Day In History: September 24-30 Free Resources

Supreme Court, Benedict Arnold, Federal Trade Commission, Henry Ford, Confucius, John D. Rockefeller, Hoover Dam

Below is listed an event in history for each day, September 24-30. Share these with your class and use the free resources with your students. (Disclaimer: Always check the resources to be sure they are appropriate for your students/level.) Scroll to the bottom of the page for the Differentiated Passages available for purchase from Reading Specialty (each title at 3 levels and with comprehension questions) or share the events with your class, discuss (developing background knowledge) and add your own resources to those listed below.

September 24: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court was established on September 24, 1789.

The Supremcourt.gov website opens with a “Today in Court” announcement. The site also includes a list of current members with a brief biography in the About the Court section. Navigating to the Argument Transcripts will provide oral argument transcripts of cases. This is interesting for students to view.

September 25: Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold was a general in the American military during the American Revolutionary War, before defecting to the British in 1780. September 25. 1780, George Washington discovers treason by Benedict Arnold.

The National Museum of American History has created a unique opportunity for social studies classrooms. An actor portraying Benedict Arnold discusses various actions and at the end the audience (students) determine if he was a traitor or a hero. The video is divided in segments by theme and includes a comprehensive teacher resource. Links to primary resources are included. The plan, designed to last three days, is well-designed and sure to be engaging.

Click here and be ready to be amazed!

September 26: Federal Trade Commission

The Federal Trade Commission, an independent agency of the United States government, was established in 1914 by the Federal Trade Commission Act. September 26, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Trade Commission Act into law.

This article by the Federal Trade Commission lists 10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud. Our students need help to recognize the schemes of crooks. This article is a good discussion starter.

September 27: Henry Ford

September 27, 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model T which revolutionized the industry. Read about Ford and his contributions to the automotive industry.

PBS offers several resources to supplement your instruction on Henry Ford and the assembly line. Click here for an image gallery of the assembly line at Ford’s Factory. A timeline of his life can be found here. An article featuring memories of Ford by former employees can be found by checking here. While the entire Henry Ford video is not available here (links can be found to sources for the video), there is a 12 1/2 minute excerpt of the beginning of the movie.

September 28: Confucius

Confucius was born September 28. 551 BCCE. 

Khan Academy, the free non-profit learning resource is probably best known for their math videos, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out this 10 minute video, Confucius and the Hundred Schools of Thought. One very helpful feature is the written transcript of the video which I find to be a great source for the busy teacher.

September 29: John D. Rockefeller

On September 30, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt presided over the dedication ceremony of the Hoover Dam. 

Product Description

John Rockefeller Sr. was an American oil industry business tycoon, industrialist, and philanthropist. He is known as the wealthiest person in modern history. September 29, 1916, newspapers report Rockefeller is a billionaire.

BrainyQuote lists quotes of historic figures and present day personalities. A look at the quotes of John Rockefeller will provide interesting topics for your students to discuss.

September 30: Hoover Dam

On September 30, 1935, President Franklin Roosevelt presided over the dedication ceremony of the Hoover Dam. 

The Bureau of Reclamation maintains a website with information on the Hoover Dam. This includes a photography section with pictures of dam views, the power plant, construction (historic) views, and old post cards.

Dam Views – modern views of the dam.

Power Plant – views of the generators and other equipment.

Historic Views – views from the period of construction.

Old Post Cards – a collection of old post cards

To go to the Differentiated Passage at my TPT store for any of the above titles, click below.

The Supreme Court

Benedict Arnold

Federal Trade Commission

Henry Ford

Confucius

John D. Rockefeller

Hoover Dam

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