Inventor's Day

In recognition of the great contributions that inventors have made to the world, National Inventors Day is celebrated on February 11. This date was chosen because Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847. Thomas Edison was an American inventor, scientist, and businessman and is known as one of the most prolific inventors of all time. Edison invented more than 1,200 items, including the light bulb and phonograph.

What do you think is the most important invention of all time? Why? (remember to write at least 5 thoughtful sentences)

Black History Month

Black History Month is celebrated in February in the United States in recognition of the achievements made by black Americans and the important role of African Americans in U.S. history.

Using the list of 500 Biographies of Famous African Americans, choose one person who interests you, read about them, and then write a summary about them. You may NOT do a person that someone else has already done, but there are 500 to choose form, so that shouldn't be a problem!

Remember, a good summary contains a topic sentence and 3-5 important detail sentences. Also, remember to put things in YOUR OWN WORDS!

Halfway

We are officially halfway through the school year. Reflect back on the first 90 days of school. What were some of your favorite moments? What's been the most challenging? What are you most looking forward to for the next 90 days?

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known for being a prominent leader in the advancement of civil rights in the United States and around the world, using nonviolent methods. In 1955, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. led the Montgomery Bus Boycott and in 1957 he helped to found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. On August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. Martin Luther King Day was established as a federal U.S. holiday in 1986 and it is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed on January 20, 1986. Martin Luther King Day was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Beginning with the words "I Have a Dream," write your own speech about your hopes for our world and its people.

Newton's Birthday

Isaac Newton was born on January 4, 1643 in Woolsthorpe, England. He was an English physicist, mathematician, and astronomer. He is considered by many to be the greatest scientist of his time.
Isaac Newton discovered the Law of Gravitation. This discovery started with an apple falling from a tree.

• Why do you think Newton's discovery of gravity was important?

Visit Wikipedia's Isaac Newton's Page to learn more information about this influential scientist.

Holiday Traditions

Will your family be celebrating any holidays over Winter Break- like Christmas, New Years, or Hanukkah? Pick your favorite holiday that you celebrate and write about what your family's traditions are.

(If you don't celebrate any winter holidays, you can write about what you will be doing over Winter Break)

Walt Disney's Birthday

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901 in Chicago, Illinois. When Walt Disney first opened Disneyland, it consisted of five themed areas:

1. Main Street, U.S.A. (an early 20th century Midwest town based on Walt Disney's childhood)
2. Adventureland (featuring jungle themed adventures)
3. Frontierland (illustrating the western frontier)
4. Fantasyland (bringing fantasy into a reality)
5. Tomorrowland (looking into the future)

Pretend that you worked for Walt Disney in 1955 and write an idea for a 6th themed area for Disneyland. Describe the theme for this area and the rides and buildings that would be included in this new area of Disneyland.