Author: Flocabulary Team

Over the course of four years, from 1861 to 1865, eleven slave states from the South seceded from the United States of America to form the Confederate States of America. South Carolina led the charge, seceding just one month after Lincoln's victory in the White House. Six more soon followed. Here are the first seven states that seceded from the Union: South Carolina Mississippi Florida Alabama Georgia Louisiana Texas The final four states that seceded from the Union: Virginia Arkansas North Carolina Tennessee To hear more about the Civil War from key participants Nat Turner, John C. Calhoun, Harriet Tubman…

Review the Biggest Buzzwords of the Week! When you follow national and worldwide affairs, you get access to championship celebrations, fights for the presidency, protests, international incidents, toxic food and scandalous allegations. Each week, we’ll highlight the top buzzwords or terms that your students might not have known or even heard until now. All these words are featured in the most recent edition of The Week in Rap. And once they beef up their vocab, the news will make a lot more sense. THIS WEEK stranded (adjective) -- left behind or cut off Why it matters: Over 100 dolphins have been…

What is mutation? Well to understand that, first you need a quick primer on DNA. Everyone has DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) inside of them. That's how you got your mom's blue eyes and your dad's height. DNA is the genetic instruction used in the development, aesthetic and functioning of every human being, including you! Look to your right. Now look to your left. Your neighbors aren't carbon copies of you, are they? That's because no two people have the exact same DNA. Even identical twins have different DNA. Check out our rap, We are DNA, to better understand DNA and the…

Review the Biggest Buzzwords of the Week! When you follow national and worldwide affairs, you get access to deep seated rivalries, the aftermath of disasters, celebrations of legacies, wild science, famous goodbyes and presidential speeches. Each week, we’ll highlight the top buzzwords or terms that your students might not have known or even heard until now. All these words are featured in the most recent edition of The Week in Rap. And once they beef up their vocab, the news will make a lot more sense. THIS WEEK rivalry (noun) -- the act of rivaling: the state of being a rival…

Is "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" a familiar line to you? Did you know it was written during the Civil War by a former slave? You may be surprised to learn that many old familiar songs were written by or for slaves, and that many of the lyrics have double meanings that relate to slavery. Slaves would sing songs as a way to communicate with other slaves or with "conductors" on the Underground Railroad. Because the lyrics were seemingly innocent, plantation owners and overseers had no way of knowing that slaves might be planning on running away or plotting to revolt.…