This week

Life Lessons

• Feature — Bringing the past to life
• Your turn — History online
• Stay on track — A checklist of "to-dos"
• Take notice — Important dates
• All about AIEmail — Subscribe, suggest, review

Feature

Bringing the past to life

History may seem like a dry subject when you're reading it out of textbooks, but summertime brings lots of opportunities to make it more lively. If you are taking a summer vacation, do a bit of research to learn about the history of the place you are visiting.

For example, if you are going to Fort DeSoto Park in Florida, you could learn that it was once inhabited by Native Americans, visited by Spanish explorers, and surveyed by Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. Also, during World War II, the island was used for bombing practice by the pilot who dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Because of these historical events, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Actually going to the place you've read about can give you an added sense of depth and realism, instead of simply thinking of it as a place mentioned in a book somewhere. You can recall the imagery of the location you visited and get a sense of its culture and landscape.

Not going anywhere this summer? Do a little research about where you live now. This might involve going to your local library or talking to some of the older citizens of the town. You may be surprised to find out what happened in the place where you live. All of this information could be used to help you with your writing projects once school begins.

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Your turn

History online

Our past is an important part of our lives. There are so many things we can learn about the present — and possibly even the future — just by studying history. Any chance you get, you should visit museums to learn about the past. If you don't have museums nearby that you can visit in person, try going to some historical Web sites.

Listed below are a few notable Web sites dedicated to learning about history:

• The Library of Congress — American Memory
  American Memory provides free and open access through the Internet to written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience.
  www.memory.loc.gov/ammem
• The National Parks Service — Links to the Past
  Explore America's cultural resources — buildings, landscapes, archaeological sites, ethnographic resources, objects and documents, structures and districts.
  www.cr.nps.gov
• Smithsonian — National Museum of American History
  The Smithsonian Web site offers online exhibitions, behind-the-scenes glimpses into its collections, and an overview of museum programs and activities. Using the Web site, you can plan your visit to the museum or go on a virtual tour from your home.
  www.americanhistory.si.edu/

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Stay on track

Checklist for this week

For freshmen, sophomores, and juniors

• Take a day to clean out your room. Give the clothes you have outgrown or no longer wear to charity.
• Organize your desk and drawers.
• Attend any orientation programs your high school may offer.
• Make a list of general school supplies, and be sure to include a daily planner.
• As soon as you receive your locker number and combination, record that information and put it in a safe place. You may need to look it up if you forget it!
• When you receive your class schedule, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teacher names for your parents.
• Plan your schedule for the first few weeks of school.

For seniors

• Take a day to clean out your room. Clear your desk and make sure you have a backpack.
• Look to see if you have any school supplies that you can use again this year. Make a list of needed materials. Don't forget a daily planner to keep up with all your important dates for the year.
• Visit Web sites of colleges you are considering attending. Note any special dates set for visitation, and the critical deadline dates for applications. Place these dates on your personal planner or calendar.
• Upon receipt of your class schedule, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teacher names for your parents.
• Plan your schedule for the first few weeks of school.
• Check with your counselor to make sure you have all your credits for graduation.

For parents

• If your child's school has a Web page, visit that site to review postings of critical dates and events. Record those dates on your family calendar.
• Assist your teen with a "clean room" day. Remove clothes that they have outgrown or no longer wear, and dispose of other items that will no longer be used. Be certain that a proper study area is available.
• If you have a teenager who will be a freshman this year, verify that all immunizations are current. A booster shot is sometimes required at this age. Check with the school nurse if you are uncertain.
• Discuss your teenager's study plan for the new school year. Every student should spend 1-2 hours nightly from Monday-Thursday in a structured study time.
• As soon as your teen brings home a schedule of classes, make a copy of the courses, room numbers, and teachers' names. Keep a copy at work as well as at home.
• Assist your senior with any college entrance exam registration fees.
• Join your school's parent/teacher organization. Show your support for education.
• Attend any open house events held in August.

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Take notice

Important dates

To get more information on the SAT or SAT Subject Tests, access useful tools, or register, visit the College Board's Web site (www.collegeboard.com) or call (866) 756-7346.

To get more information on the ACT, access useful tools, or register, visit the ACT Web site (www.act.org) or call (319) 337-1270.

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