Economics is the study of how people and countries choose to spend money and use scarce resources. At the individual level (microeconomics) we might choose between saving for an iPod, or spending on a movie, while governments decide (macroeconomics) how …[Continue]
Italy
In celebration of their World Cup victory (and my recent vacation there) this week’s topic is Italy. Italy is a republic in southern Europe known for its rich history, good food, natural beauty and excellent soccer team….[Continue]
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the United States Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights. Among the rights protected are freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection from unreasonable search. In 1941, in celebration of the …[Continue]
National Parks
The world’s first national park, Yellowstone National Park, was established on March 1, 1872 by President Ulysses Grant. Forty-four years later, on August 25, 1916, the National Park Service was established by Congress. Today there are fifty-eight National Parks in …[Continue]
Korea
June 25 marks the fifty-fifth anniversary of the eruption of war in Korea. That war ended in 1953 in a hostile truce between the communist Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the democratic Republic of Korea (South Korea). …[Continue]
American Flag
Each year on National Flag Day (June 14th) our country celebrates the history and symbolism of our flag. With Memorial Day just behind us, and Independence Day just around the corner, all the picnics, parades, flags and fireworks blend into …[Continue]
World Maps
From maps of your neighborhood, to maps of planets in the galaxy, the Internet has millions of maps. Today’s topic is online atlases specializing in continent, country and state maps. Whether you are a tourist planning a vacation, a student …[Continue]
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a man-made waterway, completed in 1914, linking the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through the Isthmus of Panama. An eight-hour trip through the fifty-mile Panama Canal saves a ship 5,200 miles on a voyage from Los Angeles …[Continue]
Presidential Election 2004
Because a democracy is a government led by its people, voting to elect our leaders is a vital responsibility. With November’s presidential election just four months away, the campaigns are heating up. Here are some online resources for kids and …[Continue]
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is not a single museum, but rather the world’s largest collection of museums (sixteen) and affiliate museums (129), housing 143 million objects and hosting 45 million visitors a year. The following Smithsonian sites are just a few …[Continue]
