NEW ON KNOWITALL.ORG
THINK BIG! THE COOL AND THE STRONG - EPISODE 2
Magic, Rex, and Reva learn that thinking big is the key to unlocking a world of possibilities. Join the trio and their teacher, as they go on an extraordinary journey to Jim Hamilton - L.B. Owens Airport, where fun and learning take flight! Witness their confidence reach new heights as they learn the power of thinking big and embracing the champion within.
KidsECON - TWO NEW EPISODES AVAILABLE!
In addition to Episodes 1 "Grocery Store" and 2 "Bank," we now offer Episodes 3 "Restaurant" and 4 "Animal Shelter":
KidsECON EPISODE 1 - GROCERY STORE
Laila takes us on a tour through the grocery store. Learn the difference between a need and a want in the first episode of KidsECON.
KidsECON EPISODE 2 - BANK
Join Ella, Laila, and Jayden from the KidsECON crew as they explore the world of banking and saving money. Learn the importance of keeping your money safe, how to manage it wisely, and why saving for the future is key. Get ready to embark on a financial adventure!
KidsECON EPISODE 3 - RESTAURANT
Jayden and his friends from the KidsECON crew stop for lunch at a local pizza restaurant. Learn what's the differences between goods and services.
KidsECON EPISODE 4 - ANIMAL SHELTER
Laila and her friends visit the animal shelter. They learn about different kinds of animals and the costs of caring for them. The KidsECON crew also learn how important it is to support shelters through volunteering or donations.
A NEW SEASON OF CAROLINA SNAPS
Dr. Anne Austin Young, one of South Carolina's first female physicians, pioneered women's healthcare from 1915 to 1978. She worked as a surgeon, obstetrician-gynecologist and psychiatrist. After finishing medical school at the top of her class, she passed the state medical exam with the highest score ever. She delivered over 10,000 babies while practicing in Anderson, SC.
Cecil Williams, a prolific photographer, captured the essence of the South Carolina Civil Rights movement. Starting at age 9, his talent led to early bookings for events. As a Jet magazine correspondent, his work adorned its cover, featuring Coretta Scott King. Williams' iconic images emerged during the Biggs Vs Elliott case. He founded the Cecil Williams Civil Rights Museum in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to preserve the history captured with his camera.
James E. Clyburn, a prominent figure in American politics, serves as the Assistant Democratic Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives and Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group. He is known for making history as the first African American to serve multiple terms as Majority Whip. Clyburn's humble beginnings in South Carolina shaped his dedication to public service. He has played a key role in legislative initiatives, from historic preservation to rural energy savings, and has been recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to American politics. His endorsement of Joe Biden in 2020 is credited with influencing the presidential race.
Dawn Corley, known as the "Charleston Silver Lady," is a renowned silver expert who has lectured internationally and been featured in magazines and TV shows for her knowledge of antique jewelry. Her private silver collection has been exhibited in museums. She formerly taught at the Charleston Antiques School. She owns and operates an antiques shop in Lexington, SC.
The combination of seafood like fish or shrimp with grits has its origins in Charleston, South Carolina. Grits, an ancient staple, predate European conquest, African enslavement, and the founding of the United States. The 1950 "Breakfast Shrimp" recipe in the Charleston Receipts cookbook is the first documented mention of shrimp and grits in a cookbook. Recipes vary from sautéing shrimp to baking them in a grits mixture, but they've remained a beloved breakfast choice along the South Carolina coast.
Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC trains 50% of US Army soldiers and 60% of female recruits. It was established in 1917 and almost closed in 1949 but remained open due to the Cold War and Korean War. It became one of the first Army bases to desegregate. Fort Jackson is now the Army's largest training post for new soldiers.
South Carolina is home to 8 of the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including Claflin University, the state's oldest and one of the top HBCUs. HBCUs played a vital role in advancing education for African Americans, offering opportunities for professional careers and graduate degrees.
Honorable Matthew James Perry, Jr. was a trailblazing civil rights attorney and the first African American federal judge in South Carolina. Appointed to the U.S. District Court in 1979, he dedicated his life to justice. Perry's journey started with military service in World War II, followed by earning his Bachelor of Science degree. His fight against racial injustices led to landmark civil rights cases, including the integration of Clemson University with the first African American student, Harvey Gantt. In 2005, a federal courthouse in Columbia was named in his honor
Discover the history of Hoppin' John, a beloved dish that's graced holiday tables since the 1800s. This simple yet delicious combo of peas, pork, and rice is believed to bring luck and peace for the upcoming year to anyone who enjoys it. Learn more about its intriguing origin in the Low Country of South Carolina.
