One thing I always knew is that I don't know much. Imagine my surprise when I found that there were books and a site that addressed that exact problem. Not knowing much.
Kenneth Davis is the author and creator of the "Don't Know Much About". Davis, has been dubbed “The King of Knowing” by Amazon.com
To quote Mr. Davis,
"
For years, I’ve been writing books that try to make learning fun. I ask questions, bust myths, connect the past to the present and shed light on overlooked stories from History, Geography, Mythology and the Bible, among other subjects. Have a look around my site. And join the journey- LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.
"
I've gone through some parts of the "Don't Know" series. And whilst I learnt a little, I also realized that there's much more that I don't know than I first thought.
There's one area where Mr. Davis is doing a very interesting service. His Free Classroom Skype's.
"
Dear Teachers,
Throughout American History, wars have provided the backdrop of some of the greatest crises faced by American presidents. In the spring of 2014, Kenneth C. Davis can Skype® into your classroom to discuss some of these moments in a program called Presidents, Conflict & Crisis.
Among the significant topics he will discuss:
•150 years ago Abraham Lincoln faced the possibility of losing the presidency as the Civil War entered a critical and costly period with some of the war’s most deadly fighting at such battles as Cold Harbor, Atlanta and the Siege of Petersburg. At the time Lincoln feared he would not be reelected or even nominated by the Republicans.
•100 years ago, Woodrow Wilson had to confront the possibility of America getting involved in Europe’s “Great War,” later known as World War I.
•70 years ago, World War II entered a crucial phase as the United States and its Allies prepared for the D-Day invasion (June 6, 1944) and Franklin D. Roosevelt had to decide if he should run for an unprecedented fourth term.
•50 years ago, Lyndon B. Johnson was attempting to pass a landmark civil rights law even as he deepened America’s involvement with Vietnam, especially after the Gulf of Tonkin incident in the summer of 1964. Johnson was also facing re-election, having become president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963.
•10 years ago, George W. Bush took the U.S. deeper into its war in Iraq even though he had declared major combat operations over a year earlier. As a violent insurgency spread in such cities as Fallujah, Baghdad and Najaf, the Iraq invasion became a costly fiasco..
How did these presidents respond to these crises and what lessons can history teach us today about going to war?
KENNETH C. DAVIS will offer a LIMITED number of free SKYPE® sessions to middle school and high school Social Studies classes, based on his availability. These sessions will be scheduled from APRIL 22 THROUGH MAY 2014.
Each classroom session will last about 30 to 45 minutes and include time for students to ask questions.
"
This is a great way to get students to appreciate history in a fun way. These books are a wonderful resource, especially if you have kids going to Middle School.
There's also a song that captures the "Don't Know Much" concept. Sam Cooke's "What a wonderful world". Have a listen.
Kenneth Davis is the author and creator of the "Don't Know Much About". Davis, has been dubbed “The King of Knowing” by Amazon.com
To quote Mr. Davis,
"
For years, I’ve been writing books that try to make learning fun. I ask questions, bust myths, connect the past to the present and shed light on overlooked stories from History, Geography, Mythology and the Bible, among other subjects. Have a look around my site. And join the journey- LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.
"
I've gone through some parts of the "Don't Know" series. And whilst I learnt a little, I also realized that there's much more that I don't know than I first thought.
There's one area where Mr. Davis is doing a very interesting service. His Free Classroom Skype's.
"
Dear Teachers,
Throughout American History, wars have provided the backdrop of some of the greatest crises faced by American presidents. In the spring of 2014, Kenneth C. Davis can Skype® into your classroom to discuss some of these moments in a program called Presidents, Conflict & Crisis.
Among the significant topics he will discuss:
•150 years ago Abraham Lincoln faced the possibility of losing the presidency as the Civil War entered a critical and costly period with some of the war’s most deadly fighting at such battles as Cold Harbor, Atlanta and the Siege of Petersburg. At the time Lincoln feared he would not be reelected or even nominated by the Republicans.
•100 years ago, Woodrow Wilson had to confront the possibility of America getting involved in Europe’s “Great War,” later known as World War I.
•70 years ago, World War II entered a crucial phase as the United States and its Allies prepared for the D-Day invasion (June 6, 1944) and Franklin D. Roosevelt had to decide if he should run for an unprecedented fourth term.
•50 years ago, Lyndon B. Johnson was attempting to pass a landmark civil rights law even as he deepened America’s involvement with Vietnam, especially after the Gulf of Tonkin incident in the summer of 1964. Johnson was also facing re-election, having become president after John F. Kennedy’s assassination in November 1963.
•10 years ago, George W. Bush took the U.S. deeper into its war in Iraq even though he had declared major combat operations over a year earlier. As a violent insurgency spread in such cities as Fallujah, Baghdad and Najaf, the Iraq invasion became a costly fiasco..
How did these presidents respond to these crises and what lessons can history teach us today about going to war?
KENNETH C. DAVIS will offer a LIMITED number of free SKYPE® sessions to middle school and high school Social Studies classes, based on his availability. These sessions will be scheduled from APRIL 22 THROUGH MAY 2014.
Each classroom session will last about 30 to 45 minutes and include time for students to ask questions.
"
This is a great way to get students to appreciate history in a fun way. These books are a wonderful resource, especially if you have kids going to Middle School.
There's also a song that captures the "Don't Know Much" concept. Sam Cooke's "What a wonderful world". Have a listen.
