July 2001: Independence Days Check out these interdisciplinary activity ideas, TV programs, and online resources for your classroom. Return in August for ideas relating to National Kids Day! Teaching Ideas Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Perhaps the best-known part of the Declaration of Independence is Jefferson's assertion that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Although this idea seems obvious to many today because it is so engrained in the American consciousness, in the 18th century it was truly revolutionary. But even today, many ask--what is "the pursuit of happiness"? What does a right to "Life" encompass? What does "Liberty" really mean for individuals and groups? Visitors to the PBS Thomas Jefferson Web site were invited to submit photographs that illustrated their perceptions of "the pursuit of happiness." With students, visit the Photo Gallery on the site and examine the submissions. Which ones do your students find particularly meaningful? How many interpretations of "happiness" do they see there? Using disposable cameras or magazine photos, help students create their own photo collages illustrating "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These may be displayed in your school, the public library, the city government center, etc. With older students, visit the PBS Thomas Jefferson Web site and read the interviews with historian Daniel Boorstin, writer Gore Vidal, columnist George Will and civil rights activist Julian Bond, who reflect on the concepts of "liberty" and "pursuit of happiness." How do their interpretations differ? How does each person's impression of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" differ from students' own perceptions? Independence Days Calendar Ask your students to list as many independence days as they can; their list might include July 4 (U.S.); July 14 (France, Bastille Day); May 5 (Mexico, Cinqo de Mayo); and others. Encourage students to research selected other countries as well. They might choose to learn more about India, Nigeria, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, or others. Begin with the list of links below. As students conduct their research, encourage them to think about common elements to the struggle for independence in different parts of the world. Independence from what, or whom? Independence how? Discuss the similarities and differences students find. As a class, develop a large wall calendar that incorporates the different independence days researched. Throughout the school year, refer to the calendar to refresh students' learning. PBS Online Resources: Sites to See Napoleon: French Revolution http://www.pbs.org/empires/napoleon/n_politic/frenchrev/page_1.html Queen Victoria's Empire: The Scramble for Africa http://www.pbs.org/empires/victoria/history/scramble.html Thomas Jefferson http://www.pbs.org/jefferson/ Hawaii's Last Queen http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/hawaii/ A Force More Powerful (nonviolent conflict around the world) http://www.pbs.org/weta/forcemorepowerful/ Crucible of Empire: The Spanish-American War http://www.pbs.org/crucible/ Liberty! The American Revolution http://www.pbs.org/ktca/liberty/ Frontline: Ambush at Mogadishu http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/ambush/ US-Mexican War http://www.pbs.org/kera/usmexicanwar/ Australia: Beyond the Fatal Shore http://www.pbs.org/wnet/australia/ The Border (US-Mexico) http://www.pbs.org/kpbs/theborder/ The Face of Russia http://www.pbs.org/weta/faceofrussia/ Hopes on the Horizon (independence movements in Africa) http://www.pbs.org/hopes/ Wonders of the African World http://www.pbs.org/wonders/ PBS Programs Don't miss this program airing in July! Check your local listings for the most accurate air date and time. SECRETS OF THE DEAD: "Day of the Zulu" During their colonization of South Africa, the British had been widely successful in defeating large numbers of native warriors. However, in one 1879 battle, the Zulu triumphed and destroyed the British battalions, shattering their pride. Archaeologists survey the battlefield where this amazing confrontation took place using hi-tech aerial 3-D mapping and archaeological collection. They recreate the fateful June day by providing pictures of the movement of troops, the British mistakes and the amazing Zulu tactics. A CAPITOL FOURTH Celebrate the Fourth of July with a musical performance by the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel. The annual holiday special will feature a wide array of guest performers as they play such patriotic favorites as the "1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." The night will conclude with a finale of fireworks over the Washington Monument.