Marian Wright Edelman has dedicated her life to advancing civil rights and children’s rights. Born in South Carolina in 1939, she was inspired by her father to pursue education despite adversity. After becoming the first African American woman admitted to the Mississippi Bar, Edelman founded the Children's Defense Fund in 1973 to advocate for policies benefiting disadvantaged children. She helped establish Head Start and influenced reforms to foster care, childcare, and protections for abused and homeless youth. Her work continues to uplift youth and promote equality.
Parris Island in Beaufort, SC has trained US Marines since 1915. It was named after Alexander Parris. In 1949 it began training female recruits. Its mission is to transform recruits through rigorous basic training and commitment to core values. Thousands of Marines are trained there annually.
In 1685, John Thurber, a pirate, inadvertently introduced rice to America. After a storm damaged his ship, he stopped in Charleston, SC, where he met Dr. Henry Woodward. In exchange for assistance, Thurber gave Woodward seed rice from Madagascar. This exchange reportedly led to the rise of rice as Carolina's primary crop, and the importation of enslaved Africans.
Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina is home to the 9th Air Force Headquarters and the 20th Fighter Wing. It was activated as Shaw Field in 1941 for Army Air Corps pilot training before the US entered WWII. Over 8,600 pilots trained there during the war. Shaw Field became Shaw AFB when the Air Force separated from the Army in 1947. In the 1950s it was home to the 363rd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Shaw units were among the first dispatched to Operation Desert Shield in Kuwait in 1991 after Iraq's invasion.
The South Carolina National Guard includes the Army and Air National Guard units. The SC Army National Guard dates back to 1670 and was reorganized into the current National Guard system in 1903 when it was renamed the SC National Guard. The SC National Guard responds to civil disturbances and natural disasters in the state, like Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and the 1000-year flood in 2015.
Susan Pringle Frost, a Charleston native and suffragette, founded the Preservation Society of Charleston in 1920 to save the city's historic buildings after learning the Manigault House was to become a gas station. She pioneered the pastel-colored restoration of Rainbow Row. As a real estate agent, she bought, restored and resold many historic homes.
NEW CONTENT "FROM THE SKY"
The history of hot air balloons dates back to the late 18th century when the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Jacques, conducted the first successful manned hot air balloon flight in 1783. This groundbreaking event marked the inception of human-carrying flight technology, setting the stage for the development of aviation as we know it today. Fast forward to the present day, and hot air balloons have become symbols of joy and adventure, capturing the hearts of people worldwide. In Anderson County, South Carolina, one annual event not only celebrates the marvel of hot air balloons but also serves as an essential fundraiser for one of the most important charities in the community. Now, it’s time to reach new heights as we explore this spectacle from the sky!
From its serene shores to its iconic landmarks, Hilton Head Island is a charming destination for anyone traveling through the Palmetto State. Join us as we soar above the Harbour Town Lighthouse and journey through time to discover this barrier island’s rich history. Fly through the branches of the Liberty Oak, a giant oak tree deeply rooted in the Lowcountry soil. Now it’s time to see how Hilton Head remains a destination where the echoes of the past harmonize with the beauty of the present.
Explore the enchanting beauty and rich history of Oconee County, South Carolina, from the sky. In this episode we uncover the natural wonders of Isaqueena Falls, where the cascading waters echo the legend of a brave Creek maiden. Then, venture along Highway 28 to discover the stunning Yellow Branch Falls, a 50-foot vertical cascade surrounded by majestic hardwoods and meandering creek bottoms. Dive into the intriguing story of Stumphouse Tunnel, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to ambition and resilience of the past.
Riverbanks Zoo | From the Sjy
Explore the natural wonders of Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in this episode of From the Sky! Fly through this iconic attraction, celebrating 50 years of conservation, education, and family fun. Meet Maverick and Ranger, the rescued sea lions, and marvel at Bruce, the tallest giraffe in the herd. Discover the beauty of the Botanical Garden, with its 70 acres of themed gardens and over 5,700 plant species. Plus, experience the magic of Wild Lights, a winter event featuring handcrafted lanterns and engaging activities for the whole family. Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden from the sky!
In this episode of From the Sky we uncover the history and facts behind some of South Carolina's most iconic attractions. Learn about the Peachoid in Gaffney, SC, a giant peach-shaped water tower that has become a beloved symbol of the region. Discover the story of Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden in Bishopville, SC, where whimsical topiary sculptures transform a simple garden into a work of art. Venture along Interstate 95 and you'll find South of the Border in Hamer, SC.
