🌻August 1🌻

National Parks

100

What are the most popular National Parks? Which ones have you visited? 

Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Zion, Kenai Fjords, Bryce Canyon, Arches and Olympic National Parks. 

The United States has 63 national parks, which are congressionally designated protected areas operated by the National Park Service, an agency of the Department of the Interior. National parks are designated for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities, typically "because of some outstanding scenic feature or natural phenomena."

200

True or False: The Grand Canyon is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island.

True 

Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona, is home to much of the immense Grand Canyon, with its layered bands of red rock revealing millions of years of geological history. Viewpoints include Mather Point, Yavapai Observation Station and architect Mary Colter’s Lookout Studio and her Desert View Watchtower. Lipan Point, with wide views of the canyon and Colorado River, is a popular, especially at sunrise and sunset.

300

What is the least-visited national park in the United States? 

a. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

b. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

c. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

d. National Park of American Samoa, Hawaii

c. Gates of the Arctic National Park, Alaska

With no roads, no trails, no cell service and no established campsites, this massive expanse is a true wilderness experience. The park and preserve has six designated Wild Rivers. “Visitors may wander at will across 8.4 million acres of superlative natural beauty,” the park’s website says. Visitors must be self-sufficient, flexible and “able to execute self-extraction and communication, should an emergency situation arise.” Arrive prepared.

400

What state doesn't have a national park or a national monument?

Hint: It was the nation's first official state.

Hint: It was the nation's first official state.

Delaware

While Delaware may not have a National Park yet, the Water Gap Recreational Area boasts quite the impressive reputation in the state. More than 4 million people visit the recreation area annually, many from the nearby New York metropolitan area. Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting trips down the river are popular in the summer. Other activities include hiking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, cycling, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. Worthington State Forest and a section of the long-distance Appalachian Trail are located within the area, alongside numerous waterfalls and historic sites. 

500

Which U.S. president signed the Antiquities Act of 1906, a landmark conservation law that allowed presidents to designate federal lands as national monuments? 

Hint: His initials are T.R.

Theodore Roosevelt

In the last quarter of the 19th century, Europeans and European Americans who moved into or travelled west of the Mississippi River generated public and scholarly interest in the “antiquities” they encountered. Scientists funded by the federal government or private benefactors began expeditions to study archeological areas and form collections for museums and other institutions. Private citizens, at the same time, collected objects in haphazard ways and sold them for personal gain. Concern over the loss of information galvanized a scientific and political coalition to pass a federal law to preserve America’s archeological places and the information they contained on public lands. The Antiquities Act established several tools for archeological resource protection on public lands.

State Fair

100

True or false: Cotton candy was originally called "fairy floss".

True! 

Cotton candy as we know it was first created in 1897 when a dentist named William Morrison joined forces with a confectioner by the name of John C. Wharton. Together, the duo created a machine that spun heated sugar through a screen, creating the floss-like texture that we all know and love. It would take Morrison and Wharton seven years to share their new product with the general public. Finally, in 1904, Morrison and Wharton became entrepreneurs when they debuted their new sugary treat at the St. Louis World Fair. The fair was meant to be the event of the century. It had its official opening on April 30th and boasted many different attractions including a Ferris wheel and a circus. Over 20 million people visited the fair during its run from April to December, and to Morrison and Wharton’s delight, many of the fair-goers were intrigued by the sugary treat known then as “fairy floss.”   

200

When Elvis was ten years old, what happened after his first performance at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair talent show?

He lost!

On October 3, 1945, a small, shy 10-year-old boy took the stage at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in Tupelo, Mississippi, to perform in a youth talent competition. His name? Elvis Presley. That day, although no one in the audience could have imagined it, they were witnessing the humble beginnings of the future King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The event would shape his musical journey in ways that connected his modest childhood with his eventual global fame. 

300

Which state pulls roughly double the attendance of any other state fair? 

a. New York

b. Texas

c. California

d. Montana

b. Texas

When you think about the State Fair of Texas you think "big." This year the fair collected 180,000 canned goods for the North Texas Food Bank in exchange for discounted tickets. Nearly 26,000 pounds of produce was also donated. More than 69,000 discounted tickets were given to members of the military and to first responders. Nearly two million free tickets were given away to North Texas school children. More than 800 people rode in the nightly parade. There were 3,100 shows and activities around Fair Park, including more than 50 concerts. More than 400,000 prizes were given away on the Midway and more than half a million corny dogs were sold. 

400

State fairs often display sculptures made out of what food? 

Butter! 

