Throughout history, people have recorded ideas and important events in their lives and communities. Methods of writing have changed greatly over the years. Today, computers make a writer’s job much easier and enable people to write and publish more material than ever before.
Phillis Wheatley was the first black person in America to have a book published, opening the door for other black writers and female authors. She was kidnapped and brought to the colonies as a child and served as a slave to a family in Boston. Phillis learned to read and write at a young age.
Bank tellers help people take care of their money. Long ago, bank tellers did most of their work by hand. Today, computers make their work faster and easier. There are even machines called Automatic Teller Machines, or ATMs. Although convenient, ATMs cannot replace bank tellers.
Farmers are important because they grow the food that people eat. Modern equipment enables farmers to grow more food for an ever-increasing world population.
Sanitation workers remove the trash and garbage that people and businesses produce. Increasing amounts of garbage and trash are becoming a problem in our world today.
The first teachers in the United States were students who did well in school and were hired to teach other students. Today, teachers must have college degrees to teach. Schools today are larger than those in the past and often have several separate classes at the same grade level.
Government leaders help to govern our country, our states, and our cities. They make important decisions, solve problems, and see that laws are enforced. The people they serve elect most government officials. Long ago, there were not as many government officials as there are today because the United States had a smaller population.
The American Revolution was the colonists' fight for freedom in the New World. It involved the help of spies, women, and people from other countries. The colonists fought against a giant, and they won their freedom from Great Britain against all odds. After winning the impossible, the colonists had a new battle to fight: setting up a new government and nation.
Actors have entertained audiences for thousands of years. In the past, plays were performed both to entertain and to teach. Today, plays involve the use of lighting, sound systems, and elaborate sets and often have large casts that include many actors.
For over two hundred years, individuals have protected and served their communities as lawmen. Today, people who help enforce the law are called police officers because both men and women can serve in the police force.
Pioneers experienced hardships during their journey through the West, which led them on the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail. The moving and travels of these pioneers affected not only their lives, but also the American Indians, America’s animals, and the country.
Africa, the second largest continent on Earth, is home to the largest desert and the longest river in the world. Trade routes gave rise to the ancient kingdoms in Africa, providing a rich history in culture, trade, and tradition.