Explore the beauty and history of South Carolina's Santee River system from the sky! Join us as we journey through this remarkable waterway, delving into its ecological significance, its role in shaping the region's history, and the diverse wildlife that call it home. From the beautiful Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the Catawba River to its majestic confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers in Columbia, the Santee River system offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural wonders of the Palmetto State. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of the Santee River system from the sky.
FEATURED HISTORY IN A NUTSHELL SHORTS FOR APRIL 2024
April 12 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War, in Charleston, S.C. in 1861.
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the Union, in December 1860. Fearing a possible assault from land, Union Major Robert Anderson moved his command from Fort Moultrie to the newly constructed Fort Sumter. This move violated the unofficial truce deal between the U.S. and Confederate governments. Over the next few months relations between the two governments further deteriorated. Union efforts to resupply the men inside Fort Sumter failed. Maj. Anderson continuously refused Confederate demands to evacuate the fort. Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard ordered artillery to open fire on Fort Sumter, and artillery batteries surrounding the fort began their bombardment at 4:30 AM on April 12. When the shelling finally ended 34 hours later, Maj. Anderson surrendered the fort to the Confederates. Despite all the damage done to Fort Sumter, neither side suffered any direct casualties. This battle caused both north and south to rally for more military action.
To date, the American Civil War remains the deadliest conflict in American history.
During the Texas Revolution, Fort Alamo, located in present-day San Antonio, fell to President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna’s Mexican troops on March 6, 1836. This siege between Mexican forces and Texan rebels began on February 23, and after a grueling 13-day slog, all combatants fighting for Texan independence were killed, including two South Carolinians: William Barret Travis, and James Butler Bonham (both from Saluda, SC). Travis commanded jointly during this battle with James Bowie, and Bonham was sent twice with dispatches for reinforcements, but sadly, none ever came. Fellow Texans honored the actions of those who died at the battle- “Remember the Alamo” became a rallying cry in the struggle for an independent Texas. Santa Anna was eventually defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, leading to a free Texas.
NASA's Apollo 13 was intended to be the third mission to land on the moon, but fate had other plans. Apollo 13 launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida on April 11, 1970. Just three days into the mission, a routine oxygen tank "stir" caused a damaged oxygen tank inside their service module to rupture. This explosion crippled the spacecraft, and a sizeable portion of their oxygen supply was leaked out into space. In order to survive, Apollo 13's crew - Commander James "Jim" Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert, and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise were forced to migrate from the Command Module Odyssey into their Lunar Module Aquarius, which became a makeshift "lifeboat." The Mission Control team in Houston worked round the clock with the astronauts to bring them back safe and sound to earth.
Apollo 13 is remembered today as a “successful failure” in that the astronauts safely returned home despite not landing on the moon.
The unthinkable happened to the "unsinkable" passenger liner R.M.S. Titanic on April 15, 1912. The second of three Olympic class ships built for the White Star Line, she was the largest man-made moving object at that time, with a length of almost 900 feet long. She departed on her maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York on April 10, 1912. Just 4 days into her journey she struck an iceberg and sank, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 people. Thought to be lost to history, she was discovered by underwater archaeologist Dr. Robert Ballard in 1985. The Titanic tragedy remains one of the worst maritime disasters in human history.
Here's something you don't see every day: Army bombers on a Navy aircraft carrier? You may have asked that question if you were a sailor on board one of the ships escorting the U.S.S. Hornet in early April 1942. The Hornet was carrying 16 heavily modified B-25 "Mitchell" bombers destined for Japan. Under command of Lieutenant Colonel James "Jimmy" Doolittle, the Doolittle Raiders were going to perform a feat never before attempted in history at that point: to have land-based bombers take off from an aircraft carrier.
On April 18, 1942, just 132 days after the infamous attack at Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raiders made history by successfully attacking Japan's capitol city. While the damage done to Tokyo was minimal, the daring raid boosted American morale and showed the world that challenging the might of imperial Japan was possible.
Civics from Carolina Classrooms
In this episode of Carolina Classrooms we explore the definitions of terms used in government, how-to register to vote, election process, how are civics being taught in South Carolina schools.
Patrick Kelly is the Director of Governmental Affairs for the Palmetto State Teachers Association. He also teaches AP U.S. Government at Blythewood High School.
Dr. Elizabeth Smith runs the Riley Teachers of Government program at the Riley Institute at Furman University. The program gives educators the opportunity to attend classes and see government in action first-hand.
We're heading into another presidential election year and many students will be eligible to vote for the first time as they turn 18. Officials in Bamberg offer education and outreach programs that give students an opportunity to use the voting machines for class elections. Contact your county voter registration office for information on programs they may offer.
At Southeast Middle School, Lekena Ackerman’s students have been learning about the documents that are used to govern the country. She tries to make the lessons interesting and memorable.
