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Lilypad(C) J. Garwood 2014

(C) J. Garwood 2014

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who leads the May Day parade?

What is a maypole?

Where is May Day now celebrated?

Why do people give May baskets to neighbors?

How is Walpurgis Day celebrated?

When is May Day?

May DayMay 1st is celebrated in many cultures in the northern hemisphere as a

traditional spring holiday called May Day. May Day was first celebratedwith the festival of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, and WalpurgisNight in Germany and other nearby countries. Walpurgis Night is a springfestival celebrated six months from Halloween with dancing and bonfires.

Now, May Day is usually observed in Europe and some parts ofAmerica. The most common celebration is the maypole dance. The maypoleis a large, wooden pole, often decorated with flowers and greenery.People string ribbon, streamers, or flower garlands from the top of thepole and then hold them high above their heads as they dance in towardsthe pole. Often, the celebration of May Day also includes crowning of aMay Queen. Adorned in a crown of flowers, the May Queen usually leads aMay Day parade and makes a speech before the dancing. In some places,people leave “May baskets” of sweets or flowers anonymously onneighbors’ doorsteps to surprise them. Although May Day is celebratedmany different ways, it joyfully celebrates the coming of Spring!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who did Lucas meet while in college?

What was Lucas’ first dream career?

Where was George Lucas born?

Why is Star Wars Day celebrated on May 4th?

For which two movie series is Lucas best known?

When was Lucas in a car accident?

Biography: George LucasFor fans of the Star Wars movie franchise, May 4th is a special day.

This date was chosen because “May the Fourth Be With You” is a play onthe films’ famous quote, “May the force be with you.” On May 4th, fansoften watch the movies or dress up as Star Wars characters. Just tendays after “Star Wars Day” is the birthday of the series creator, too!

On May 14, 1944, George Lucas, Jr. was born in Modesto, California. Heoriginally wanted to be a race car driver, but in 1962 Lucas suffered aserious car accident that nearly killed him. He switched gears and beganfilming movies instead of racing. Lucas studied filmmaking at theUniversity of Southern California, where he met Steven Spielberg.

Lucas began writing, producing, and directing films, including the StarWars series, the Indiana Jones movies, and more. His company, Lucasfilm,later produced not just films, but also special effects, sound, and videogames. The founders of Pixar actually began working at Lucasfilm!Although he has retired, George Lucas’ contributions to American cinemaare cherished- on Star Wars Day, and all through the year!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who mostly celebrates Cinco de Mayo?

What does Cinco de Mayo mean?

Where is May 5th celebrated in Mexico?

Why was Mexico’s victory so surprising?

How many soldiers were in the French army?

When was the Battle of Puebla?

Cinco de MayoIn the 1860’s, Mexico had recently fought three wars. They were weak

and poor, owing other countries significant amounts of money. Francedecided to invade and attempt to take over Mexico. France brought anarmy of 8,000 well-equipped soldiers. The Mexican army of 4,500 soldiershad inferior weapons, but still managed to defeat the French army handilyon May 5, 1862. Because the French army was so much bigger andconsidered the strongest army in the world at that point, Mexico’svictory at the Battle of Puebla was unlikely and surprising.

Today, Mexico’s victory against the French army is celebrated on May5th in the state of Puebla where the battle occurred. However, Mexican-Americans have also adopted this day as a celebration of Mexicanheritage and pride. In the United States, this festive day is referred to asCinco de Mayo (which means “the fifth of May” in Spanish). Although Cincode Mayo is not celebrated much in Mexico, it has become a fun way forMexican-Americans to highlight their culture by featuring Mexican music,food, and folk dancing in special celebrations.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Which horse won the Derby in 1973?

What was the first year the Derby was held?

Where in Louisville is the Derby held?

Why is the Derby nicknamed “the Run for the Roses?”

How quickly did Secretariat run the Derby?

When is the Kentucky Derby held?

The Kentucky DerbyMost sporting events last an hour or more, but one event is known in

the United States as “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” This raceis the Kentucky Derby, a horse race held annually since 1875.

The Kentucky Derby is always held on the first Saturday in May. Therace is ten furlongs (one and a quarter miles) on a dirt track at thefamous Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Jockeys ride three-year-old Thoroughbred horses in hopes of winning “The Run for the Roses.” TheDerby has this nickname because the winning horse is draped with ablanket of 564 roses. The winning horse’s owner can also win $2 million.