Continuing the tradition of animal-shaped butter sculptures, butter lambs for Easter found their way into many American homes. Likely originating in Central and Eastern Europe, those same dairy-centered nations that felt salty over 16th-century church butter taxes, the butter lamb made its way to America with Polish Catholic immigrants. Many families likely continued this tradition in their own homes with handed-down molds, paring knives, and piping bags. Others bought molded butter lambs from their local church groups or from regional brands like Danish Maid in Chicago, and Keller’s and Clearview Farms in Pennsylvania—two regions historically populated by Eastern European immigrants. Dorothy Malczewski is credited with repopularizing the Easter butter lamb after finding her father’s mold that he brought over from Poland (also known as “Baranek wielkanocny” in Polish).

500

What state hosted the first state fair? 

Pennsylvania

The traditions of fairs in the New World began with the York Fair, America’s first fair, held in the historic old town of York in 1765, eleven years before the nation was founded. A charter to hold that fair was granted to the people of York by Thomas Penn, son of William Penn in recognition of “the flourishing state to which the town hath arrived through their industry.” Those early gatherings were reported to have been “the liveliest days of the whole year.” At that time, the York Fair existed as a two-day agricultural market on the town commons, now known as Penn Park. Records don’t tell us too much about the York Fair during the American Revolution or the War of 1812, but we know the troops passing through York camped in the commons, so they would have shared the grounds with the Fair.

Bowling

100

How many pins are used in bowling?

10 

Nearly all bowling games use 10 pins, and before you could even use from 3 to 17. Bowling was once considered a fast and dangerous game by the government, which is why 9-pins or “nine-pin” bowling was banned, and the law remains the same till today. To get around this law, a lot of centers now use 10-pins instead of nine.

200

What were bowling balls first made of? 

Wood!

The design and materials of bowling balls have undergone remarkable changes throughout history. Most early bowling balls were made from a very hard wood called lignum vitae. By the early 1900s, hard rubber had revolutionized bowling ball construction and remained the standard material until the 1970s, when advancements introduced new options. Polyester bowling balls were the first innovation to replace hard rubber. They were cheaper and easier to produce, making them popular with bowlers of all skill levels. However, they had a tendency to “crack” or become damaged after repeated use. Polyester was quickly followed by the rise of urethane balls, similar to the ones we use today. Bowling balls have come a long way from the stones of the past. They are designed with computers and have carefully crafted and balanced cores that influence how the ball travels down the bowling lane. 

300

How many points do you get in a perfect game of bowling? What's the best game you've ever bowled?

300 points 

Each pin is set 12 inches apart from each other. For an optimal strike to be thrown in the first place, you’d need to throw your ball to hit the pocket at six degrees.
The pins that are set in the pocket weigh roughly three and a half pounds – but as long as the pin tilts at least 9 degrees, you’re in great shape. All pins that tilt at least 9 degrees will fall. It is said that the odds of any adult male bowling a 300 game are 11,500 to one.

400

How far back do we have evidence of bowling?

a. 1930 AD

b. 100 AD

c. 100 BC

d. 3200 BC

d. 3200 BC

According to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, a British anthropologist discovered in the 1930s evidence of bowling items in an Egyptian grave. Evidence suggests that bowling dates back as far as 3200 BC – around the same time that some of the first forms of the written word were discovered on cuneiform tablets.  It’s that old! Modern bowling is only a few thousand years younger: indoor bowling lanes made their debut in 1840 in New York City. The first televised games appeared in 1950.

500

True or False: Women were allowed to bowl before men.

 

False! 

The American Bowling Congress was a gentleman’s club (no ladies allowed!) and it wasn’t until 1917 that women got their own governing body, the Women’s National Bowling Association. But the ladies have come a long way! Kelly Kulick was the first woman to win a title on the Professional Bowlers Association tour in 2010.  And recently, nine year old bowling prodigy Hannah Diem just became the youngest person in the United States to bowl a perfect game.

Amusement Parks

100

What are some popular amusement parks? Which have you been to? 

Disneyworld and Disneyland in the United States, Fantawild in China, Merlin Entertainments in the UK and Universal Parks in the United States are some of the most popular amusement parks in the world.

The best Fantawild park depends on individual preferences, but Fantawild Adventure and Oriental Heritage parks are frequently cited for their unique themes and high-tech attractions. Fantawild Adventure parks focus on science fiction and interactive experiences, while Oriental Heritage parks showcase traditional Chinese culture with immersive attractions. Specific parks like Shenyang Fantawild Adventure, Jinan Fantawild Oriental Heritage, and Handan Fantawild Oriental Legend are highlighted for their large-scale indoor attractions, cultural themes, and use of advanced technologies.

200

True or False: Disneyland was the first theme park in the United States.