FIND THE RESOURCES YOU NEED FOR APRIL ON KNOWITALL.ORG!
- Earth Month / Earth Day
- Financial Literacy Month
- National Library Week
- National Poetry Month
- National Public Health Week
- School Library Month
- SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) Day of Action
- Week of the Young Child
- and MORE!
Visit our APRIL FACTOIDS for links to an array of resources!
These include National Zoo Lovers Day, National Unicorn Day, National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, National Farm Animals Day, National Pet Day, National Submarine Day, International Day of Human Space Flight, National Peach Cobbler Day, Look Up at the Sky Day, National Dolphin Day, National Orchid Day, International Bat Appreciation Day, National Ellis Island Family History Day, Earth Day, International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day, Yom HaShoah, International Jazz Day and more!
Factoids for the FULL YEAR are available HERE!
FEATURED IN APRIL
EARTH DAY & EARTH MONTH
Earth Month was established in April 1970 and is non-political. It is a month intended to develop momentum for a full year's worth of work on improving the environment. Visit our Environmental Awareness Collection to find out how you can be involved in helping our planet!
FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH
VIEW OUR FINANCIAL LITERACY & ECONOMICS COLLECTION
SERIES INCLUDE:
AUNTIE KAREN'S PLACE
Bear and Bull talk about creating a budget and how to save money.
Lesson Plan
ETV STOCK MARKET PROGRAM
These five lessons provide information on economics and the stock market to accompany the SC Council on Economic Education’s game that students across the state participate in each year (From our Streamline collection).
GROWING UP WITH SMART CAT SERIES
TOPICS
- Character Education
- Choosing Friends
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Five Senses
- Hand Washing & Etiquette
- Manners
- Mental Health
- Money
- Positive Self-View
- Safety on Wheels
- Sleep
GROWING UP WITH SMART CAT WORKBOOK
KidsECON
Laila, Ella, and Jayden are taking part in a special program at their school called KidsECON. Join them and their mentor, Peggy, on their adventures around the community as they learn how people spend and make money. [grades K-3]
MAKING DOLLARS FROM SENSE
Making Dollars From Sense includes five programs that give students the information they need to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions about earning, spending and saving money. (From our Streamline collection)
PYGG E. BANK ECONOMIC$
The series of nine short lessons is about economic empowerment for youth, teaching financial literacy in a fun format. Pygg E. Bank Economic$ encourages the piggy bank theory of saving and managing money. Pygg E. Bank (character puppet star) stands as a symbol of what a piggy bank represents for the new generation of economist.
- Debt Eliminators
- Inflation
- The Money Plan
- Close Encounters
- The Personal Investment
- The Power of the Purse
- Money Mania
- Money Matters
- The Exchange
EXPLORE OUR LIBRARIES, LITERATURE & LEARNING COLLECTION!
Knowitall features an extensive collection of literacy resources! Explore by SERIES or TOPIC—or select only your faves!
- American Writers
- Authors of Children’s Books
- For Student Writers
- For Young Readers
- Illustrators
- Journalism, Broadcasting & Communications
- Poets & Poetry
- Poets Laureate Collection | All Series
- S.C. Authors
- Shakespeare
* South Carolina educators, please register for an account on KnowItAll.org to gain access to all of the content that is available to SC teachers.
Knowitall has produced Q&A video profiles with national authors and illustrators who visit South Carolina. These interview opportunities are provided by partners like the South Carolina State Library.
Storytelling should be a part of a student’s educational experience because it is a literary activity, a listening activity, a means of transmitting values, and a means of appreciating cultural diversity.
The storytellers in the Baker’s Dozen lessons were influenced by Augusta Baker, a well-known librarian and storyteller who worked in the New York Public Library for many years and taught storytelling at colleges across the country. These thirteen, renowned national and local storytellers were taped in the studios of SCETV as they told their stories in front of elementary-age students who asked the storyteller questions about their story and the art of storytelling.
Take a closer look at types of media like photography, radio, film, and television. Record your answers to the Write About It questions in a notebook or a digital document.
Conversations with S.C. Writers
SCETV brings into the studio well-known South Carolina writers to share a little about their careers, writing process and more!
Native Islanders share their folklore and history through storytelling and singing.
South Carolina and national storytellers perform interesting stories and talk about the craft of storytelling.
Literary Tour of South Carolina
Students meet nationally recognized authors who call South Carolina home. They learn about the writing process, making characters come alive on the page, creating the plot, and how important research is to any story, both fiction and non-fiction.
National Book Month | Periscope
This collection celebrates books!