In 1973, a horse named Secretariat came out of the gate in last place.As the race went on, though, Secretariat caught up and ended up winningthe race in record time- 1 minute and 59 seconds. Secretariat then wenton to win two other prestigious races, the Preakness and the BelmontStakes. A horse who wins all three in one year is said to win the TripleCrown. Only three horses have won the Triple Crown since Secretariat,and he still holds the record for the fastest run in each race!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who was the first female U.S. Secretary of State?

What did Albright do in the United Nations?

Where was Albright born?

Why does Albright know so many languages?

How many languages does she know fluently?

When was she nominated for Secretary of State?

Biography: Madeleine AlbrightIn 1937, when Madeleine Albright was born in the Czechoslovakia, few

women were offered leadership positions, but Albright would later excel inone of the most powerful positions in the world.

Albright’s parents were diplomats in Prague, but later had to run awaywhen the country was disbanded. Throughout her childhood, Albright livedin England, Yugoslavia, Switzerland, and eventually the United States.Because of this, Albright is fluent in four languages and speaks and readstwo others. She worked to earn her PhD degree and began working ineducational leadership and politics. She was appointed Ambassador to theUnited Nations, working with diplomats from throughout the world.

In 1996, Albright was nominated by President Bill Clinton to be theUnited States Secretary of State. The Senate unanimously confirmed thenomination with a 99-0 vote, making Albright the first woman to becomeSecretary of State. While in office, she considerably influenced Americanpolicy of military strength, promoted human rights, and advocated forAmerican business. Albright’s intelligence and political leadership make her

one of the most admired political figures in the United States.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who collaborated with Strauss to create jeans?

What did the Strauss business originally sell?

Where did Levi’s sister live?

Why had most customers come to California?

How were blue jeans made?

When did Levi Strauss pass away?

Levi Strauss: Making an American ClassicIn 1847, a young man who was only 18 years old emigrated to the

United States. His brothers had moved there earlier to begin a business inNew York City, so Levi Strauss decided to open another branch of thefamily business out West. He moved to San Francisco, where his sisterlived, and opened a dry goods business selling things like clothing, bedding,purses, and canvas for making tents. Most of his customers had come toCalifornia for the Gold Rush, and the business did well.

One of Strauss’ customers, Jacob Davis, was a tailor who hadinvented a new kind of pants perfect for gold prospectors’ work. Heused denim material and riveted it together to make them tough. Davisand Strauss created these “blue jeans” together and received a patenton May 20, 1873. The two men began selling them in Strauss stores.

Levi’s jeans quickly grew in popularity. At first, they were mostlyworn by working people in the western United States, but now they are apopular style throughout the country. Although Strauss died in 1902, hiscompany Levi Strauss & Co. continues to sell blue jeans today.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who was the first human in space?

What does NASA stand for?

Where did Kennedy speak about space in 1962?

Why was it important to win the Space Race?

How did the Space Race influence America’s future?

When did Apollo11 land on the moon?

John F. Kennedy and the Space Race

In the mid-twentieth century, the United States and the Soviet Unionvied for spaceflight supremacy. For nearly two decades, the twocountries competed to reach significant milestones in the “Space Race.”

The Soviet Union took an early lead by launching the first satellite(Sputnik I) and sending the first human into space (Yuri Gagarin). Bothtimes, although the accomplishments were impressive, the United Stateswas embarrassed by their rival’s technological accomplishments.

Looking for an opportunity to surpass the Soviet Union, PresidentJohn F. Kennedy spoke with NASA, the National Aeronautics and SpaceAdministration, and settled on a goal. In 1962, while speaking at RiceUniversity, Kennedy announced, “We choose to go to the moon in this

decade… not because [it] is easy, but because [it] is hard.” The goal oflanding a man on the moon in eight short years was incredibly ambitious.By July 1969, though, NASA succeeded in sending the Apollo 11 crew tothe moon! Winning the Space Race was important because it broughtimmense national pride to the United States, but also fostered incredibleadvances in science and technology that continually influence the U.S.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who was the first American woman in space?

About what was Ride passionate?

Where did Ride see an ad for NASA?

Why was Ride chosen to investigate the disaster?

How many hours did Ride spend in space?

When did Ride first go into space?

Biography: Sally Ride

WANTED: Astronauts. Can you imagine seeing an ad for the spaceprogram in your school newspaper? The scenario may seem unlikely, butSally Ride saw a NASA advertisement in the Stanford student newspaperwhile attending college and decided to apply to become an astronaut.

