Explorica is proud to continue with a second year of this helpful resource for teachers: our 2019-20 Around the World classroom calendar!
The calendar features a new country and an international holiday or event for you to celebrate with your students each month. Download a new page each month on this blog (and subscribe!), hang it up in your classroom, and talk to your students about how the holiday reflects the country’s history and culture.
This August, we are featuring beautiful Hawaii! Hawaii officially became a U.S. State on August 21, 1959. First settled sometime between 124 and 1120 AD, the Hawaiian islands were fairly isolated until the British arrived in 1778. After the Kingdom of Hawaii was established in 1795, American immigration began, and the U.S. became its primary partner in trade.
When students experience our Hawaii tours, they get an in-depth historical and cultural look at the Aloha state. Tour Honolulu, see Iolani Palace, and take in the unbelievable views after hiking Diamond Head. History lessons abound at the Pearl Harbor memorial and the Polynesian Cultural Center.
When you cover U.S. history during the school year, use this resource to teach your students about Polynesian culture, the history of Hawaii, and how it came to be the 50th state. Discuss the role Pearl Harbor played in our entry into World War II.
Questions to ask your students:
- What are some differences you notice about Polynesian culture? What kinds of unique cultural practices are still common there today?
- Describe how and why Hawaii became the 50th state.
- What was the significance of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and why did it lead to the United States entering WWII?