Story to the German Army.” Students will use primary sources to explore how the Allied forces deceived the German Army during WWII. Students will develop a plan for a short film on military deception. The PDF contains links to maps, interesting details, photos, memos, articles, and video.
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