In 1983, Ride became the first American woman in space as a crewmember aboard the space shuttle Challenger. On this mission and asecond one the next year, Ride spent 343 hours in space. She wastraining to ride the shuttle Challenger on a third spaceflight when disasterstruck. Just after liftoff of a 1986 mission, the shuttle exploded, killing allthe astronauts inside. Due to her shuttle expertise and her experience onthe Challenger, Ride served on the committee that investigated theaccident to hopefully prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again.

From Sally Ride’s birth on May 26, 1951 to her death in 2012, Ride waspassionate about science and engineering. This passion led her to teachand research science at universities, but also to encourage children(especially girls) to pursue science. Ride wrote children’s books but also

founded the Sally Ride Science company to support this mission.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who called for Decoration Day to happen yearly?

What differentiates Veterans and Memorial Day?

Where are many military graves decorated?

Why was the holiday called Decoration Day?

How is Memorial Day celebrated?

When is Memorial Day celebrated now?

Memorial DayThroughout our country’s history, men and women of the armed

forces have fought to protect the United States of America. In May, weremember those who died. After over 600,000 Union and Confederatesoldiers died in the American Civil War, May 30th became a holiday. It wasknown as Decoration Day because it was customary to decorate soldiers’graves with flowers, especially in the South. In 1868, General John Loganofficially called for a national, annual Decoration Day.

After World War II, the name changed from “Decoration Day” to“Memorial Day” and began to honor all veterans who gave their lives forthe United States, rather than just those who died in the Civil War. In1968, the date was also changed from May 30th to the last Monday in May.

Sometimes, Veterans Day and Memorial Day are confused. Both honormen and women who have served in the military, but Memorial Dayremembers those who died while serving. On Memorial Day, citizens honorthe sacrifice of fallen soldiers through patriotic concerts, parades, and ofcourse decorating military graves, especially in Washington, D.C.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who first requested milk after winning?

What do winners often kiss after the race?

Where does the Indianapolis 500 take place?

Why was the line of bricks kept in the track?

How long is the race in total?

When was the first running of the 500?

The Indianapolis 500The greatest spectacle in racing begins with, “Ladies and gentlemen,

start your engines!” The Indianapolis 500, or Indy 500 for short, is anauto race held just outside of Indianapolis in Speedway, Indiana. The racehas been held annually on Memorial Day weekend since 1911.

As the race starts, 250,000 spectators sit in the seats and up to50,000 more gather in the infield. The open-wheel race cars then drive200 laps, totaling 500 miles of driving by the end of the race. (Each lap ofthe oval is 2.5 miles long.) Drivers compete for $2.5 million and the chanceto have their name and likeness added to the trophy. Winners of theIndianapolis 500 also like to kiss the bricks at the finish line. These brickswere kept to represent the original racing surface of bricks over theentire oval track. In 1933, winner Louis Meyer requested milk and begananother winners’ tradition- to drink a glass of milk in the winners’ circle.

The Indianapolis 500 is one of the oldest and most importantautomobile races in the world. For many families, attending or watchingthe Indianapolis 500 race at the “brickyard” is a Memorial Day tradition!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who brought Mrs. Funk the first flower?

What did Mrs. Funk carry into the classroom?

Where did Jesse go when he entered the room?

Why did the class want her to keep the paper flower?

How was the origami flower folded?

When would Mrs. Funk forget the class?

Teacher Appreciation DayMrs. Funk opened the classroom door, ready to start another day with

her class. She carried a very full bag of papers she had graded the nightbefore, plus a special snack she had brought in for learning math thatafternoon. As she checked her email, Mrs. Funk sipped on her coffee.

Just then, one of her students came in. Jesse made a beeline for Mrs.Funk’s desk and handed her a large vase. Strangely, it was empty, but shesmiled and thanked him anyway. A minute later, Neveah brought a singlerose and handed it to her teacher. “Oh, how pretty!” gushed Mrs. Funk.

As more students filed into the classroom, she noticed they each hada flower. Quickly, her vase was filled with a bountiful bouquet of flowersin all sizes and colors. It was beautiful, and Mrs. Funk was touched.

Finally, the last student arrived for the day with a delicately foldedorigami flower. “Mrs. Funk, we want you to keep this to remember us-because we will always remember you! Thank you for being a greatteacher and helping us learn so much!” Holding the flower, Mrs. Funk wipeda tear from her eye. She knew she would never forget them, either.

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who did Kenneth wake up first?

What did they give Grandma to drink?

Where had Aleisha made a Mother’s Day card?

Why did Kenneth move the chair?

How did the siblings walk to Grandma’s room?

When did Kenneth wake up?

