Each February 14th, people express their love for each other with cards, flowers, and candy. How did this tradition start? This HISTORY feature has the answers.
Tag Archives: Culture & Society
Overview
Every astronaut learns a great deal about the Earth and its place in the cosmos before going into space. But once they see the Earth from space, everything changes. Watch this short film to learn why.
What Unites These States?
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Phillip Caputo drove across the country, from Key West, Florida, to Deadhorse, Alaska, in search of common ground. Discover what he learned from his experience about what unites Americans.
Flood Tablet: The Beginning of Science and Literature (1500 – 700 BC)
Without writing, the world would not have records of science or literature. This early clay tablet holds a version of Gilgamesh, a great epic of world literature. Listen to this podcast from the British Museum to learn how early writing began and became a part of culture.
4 Steps to Making Better Decisions
If you have an important decision to make, these four steps might help you. The most important step might be the last one listed here.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
In 1833, Harriet Beecher Stowe witnessed the brutality of slavery on her first trip to the South. What she saw changed her and led to her writing her famous anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin, in 1852. Listen to a discussion about her legacy here.
Why do some of us love to be scared?
Are you a Thrillseeker? New research shows people differ in their chemical response to thrilling situations. Read about why some of us enjoy being scared, while others don’t.
Home? Teen Refugees and Immigrants Explore Their Tucson
Read about, and view some of the material from, this exhibit in which student refugees and immigrants in Tuscon, AZ, explore the concept of home.
Personality Matters More Than Intelligence at School
An Australian psychologist conducted a study on how personality and academic performance are linked and found some surprising answers.
‘Next Stop Is Vietnam’: A War In Song
In this radio piece, NPR looks back at the music written during and about the Vietnam War. Many musicians used protest songs to voice their opposition to the war.
When Their Workday Ends, More Fathers Are Heading Into the Kitchen
While women still spend more hours in the kitchen than men on average, a growing number of working fathers are preparing meals.
The Football Genius of F. Scott Fitzgerald
Read about F. Scott Fitzgerald’s passion for Princeton football and how he may have influenced the game through his friendship with Fritz Crisler, the school’s head coach.
CEOs say how you treat a waiter can predict a lot about character
Most of us have experienced being treated as if we were less important than others, because of our age or social status or some other factor. But the people who make hiring decisions for some companies have taken notice, finding that how a job seeker treats those in service positions accurately reflects his or her character.
What Democracy Means To Us Today
In 2015, the Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in English history, celebrated its 800th anniversary. The Magna Carta became the model for our own United States Constitution and Bill of Rights. Read about why we should never take a democratic society for granted, and explore the site to learn more.
Helping Fellow Plane Crash Survivors Has Changed My Life
In 1985, George Lamson Jr. was the sole survivor of a plane crash. Read about the difficulties he experienced as a sole survivor, and watch videos in which four other sole survivors share their stories.
Japanese American Internment During World War II
While Jewish people were being forced into concentration camps in Europe, thousands of Japanese Americans were fired from their jobs, arrested, and forcibly relocated to internment camps in the United States. Read about why these American citizens suffered this treatment during World War II.
Volunteer Program Helps Lincoln Middle-Schoolers Prepare for Their Futures
Eighth grade is not too soon to think about college and career. High school will prepare you for both. Read how this middle school helps students focus on future planning for high school and beyond.
Fairy Tales: Help or Hinder?
In fairy tales about knights, dragons, princes, and princesses, good wins over evil. But should children think that nothing bad happens in real life? Should fairy tales be read to children today? Read the author’s opinion and decide whether or not you agree with what fairy tales really tell.
Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Movement, 1954-1985
The Supreme Court decision against segregated schools created new opportunities for African Americans. However, it also led to years of conflict between supporters and opponents of segregation. News stories, songs, videos, and pictures tell the story of people’s experiences of the changes sweeping the nation during this turbulent time.
Students immersed in Chinese culture
Watch a video about a group of American students on a cultural exchange in China. Immersing themselves in the culture, these students will spend a year in China learning Mandarin and living with locals.