As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time to look ahead to unique events in 2025 that can inspire classroom discussions. These rare occurrences provide opportunities to move past the routine of annual holidays and explore notable global happenings with your students.
From the innovations of the Artemis II launch to the awe-inspiring total lunar eclipse in March, 2025 is full of opportunities to learn about global technology and scientific exploration.
The year will also feature the U.S. presidential inauguration, offering a chance to engage in civic education, and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, which can spark discussions on global awareness and collaboration.
These moments are more than just newsworthy; they offer teachable opportunities to connect curriculum to the world beyond the classroom. Below, we explore four standout events in 2025 and offer ideas for integrating them into meaningful, relevant lessons for students.
Bring these events in 2025 and other real-world topics to life in your classroom with our Blueprint for a Better World.
Scheduled Artemis II Launch
As NASA prepares for the Artemis II mission in fall of 2025, students have an extraordinary opportunity to witness history in the making. This first crewed flight test of NASA’s Artemis program will pave the way for future Moon and Mars exploration.
For teachers, this launch is a unique opportunity to inspire students about space exploration and the power of global collaboration. Educators can foster curiosity and critical thinking by discussing the international partnerships behind space missions and the technological innovations enabling human exploration.
The Artemis mission also provides a chance to reflect on how advancements in space science shape our understanding of Earth. Lessons can explore future careers in STEM and examine global challenges such as resource sustainability and technological innovation.
Total Lunar Eclipse
A total lunar eclipse, or “Blood Moon,” happens only once every two and a half years, making it a unique and exciting phenomenon that teachers can transform into a learning opportunity. On March 14, 2025, Earth will fully obscure the Moon, casting a reddish shadow across its surface.
This phenomenon provides an excellent chance to explain the science behind lunar eclipses, including Earth’s shadow phases and why the Moon appears red. Teachers can also explore how eclipses have been interpreted by ancient cultures and their significance in the history of science.
Interactive activities, such as tracking the eclipse phases or collaboratively modeling the Sun-Earth-Moon system, can bring the lesson to life. Witnessing this event can inspire students’ curiosity, foster a sense of wonder about the universe, and connect them to the global significance of celestial events.
U.S. Presidential Inauguration
The U.S. presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, will be a pivotal event, marking the transfer of executive power. For students, this ceremony offers a rich learning opportunity to explore the traditions and democratic principles that underpin the U.S. government.
Teachers can use this occasion to discuss the significance of the presidential oath, which underscores the president’s dedication to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution.” Students can also explore how inaugural addresses set national priorities and values, demonstrating how presidents use language to communicate their vision.
To make the inauguration more engaging, teachers can involve students in activities like watching parts of the live ceremony or analyzing past inaugural speeches. Teachers can stage a classroom “inauguration,” with students taking on roles representing branches of government. Students could also compare the U.S. inauguration to leadership ceremonies in other nations, fostering a global perspective on governance and tradition. These activities help illustrate how inaugurations connect the nation’s historical foundations to its evolving future.
2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan
The World Expo, or World’s Fair, is a global event with a long history. It dates back to 1851, when it was first held in London. Since then, World Expos have served as pivotal platforms for unveiling landmark innovations. For example, the 1889 Paris Expo introduced the Eiffel Tower, and the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair debuted the first Ferris Wheel and showcased the widespread use of electric lighting.
The 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, will run from April 13 to October 13, uniting more than 160 countries under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” This Expo will address global challenges through three sub-themes: “Saving Lives,” “Empowering Lives,” and “Connecting Lives.”
Teachers can use the Expo to engage students in discussions about global leadership, environmental stewardship, and the role of technology in solving worldwide issues. Students can explore topics tied to the Expo’s themes, such as designing sustainable cities, researching advancements in global healthcare, or envisioning future technologies for connectivity. Virtual tours or media coverage of Expo 2025 can immerse students in the event, encouraging critical thinking about how global collaboration shapes a better future.
We hope the unique events in 2025 inspire learning and action for you and your students! If you delve deeper into any of them, we’d love to hear about it. Tag us on social media, and use the hashtag #UnitingOurWorld.
