This June as school winds down, make sure kids keep reading with these timely topics! We’ll be exploring Life Science on World Environment and Oceans Day, and taking a look back at World War II and the American Revolution with some important anniversaries. And get excited for some star gazing for Meteor day at the end of the month. Follow along with Kids Discover to supplement your lessons throughout June. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for daily updates on our Free Topics. Have a great month!
June 2nd: Queen Elizabeth II Crowned On This Day in 1953
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In 1952, George VI of Britain died, and on June 2nd, 1953 his daughter, Elizabeth II, became queen. She is still queen today, but her duties are mostly ceremonial. Introduce kids to Kings and Queens Today, and “God save the queen!”
June 5th: World Environment Day
From our topic Island Plants and Animals
World Environment Day is the United Nation’s Day for spreading global awareness about environmental protection. This year’s theme is “Go Wild For Life” and encourages the end of illegal wildlife trade. On this day have kids explore wildlife in whatever biome they choose, whether it’s Animals of the Rainforest, Island Plants and Animals, or Animals of the Mountains.
June 6th: D-Day Anniversary
From our topic Victory in Europe
On this day in 1944, allied troops invaded the shores of Normandy, France against the Germans. Teach kids about this historic day that marked the beginning of the end of the war with our topic Victory in Europe, and our unit on World War II.
June 8th: World Oceans Day
From our topic Exploring the Ocean
Celebrate World Oceans Day by learning about the many mysterious and incredible features of our watery surroundings – starting with the origins of what should rightly be called the “world ocean” 4.5 billion years ago. Our unit on Oceans includes topics like How the Oceans Formed, Ocean Myths and Legends, and the Layers of the Ocean.
June 14th: US Continental Army Established On This Day in 1775
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On this day in 1775 George Washington formed the Continental Army to create a united defense against Great Britain. Learn about the American Revolution and what it was like to live a Soldier’s Life during this time.
June 20th: Summer Solstice
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Though we might have celebrated the beginning of summer on Memorial Day, June 21st is the first official day of summer. We have seasons because Earth spins with a 23-degree tilt. When the North Pole slants toward the Sun, the planet’s northern half enjoys the warmth of summer. Help kids understand seasons with our topic Rotation, Revolution and Eclipses, in our unit on the Sun.
June 23rd: Alan Turing’s Birthday
Alan Turing, From our topic The Computer
Happy Birthday Alan Turing! One of the first computer scientists would have turned 104 today. He was born in London, England on this day in 1912. In 1937, he wrote a paper describing a computing machine that could perform any calculation. After World War II, he designed computers that helped the British government. Learn about the inventions that led up to the Computer today.
June 30th: Meteor Day
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On Meteor Day, look out in the night sky for streaks of passing light. Our topic Meteors and Moon Rocks, from our unit on Geology, will explain to kids that what they’re seeing isn’t actually a shooting star, but a giant space rock called a meteor, hurtling through our galaxy. Hopefully the skies will be clear and you’ll spot some good ones!
