Student Handouts
What Year Is It?
This page includes a space to write in the date, but what does the date even mean? And where does it come from? Inform your class about the various calendars and how the Western calendar came into widespread use with an informational...
Curated OER
Leap Year
In this Leap Year reading comprehension worksheet, can learn about the various types of calendars (lunar, solar, etc.) and answer 7 multiple choice questions. Also included is a word search of key terms.
Curated OER
How Many Days Are in a Year?
Students create a calendar for an imaginary planet. In this earth science lesson plan, students analyze the errors on the different calendars used on Earth. They present their work in class.
Curated OER
New Year Celebrations
Students study the universality of many New Year celebrations. They present traditions associated with New Year celebrations and explain why New Year is at different times for different people.
Curated OER
The Achievements and Challenges of Guatemala
Students research the Mayan number and calendar system. They translate a variety of math problems from base-10 Arabic numbers into a base-20 Mayan representation. They discuss current challenges faced by the people in today's Guatemala.
Curated OER
Telling Time Through the Zodiac
Young scholars compare the Chinese and Western zodiacs, their symbols, their meanings, and their calendars through a in-class discussion and a small group project. This lesson includes vocabulary and extensions.
Curated OER
Happy April Fool's Day!
Grab students' attention with these lesson and activity ideas on April Fool's Day.
Curated OER
The Sled Problem
In this algebra worksheet, students try to figure out if a sled being auctioned is real or fake with the carvings of G. Washington on it. There is an answer key.
Curated OER
New Year's Etymology and Writing Activity
Students investigate the history and etymology of New Year's Day. They listen to a teacher-led lecture about the background of New Year's Day, design an image of Janus, and write a story in the first person telling what Janus might say...
Curated OER
April Fool's Day
Students research how April Fool's Day began. They identify and discuss various theories, interview family members, write original myths about the first April Fool's Day and design a wild goose chase for another class.
Curated OER
Hanukkah Questions
In this Hanukkah worksheet, students read a 4-paragraph selection about the Festival of Lights and then respond to 5 short answer questions.
Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement
Web Exhibits: Calendars Through the Ages: Announcing the Sky
Well-organized website depicts the "Fascinating history of the human endeavor to organize our lives in accordance with the sun and stars." Gives an overview and specifics of the basis of calendars through the ages.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University: A Brief Introduction to the Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
Provides background information about the Islamic Calendar, also called the Hijri. Explains the differences between the Gregorian calendar and the Islamic Calendar; lists important holidays and the months of the Islamic year. Provides...
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Common Questions About Dates
Our calendar is called the Gregorian calendar and was instituted by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. There are many other calendars. Learn about these calendars and the meanings of B.C.E and C.E.
Other
The Maya Calendar: A Converter
Gives the Mayan days and months. In addition, a Java Applet is included which will convert any date (Gregorian calendar) to its corresponding Mayan date.
Other
Timekeepers.org: Calendar History
Scroll down this page to see the various topics addressed on this website. Learn a "brief history of the Western Calendar" as well as information about the ancient calendars of the world, including the Sumerian, Egyptian, and Greek...
Institute for Dynamic Educational Advancement
Web Exhibit: The Islamic Calendar
This website gives very detailed information about all aspects of the Islamic calendar.
Wolfram Research
Wolfram Science World: Islamic Calendar
A very brief description of the Islamic calendar, which "has its starting point at the date of the flight of Mohammed from Mecca to Medina." Describes the format of the Islamic year in comparison to the Gregorian calendar.
Other
Western Washington University: Leap Year
It takes the entire page but by the end of it, you will understand the whys and whens of Leap Year Day.
Other
Torah.org: Seven Questions About Rosh Hashanah
A question-and-answer fact sheet about Rosh Hashanah that addresses when, why, and how the festival is observed. Tells why the shofar is sounded on this day and why apples dipped in honey are eaten. Also explains the differences between...
Library of Congress
Loc: George Washington Was Born Feb. 22
An interesting background on the origin of Presidents' Day, and the actual date of George Washington's birth. Includes a portrait of Washington, as well as an historical letter from Tobias Lear, recounting the Julian and Gregorian...
Other
Cyber Kids: Happy Hanukkah
Brief description of why Hanukkah falls on different days every year. Illustrates the differences between the Gregorian and Jewish calendars.