The history of flight
This learning block represents one week’s work. Aim to watch at least one video and choose at least one activity or project to complete.
The first video gives you an introduction to the history of flight. The videos below will help you understand the different kinds of flight through history.
Leonardo Davinci & Flight
A breif history of hot air balloons
history of zepplins
the wright brothers
A breif history of Amelia Earheart
The first TransAtlantic flight
Now choose an Activity
Drawing a blimp
Here is a fun and easy activity for drawing a blimp (or zepplin)!
To complete this activity you will need:
- A pencil
- A marker
- An earser
- A piece of paper.
Making a hot air balloon
This activity is about making a hot air balloon that does not require fire. For this activity you will need the following items:
- Tissue papper or a plastic bag
- Glue stick
- Scissors
- Hair dryer
How to make an airplane out of popsicle sticks
This activity is how to make a model airplane out of popsicle sticks. Please note that these are non functional aircraft and they will not fly like a paper airplane, they are for looking at only. For this you will need the following items:
- Popsicle stick, both full size and half size.
- Glue gun with glue sticks
- Markers for decoration
- Stickers for decoration
Books About The history of flight
Click on a book to buy it from Amazon. Or, you can ask for them at your local library.
Wee & The Wright Brothers Read Aloud
ADVANCED PROJECTS
Choose at least one!
The history of flying: documentary
This is a full length documentary on the history of flight it is at a more advanced level of learning than we have gone into previously. This would be a good thing to watch as a family on family movie night or as the basis for a more advanced project.
From the information you have here pick one of the three options below as an advanced, high school level project.
Write a Journal Entry or Letter
Imagine that you are in the shoes of one or both of the Wright brothers, or living in 1903 in Kitty Hawk.
Include:
- Where you are
- What is happening around you
- What is happening to you
- What you are thinking about
- How you feel
- Your plans for what happens next
Upload your journal entry or letter to your portfolio.
Create a Newspaper
Create a mini newspaper with three short articles about three topics or people related to the history of aviation. and at least one advertisement based on this subject. You could do the three modes of flight: balloons, zeplins, and airplanes. Or you might decide to do three characters: The Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhardt, and Count Ferdinand von Zepplin. Use a free newspaper template tool for Google Docs to make your newspaper look professional.
Include your finished copy in your portfolio.
Do a Video Interview
Create an interview… real or fictional, with an actual expert of person related to this topic, or write the script for a fictional interview. Ask the person five questions about the topic. Dive deep and think like a journalist. Get to the root of the story.
Add this video to your portfolio