The laser is patented by Americans Arthur Schawlaw and Charles Townes. Laser is a made-up word called an initialism, whose letters stand for "Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.” Think up a new name for something you use that is made of initials from letters of words that describe it. Example "Two-Wheeled One-Seat Pedaled Exercise Vehicle" (TWOSPEV) might be a new name for a bicycle.

William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk on the original Star Trek programs, was born in 1931. If you could "boldly go" anywhere in outer space, where would you go? What would you hope to find, see, or do there?

March 23:
In 1806, the Lewis and Clark expedition left the Pacific coast and began its return journey to St. Louis. The trip to the Pacific had been over 2000 miles long, and they had walked most of the way. They would have to walk most of the way back. Imagine that you were part of the expedition. Tell how you think you would feel to be starting back after your long adventure.

In 1786, George Washington planted 4,000 chestnut trees on land that had been farmed too much and was worn out. This is considered one of the first examples of reforesting in the United States. Think of three other ways to use land that has been worn out. Write a paragraph about one of them.

G.F. Handel's oratorio Messiah was first performed in London in 1743. One part of it, the "Hallelujah!" chorus was so beautiful and inspiring that the King, who was attending the performance, stood up as a mark of respect. Ever since then, audiences have stood during this part of this work. What is the most beautiful piece of music you have heard? Describe how that music makes you feel, and why you like it.

March 24:
John Harrison died in 1776. He invented the chronometer, an extremely accurate clock that allowed ships to accurately determine how far east or west of the Prime Meridian they were. Today, chronometers are small enough to be made as wristwatches, although the ones Harrison invented were much larger (about the size of a regular 3-layer cake). What is some device you use that you wish might be made much smaller? Why would having a smaller version of that device be helpful to you?

Harry Houdini, magician and escape artist, was born in 1874. He was famous for being able to escape from extremely complicated and difficult traps. He once said, "My brain is the key that sets me free.” What do you think he meant by that?

March 25:
In 1957, the Treaty of Rome was signed. It was the beginning of the movement to unify the many nations of Europe into one economic unit. Do you think the US and other countries should try to work together more, or leave each other alone to solve their own problems? Explain your answer.

Today is Waffle Day in Sweden. Design the most delicious waffle that you can imagine.

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