National Roller Coaster Day (informal)

National Roller Coaster Day is an informal August 16 observance. The Physics of Roller Coasters supports a simple cause-and-effect activity: predict where a rider speeds up or slows down and explain the role of forces.

Tell a Joke Day (informal)

Tell a Joke Day is an informal August 16 observance. Why Jokes Are Great can support a short discussion of setup, expectation and surprise; no one needs to perform if they prefer to analyze the text.

First official transatlantic telegraph-cable message (1858)

The first official message through the transatlantic cable was sent on August 16, 1858. The cable’s initial service was short-lived, so distinguish that first connection from later durable cables. Wiring the Atlantic Ocean offers the engineering context.