National Poetry Month: A World of Poetry | Periscope
Poetry is a language spoken around the world. Although you may not regularly sit down and read poetry, chances are you are exposed to some form of it every day.
Designed to teach sign language to teachers and parents of deaf children, this innovative series can also teach signing to classroom students. Through animation, real-life segments, and direct instruction by the series’ hosts, students can learn the fundamentals of this language in order to communicate with friends and classmates who use signing as their primary means of communication.
Pulitzer Prize Winners in South Carolina
Three programs that feature Pulitzer Prize honorees from South Carolina, including:
Celebrating Pulitzer Commentary with Kathleen Parker and Jim Hoagland, moderated by Charles Bierbauer.
Celebrating Pulitzer Novelist Julia Peterkin.
Celebrating Pulitzer Public Service Journalism with the Charleston Post and Courier.
Reading, Safety & Internet Safety Minutes
Two of these short programs provide a fun, unique way to encourage middle and high school students to read for fun as well as for information. The other four attention-getting vignettes are designed to help students understand how to be safe at school, at home and online. School Resources Officers talk about what is the safe behavior in each situation.
Storytime with SCETV is an online series that promotes the love of reading and literary stories connected to South Carolina. In this series, Friends of ETV share and read literary favorites, many of which are connected to South Carolina. Packages include the reading and at least one supplemental teaching and learning activity.
Recommended for preK-3, Tune Up to Literacy encourages literacy using original songs by composer/lyricist/educator Dr. Al Balkin, composer who wrote music for The Hobbit, and several off-Broadway children’s musicals. The programs musically introduce and reinforce concepts such as punctuation and sentence construction.
Writers from the South Carolina Hall of Fame
South Carolina Hall of Fame honors and recognizes contemporary and past citizens who have made outstanding contributions to South Carolina’s history and progress. Writers Include Elizabeth Coker, Mary Simms Oliphant, Pat Conroy, Robert Bass, and Walter Edgar.
* South Carolina educators, please register for an account on KnowItAll.org to gain access to all of the content that is available to SC teachers.
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH - TWO COLLECTIONS ARE AVAILABLE:
POETS & POETRY
POETS LAUREATE
NATIONAL POETRY MONTH: A WORLD OF POETRY from Periscope!
More Poets! (culled from various series on KnowItAll.org)
- Archibald Rutledge (Writers from SC Hall of Fame)
- Kwame Dawes (Literary Tour of SC)
- Marjory Wentworth (Literary Tour of SC)
- Reeds Rise from Water (Artopia)
- Singing Amazing Grace (Artopia)
- Talking About Amazing Grace (Artopia)
- Tommy Scott Young (Conversations with SC Writers)
- William Gilmore Simms (Civil War from SC Hall of Fame)
NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK
Our KNOWITALL HEALTHY! Collection is a great place TO START!
We hope you'll follow up by ACTING ON these suggestions!
TOPICS
Resources for April dates related to Health and Fitness are available here:
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month - View the resources on human trafficking and teen dating violence
- Take Down Tobacco Day of Action - View the resources related to tobacco
- Love Your Produce Manager Day - Learn more about healthy eating and make your plate more colorful, nutritious and delicious!
- National Student Athlete Day - View our resources on Fitness
- National Walking Day - View our resources on Fitness
- World Health Day - View the KnowItAll Healthy! Collection
WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
- Visit our Early Learning collection on KnowItAll.org for resources and activities!
YOM HASHOAH - Days of Remembrance
Visit the Holocaust Remembrance Collection on KnowItAll.org
The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Yom HaShoah in English is known as Holocaust Remembrance Day to commemorate and honor the loss of approximately six million Jewish people during the second World War. It is a national holiday in Israel and celebrated by Jewish people all over the world.
The United States Congress established the Days of Remembrance as the nation’s annual commemoration of the Holocaust. Each year state and local governments, military bases, workplaces, schools, religious organizations, and civic centers host observances and remembrance activities for their communities.
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KnowItAll Series
Knowitall.org features over 9,000 mobile-friendly videos, worksheets, and interactives for preK-12.
KnowItAll Collections
Find topical content and lessons grouped together for your convenience.
Curriculum and Lesson Plans
Visit our Educators page for Lessons and Outcomes, and view our Featured Lessons. All lessons have been created and vetted to address the South Carolina State Department of Education's academic standards and include cross-curricular activities, lesson progressions, assessments, and all the media and content links needed to teach the standards down to their indicators.
KnowiItAll Factoids by the Month
Visit our Factoids each month - or even more often! You may be surprised at what you’ll find!
KnowItAll Blog
Find featured content and helpful information on using KnowItAll throughout the month!
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