Dog Days of Summer
What breed of dog is famous for its spotted coat and is often associated with firehouses?
Dalmation.
Dalmations used to run alongside horse-drawn fire carriages to clear the way - that's why they're still linked with firehouses today.
What American holida, often seen as the unofficial end of summer, is celebrated on the first Monday in September?
Labor Day.
Labor Day was first celebrated in 1880s to honor the contributions of workers.
Wgat popular summer vegetable is often grilled and has rows of yellow kernels?
Corn on the cob.
Sweet corn was first cultivated by Native americans over a thousand years ago.
Which sea creature, sometimes seen on beaches in August, has a bell-shaped body and stinging tentacles?
Jellyfish.
Some jellyfish are bioluminescent, meaning they can glow in the dark.
What bird feeder favorite has a bright red chest and sings a cheerful song?
Robin.
Robins are one of the first birds to start singing in the morning, sometimes before sunrise.
What is a group of puppies called?
A litter.
A litter can range from just one puppy to over a dozen, depending on the breed of dog.
In which month does hurricane season reach its peak in the Atlantic Ocean?
August.
Warm water temperatures in late summer fuel the formation of hurricanes.
Which dessert made from sugar, egg whites, and fruit puree is served frozen, similar to ice cream but without dairy?
Sorbet.
Sorbet is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was brought to Europe by traders.
In late summer, many birds migrate south. What is this long seasonal journey called?
Migration.
Some birds travel thousands of miles during migration, guided by the stars and Earth's magnetic field.
Which common lawn weed has yellow flowers that turn into round seed heads children often blow on?
Every part of the dandelion is edible, from root to flower.
What breed is nicknamed the "sausage dog" because of its long body?
Daschund.
Daschunds were originally bred to dig into badger dens - their name means "badger dog" in German.
Which U.S. state became the 50th state in August 1959?
Hawaii.
Hawaii is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands.
What green herb, often used in summer salads and pesto, has a strong, sweet aroma and is popular in Italian cooking?
Basil.
Basil leaves bruise easily, which is why they are often torn rather than cut.
What natural event in late summer signals that days are getting shorter?
The autumn equinox.
This usually happens around September 22 or 23 in the Northern Hemisphere.
What common garden flower comes in many colors and shares its name with a part of the eye?
Iris.
Irises have been grown in gardens for thousands of years and are a symbol of hope and faith.
Which dog breed is the fastest, capable of speeds up to 45 miles per hour?
Greyhound.
Greyhounds have been bred for speed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt.
Which sport's Little League World Series takes place in August in Pennsylavania?
Baseball.
The Little League World Series began in 1947 with just 12 teams - now it hosts players from all over the world.
What percentage of watermelon is made up of water?
92%
This is why it is one of the most hydrating summer snacks!
Which type of tree produces acorns in late summer and fall?
Oak.
Oak trees can live for hundreds of years, and their acorns are an important food source for wildlife.
Which bird often builds mud nests on houses and barnds and catches insects in midair?
Swallow.
Swallows can fly for hours without landing, catching hundreds of insects in a single day.
What breed is known for its wrinkled face and blue-black tongue?
Chow chow.
Chow Chows are one of only two breeds with naturally blue-black tongues- the other is the Shar Pei.
August is named after which ancient roman ruler?
Emperor Augustus.
The month was named in 8 BCE to honor Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome.
What green summer vegetable is called "courgette" in Britain?
Zucchini.
Zucchini grows so quickly in the summer that gardeners sometimes find them doubled in size overnight.
Which insect makes a loud buzzing or clicking sound on hot summer days?
Cicada.
Male cicadas make the sound by vibrating special membranes called tymbals on their abdomen.
What plant, often grown in a backyard garden, is known for repelling mosquitoes with its lemony scent?
Citronella.
Citronella is a type of grass whose oil is used in candles and sprays to keep bugs away.