Activities to Teach Students About Amelia Earhart
Amelia Earhart is a legendary figure in aviation history, known for her pioneering flights and her incredible courage. Her story has inspired generations of young people, and there are many activities that teachers can use to help their students learn about her life and accomplishments. Here are a few ideas for activities to teach students about Amelia Earhart:
1. Reading Comprehension: One of the best ways to introduce students to Amelia Earhart is through reading comprehension activities. There are many age-appropriate books and articles about Earhart’s life and career, and teachers can use these materials to help students learn about her background, her accomplishments, and her legacy. In addition to reading comprehension questions, teachers can incorporate vocabulary exercises and writing prompts to help students deepen their understanding of Earhart’s story.
2. Map Skills: Amelia Earhart is perhaps best known for her solo flights across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. To help students understand the challenges she faced, teachers can use maps to chart the routes of her historic flights. This can be a great opportunity to teach students about longitude and latitude, and to help them develop their map-reading skills.
3. STEM Activities: Amelia Earhart was a pioneer in the field of aviation, and her legacy has inspired countless men and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. Teachers can help students explore the science behind flight by conducting hands-on experiments, building model airplanes, or designing their own flying machines. This can be a great way to introduce students to the principles of aerodynamics, engineering, and physics.
4. Writing Activities: Amelia Earhart was a gifted writer, and her books and articles about her aviation adventures are still popular today. Teachers can use her works as a springboard for writing activities, by asking students to write their own travelogue or memoir about a memorable experience they have had. This activity can help students develop their writing skills, while also learning about Earhart’s legacy as a trailblazing writer and adventurer.
5. Jigsaw Activities: Another great way to teach students about Amelia Earhart is through jigsaw activities. This involves dividing students into groups, and assigning each group a different aspect of Earhart’s life to research and present to the class. This can include her childhood and family background, her aviation career, and her contributions to women’s rights and feminism. By working collaboratively, students can develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of Earhart’s life and legacy.
Overall, there are many ways that teachers can help their students learn about Amelia Earhart. By using a combination of reading comprehension, map skills, STEM activities, writing exercises, and jigsaw activities, teachers can engage students and inspire them to learn more about this incredible woman and her contributions to aviation history.