History Speaks

What do Mount St. Helens's eruption, Lewis and Clark's expedition, and masking tape's invention have in common?

They each had famous beginnings in May. And not only that--we've got just the tools to make these historically significant events come alive in your classroom. Each event can be paired with one of our beautifully illustrated leveled texts and lead to some meaningful classroom discussion. Read on for instructions on accessing the texts and a list of topics worth talking about. Then let history speak for itself.

Accessing Level 2 Texts
To access any article or story in Level 2, click the Imagine Manager icon on your desktop. In the menu on the left, click Support, then Teacher Guides, and finally Level 2 Supplemental Guide. This will open a PDF of the entire guide. Click through the first few pages until you reach the Table of Contents. You will see a listing of every story and article in the program. To view the simplified version of a story or article, click the title name in the Table of Contents. To view the advanced version, click the 'Advanced Text' link underneath the title.

Eruption of Mount St. Helens: May 18, 1980
Read The Exploding Mountain. This article features a timeline of events leading up to and following that historic day. It also explains some of the causes and effects of volcanic eruptions.

Discussion Topics: natural disasters, emergency preparedness, effects on the environment, timelines

Expedition of Lewis and Clark: Began May 14, 1804
Read Don't Fence Me In. This article details a few reasons why early settlers moved to America. It also covers westward expansion and development of the West.

Discussion Topics: pioneers, explorers, freedom

Invention of Masking Tape: Patented May 27, 1930
Read Inventions. This article tells the story of three different inventions and the role serendipity played in important discoveries.

Discussion Topics: famous inventions, technology, problem solving