Mother’s Day SurpriseKenneth woke up a few minutes before his alarm. He quietly turned it

off and tiptoed to his sister’s room. He gently shook her awake, saying,“Come on, Aleisha. It’s time to get the surprise ready!”

Kenneth led her to the kitchen. He moved a chair in front of therefrigerator so he could reach Grandma’s favorite cereal while his sisterput a cup and bowl on the tray. Then, while he poured cereal into thebowl, she filled the cup with juice. After putting some milk over thecereal, they stood back and smiled.

“Oh, wait!” Aleisha blurted out. “I almost forgot!” She rummaged in herbackpack and emerged with a Mother’s Day card she had made at school.

Kenneth grinned as she put it on the tray. “Perfect!” he nodded. Pickingup the tray, he and his sister walked very carefully so that he wouldn’tspill anything on the way to Grandma’s bedroom. Aleisha knocked softly.

“Happy Mother’s Day, Grandma!” Kenneth and Aleisha called.Grandma stirred, her eyes widening in surprise. “For me?”The kids giggled and hugged her. “Of course! We love you, Grandma!”

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who doubted the narrator’s strength?

What was the narrator’s favorite event?

Where does Field Day take place?

Why did the narrator move to the front?

How does the author show the narrator is angry?

When is the Tug of War event?

Field DayAfter a long, long school year, I can’t believe it’s finally here- field day!

Every year on field day, the entire school takes a break from learning inthe classroom to join fun competitions on the playground. This year, I’mextra excited because I know my team, the blue team, is going to win it all!

By the end of the day, we had done well- but as we came to the lastevent of the day, the green team was tied with us for the lead. Luckily, itwas my favorite event- Tug-Of-War! Knowing I could lead our team tovictory, I positioned myself in the front of my team’s line.

Jimmy, green team’s leader, looked at me and snickered. “A girl in thefront? You’re not strong.” My hands curled into fists. I wanted to saysomething back, but I knew the best way to prove him wrong was to win.

As the whistle blew, I was suddenly pulled forward. Wow, they arestrong! I thought. I dug my feet in and yanked the rope back with all mymight. I could see Jimmy losing his footing, and I grinned. “Come on, Blue!” Iyelled. With a tight grasp on the rope, we pulled back until the flagcrossed the middle line. I leapt in the air, thrilled. I knew we could do it!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Who was Renee’s teacher?

What did the class put into their backpacks?

Where did the class eat lunch?

Why did Renee not usually win awards?

How much time was left before summer break?

Which award did Renee win?

Last Day of SchoolRenee knew her teacher was talking, but she couldn’t help gazing out

of the window. The sun brightly shone into the room, beckoning the classto go outside for summer break- but there was still one hour of school.

That morning, her class had enjoyed one last morning meetingtogether, devoured one more pizza lunch in the cafeteria, cleaned outtheir desks, and packed unused supplies into their bookbags. All that wasleft now was the awards ceremony, so their teacher called the class tothe carpet. As Renee sat down, she sighed. School was hard for her, soshe never won anything. She absentmindedly played with her shoelace and

daydreamed about what she would do this summer… when suddenly, sheheard Mr. Taylor saying her name! What? she thought, confused.

“Renee, we are so proud of you,” the teacher said with a smile. Shebeamed as he handed her a certificate saying “Most Improved” at the top.

As Mr. Taylor wrapped up the awards and handed out their yearbooks,Renee looked around the room with a sad smile. Sure, she was excited for

summer… but she would miss her teacher, her class, and her school, too!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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Which ingredient is added last?

What should be used to split pudding into cups?

Where should you crush the cookies?

Why does the pudding need to sit for 5 minutes?

How should the gummy worms be put in the cups?

When should you make the pudding?

Recipe: Bookworms for Summer Reading!

Ingredients: chocolate sandwich cookies, chocolate instant pudding, coldmilk, whipped cream or topping, and gummy worms

1. First, place chocolate sandwich cookies into a large plastic bag. Using arolling pin, crush into crumbs and small pieces.

2. After making the crumbs, follow the directions on the box to make thechocolate pudding with your pudding mix and cold milk. Stir until it issmooth and let sit for about five minutes so the pudding can thicken.

3. Third, stir the whipped cream and about half of the cookie crumbs intothe pudding and stir until well-mixed.

4. Then, use an ice-cream scoop or spoon to split pudding into cups.

5. Fifth, insert gummy worms so that they look like they are partiallysubmerged in dirt, but sticking out of the top of the cups.

6. Pour remaining cookie crumbs on top of the pudding to look like dirt.

7. Finally, enjoy your “Bookworms” snack with a great book!

(C) J. Garwood 2014

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