False, it was Santa Claus Land! 

Opening in California on 17th July 1955, Disneyland became one of America’s first large parks centred on specific themes. But it wasn’t the first. Santa Claus Land, which opened on 3 August 1946, is considered the oldest theme park in the States. It was the creation of Louis J. Koch who, when visiting the town of Santa Claus, Indiana with his nine kids, was shocked and disappointed to find no Santa.

300

What is the most popular amusement park in the world? 

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! 

Magic Kingdom, the most magical theme park at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, opened to guests in 1971. Disney’s first theme park in the state has six themed lands, offering iconic rides and attractions like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s a Small World, Jungle Cruise, Pirates of the Caribbean, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain and the Haunted Mansion. Its newest ride is TRON Lightcycle / Run – the fastest Vekoma coaster at the park, and one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world. 

400

What are some rides commonly found at amusement parks? What is your favorite? 

Some of the most popular rides are carousels, rotating rides, themed cart rides (like haunted houses), log rides, bumper cars, ferris wheels and rollercoasters! 

The Ferris wheel made its debut at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. At least that’s what George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. always said. One year earlier, William Somers designed and built three wooden wheels—each measuring 50 feet in diameter—in New York and New Jersey. Both men owed a debt to the similar, yet awkwardly named, wooden “pleasure wheels” invented in 17th century Bulgaria. Although the first patent went to LaMarcus Thompson in 1885, he wasn’t the first person to make a roller coaster. Modern roller coasters descended from “Russian Mountains,” winter sled rides that were popular in 17th century St. Petersburg. (Situated on icy hills, the sleds topped out at 200 feet!). Meanwhile, in the States, a Pennsylvania mining company constructed a “gravity railroad” in 1827 to move coal. But on slow workdays, they charged thrill-seekers to take it for a spin.

500

Where is the oldest wooden rollercoaster still in existence? Do you like rollercoasters?

The oldest wooden roller coaster still in existence is Leap the Dips, located at Lakemont Park in Altoona, Pennsylvania. 

It opened in 1902 and is a side-friction roller coaster. While it has had periods of closure, including most recently from 2023 until its reopening in 2024, it is recognized as the world's oldest operating wooden roller coaster.

Rainforest

100

What is the largest rainforest in the world? 

The Amazon 

The Amazon represents over half of Earth's remaining rainforests, and comprises the largest and most biodiverse tract of tropical rainforest in the world, with an estimated 390 billion individual trees in about 16,000 species. The name Amazon is said to arise from a war Francisco de Orellana fought with the Tapuyas and other tribes. The women of the tribe fought alongside the men, as was their custom. Orellana derived the name Amazonas from the Amazons of Greek mythology, described by Herodotus and Diodorus. 

200

True or False: Many common houseplants originated in the rainforest.

True! 

Some common houseplants which originally came from rainforests are orchids, bird of paradise flowers, ferns, fiddle-leaf and weeping figs, bromeliads, palms, monstera and pothos. Most of these plants have adapted to less tropical climates with less watering to survive in our living rooms. 

300

How many of the living animal and plant species on earth live in rainforests? 

a. 25%

b. 50%

c. 75%

d. 90%

a. 50%

Because tropical rain forests are some of the oldest ecosystems on earth, they are home to a diverse population of plants and animals. In fact, around 50% of the world’s land-dwelling plants and animals can be found here — with new species still being discovered. Over 200,000 species of plants thrive in rain forests. This abundance is due to the warm, humid environment and includes some of the most beautiful and interesting flora. 

400

What are some of the types of wildlife which live in rainforests? 

Monkeys, sloths, tapirs, jaguars, ocelots, kinkajous, lemurs, tropical birds, frogs, salamanders, bugs, snakes and lizards.

There are also indigenous cultures of people that live in and depend on the rainforest. Some of the tribes that can be found here include the Yanomami and Kayapo tribes of the Amazon, the Huli of Papau New Guinea, and the Pygmies of Central Africa. Some tribes have had little, if any, contact with outside civilizations, while others seek to legally protect the lands on which they live.

500

What do rainforests do to help fight climate change? 

Rainforests absorb more carbon than they release. The absorption of carbon helps regulate temperatures and fight climate change. 

The Amazon rain forest absorbs one-fourth of the CO2 absorbed by all the land on Earth. The amount absorbed today, however, is 30% less than it was in the 1990s because of deforestation. A major motive for deforestation is cattle ranching. China, the United States, and other countries have created a consumer demand for beef, so clearing land for cattle ranching can be profitable—even if it’s illegal. The demand for pastureland, as well as cropland for food such as soybeans, makes it difficult to protect forest resources.