On This Day in History: In 1493, explorer Christopher Columbus mistook manatees for mermaids when he sailed near what is now the Dominican Republic and described them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” #D86Curriculum

On This Day: In 1901, a drilling derrick in TX produced a gusher of crude oil, coating the landscape and signaling the start of the American oil industry. Following the discovery, petroleum became the main fuel source for new inventions such as cars and airplanes. #D86Curriculum

On This Day in History: In 1964, United States Surgeon General Luther Terry announced a definitive link between smoking and cancer. He intentionally chose to release it on a Saturday to limit its immediate effects on the stock market. #D86Curriculum

On This Day: In 1932, Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway, a Democrat from Arkansas, became the first woman to be elected to the US Senate. Caraway had been appointed to the Senate two months earlier to fill the vacancy left by her late husband. #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day in History: In 1995, the first all-women sailing team competed in the America's Cup, the world’s oldest continually contested sporting trophy and pinnacle of international sailing yacht competition, and won the first race of the defender trials. #D86Curriculum

On This Day in History: In 1916, a group of golf professionals and several leading amateur golfers gathered at the Taplow Club in New York City, which resulted in the founding of the Professional Golfers Association (PGA). #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day in History: In 1919, leaders of the victorious Allied powers (France, Great Britain, United States and Italy) met in Paris, France to begin long, complicated negotiations that would officially mark the end of the WWI. #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day in History: In 1952, 36 years after it was founded, the PGA approved participation of Black golfers to compete in PGA co-sponsored events. The push for inclusion came after pressure from former boxing champion Joe Louis, a talented amateur golfer. #D86Curriculum

On This Day in History: In 1981, minutes after Ronald Reagan’s inauguration as the 40th president of the United States, the 52 U.S. captives held at the U.S. embassy in Teheran, Iran, were released, ending the 444-day Iran Hostage Crisis. #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day: In 1957, the Wham-O toy company rolled out the first of their aerodynamic plastic discs, now known as Frisbees. The idea began in Bridgeport, CT when university students threw empty Frisbie pie tins to each other, yelling “Frisbie!” as they let go. #D86Curriculum

On This Day in History: In 1908, the Boy Scouts movement began in England with the publication of the first installment of Robert Baden-Powell’s Scouting for Boys. By the end of April, the serialization of Scouting for Boys was completed. #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day in History: In 1986, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the Chicago Bears scored a Super Bowl record number of points to defeat the New England Patriots, 46-10, and win their first championship since 1963. #D86Curriculum history.com/this-day-in-hi…

On This Day in History: In 1948, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, political and spiritual leader of the Indian independence movement, was assassinated in New Delhi by a Hindu extremist. Gandhi’s persuasive methods of civil disobedience influenced Martin Luther King Jr. #D86Curriculum

Ms. Ferguson’s 5th Grade class Sandburg Elementary learning about amendments. #D86Curriculum

Tonight is the night!!! Hope to see you there!!!

Mr. Martinsen’s #SocialStudies students Washington Jr. High observing, interpreting and discussing Primary Sources. #D86Curriculum

Beautiful message seen Gompers Jr. High

Ms. Regnier’s 6th Grade Academy Social Studies students Washington Jr. High demonstrated cross-curricular activities with Joliet 86 Fine Arts when they built 3D models of “The Ancient World.” Our Joliet Schools 86 students have amazing talents! #D86Curriculum

5th Grade Pershing Elementary students combined their social studies knowledge of a free market and advertising with their math knowledge of adding decimals by creating, selling, and buying ornaments from each other. Enjoyed seeing cross-curricular activities come to life! CurriculumD86

Mr. Martinsen’s 8th Grade Academy students Washington Jr. High expanded their World War II knowledge by reviewing their classmates’ projects that focused on specific events, groups or themes that lead to or throughout the Holocaust.