airplanes

January 11th marks the anniversary of when Amelia Earhart set the record for flying solo from Honolulu to California. You’ll love more about flying here at Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly.

That’s longer than the distance from US to Europe.

She blazed a trail for women aviators and women in general breaking records and stereotypes as she pursued what she loved.

Today, we are celebrating her accomplishments with a tutorial for DIY aviator goggles that can be used to spruce up a costume for any occasion.

9 Amazing Facts

1. She was born in Atchison, Kansas on July 24, 1897
2. She was the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Amelia broke her first world record in 1922. She was the first woman to fly above 14,000 feet.
4. On January 11th, 1935 Amelia Earhart Flies solo from Honolulu to California.
5. Between 1930 and 1935, Amelia set seven records in aviation for speed and distance.
6. Amelia received many awards including becoming the first woman to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress.
7. She became the first person to fly solo from Los Angeles to Mexico City and from Mexico City to Newark, New Jersey in 1935.
8. In 1929, Earhart co-founded an organization to advance women’s participation and opportunities in aviation. They were called the Ninety-Nine. And it was composed of 99 charter members, representing 99 of the 117 licensed women pilots in the United States at that time.
9. She disappeared on July 2, 1937, over the Pacific Ocean. She was declared dead on January 5, 1939

Then, you’ll love some of these resources and books.

Books about Amelia Earhart

Also, grab one or two of these books for a fun read.

6 Fun Amelia Earhart Resources

Bring your aviator unit study to life by adding some of these fun resources.

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

Amelia Earhart was a woman of many "firsts." In 1932, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1935, she also became the first woman to fly across the Pacific. From her early years to her mysterious 1937 disappearance while attempting a flight around the world, readers will find Amelia Earhart's life a fascinating story.

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Amelia Earhart (Inspired Inner Genius)

Then, you will love our child-friendly biography of Amelia Earhart! Use this exciting biography book to instill timeless values & principles in your child.

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I am Amelia Earhart (Ordinary People Change the World)

Amelia Earhart refused to accept no for an answer; she dared to do what no one had ever done before, and became the first woman to fly a plane all the way across the Atlantic Ocean. This biography follows her from childhood to her first flying lessons and onward to her multi-record-breaking career as a pilot. This friendly, fun biography series inspired the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. One great role model at a time, these books encourage kids to dream big. Included in each book are:   • A timeline of key events in the hero’s history   • Photos that bring the story more fully to life   • Comic-book-style illustrations that are irresistibly adorable   • Childhood moments that influenced the hero   • Facts that make great conversation-starters   • A character trait that made the person heroic and that readers can aspire to 

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Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky! (Show Me History!)

When Amelia Earhart became the first woman to make a solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, she immediately became an American icon and a subject of endless fascination for generations to come. In Amelia Earhart: Pioneer of the Sky!, the story of the bold and daring aviator’s life is presented in graphic novel format, with full-color illustrations and historically accurate details. From her hardscrabble childhood to her final flight—and mysterious disappearance—Earhart’s journey will entertain, captivate, and inspire readers of all ages.

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The Story of Amelia Earhart: A Biography Book for New Readers

Amelia Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean in an airplane―and she broke many other flight records before her mysterious disappearance. Before she made history and changed the world for pilots everywhere, Amelia was an adventure-loving kid who wasn’t afraid to be different. She worked hard and learned how to fly airplanes at a time when many people didn’t think women should be pilots. Explore how Amelia Earhart went from being a young girl growing up in Kansas to an American hero and a celebrated pioneer of flight.

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Safari Ltd In The Sky TOOB

In the sky themed figurines by Safari Ltd. Airplanes, blimp, helicopter, hot air balloon, space shuttle and more replicas have been handpainted and researched for accuracy. Pieces come in a clear """"toob"""" with a globe top and facts on the inside. These figures are perfect for displays, playing pretend, and more! 12 pieces per package.

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Also, look at these other hands-on ideas to add to your unit study.

Amelia Earhart Hands-on Ideas For Learning

• How to Draw Amelia Earhart and Amelia Earhart Coloring Page
• Build a Paper Airplane Launcher and learn more about aerodynamics.
• Oh my what a fun Amelia Earhart costume to make
• Make this fun airplane box complete with propeller.
• Free Amelia Earhart lapbook

Additionally, if your student is interested in aviation, here are a few links.

Aviation Ideas and Resources

• Aviation Instructor’s Handbook. This would be good for an older student to at least glance at if not read.
• Nice. Printable timeline cards of aviation.
• Learn about other famous flyers and make the Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly
• Visit the National Space and Air museum online and/or in person.
• Flight 100 Years of Aviation
• Add this Pilot Academy book to your list. It’s full of fun and engaging information.

Finally, let’s make some fun diy aviator goggles.

How to Make DIY Aviator Amelia Earhart Goggles

You will need:

• Black craft felt
• Grey craft felt
• Scissors
• Elastic
• Black sharpie
• Hot glue gun/sticks

Directions:

You can use a flexible measuring tape to measure the distance from just above each cheekbone.

Begin by measuring above the forehead or just hold the black felt in place and mark the length with your hands.

Depending on the age and size of your child it will be around 6”-8”.

Drawing a figure eight with a white crayon on the black felt the length of your measurement.

I just kept following the figure eight pattern until I was happy with it.

If we cut the piece out as is, the nose part made by the center of the figure eight will be too small and not hold up at all.

So, draw a line above and below the x of the figure to thicken the nose.

Fold figure in half so that you can cut out both sides at one time.

Choose the better loop to use. Cut out and lay the piece open.

Cut out the center leaving a 1/2” border all the way around to create an eye opening.

Lay the opening of the goggles over your gray felt and trace the inside with a white crayon or pencil.

Remove black piece and draw another ring around the one you just traced, making the thickness about ¼”.

Aviator Amelia Earhart Goggles Craft

Cut out the center and use this template to trace another one out of gray for the other eye.

Use a sharpie marker to add some detail to resemble stitching or rivets around the gray circles.

Hot glue the back of the gray shapes and press into place over the black pieces on both sides.

I had white elastic on hand from another project but wanted to use it up rather than buying new.

So, I colored it in with a black sharpie to make it blend in a bit more. Hot glue the elastic to one side.

Use the goggles and elastic to measure around the head where your child will wear them and trim the elastic to that length.

Hot glue the other end of elastic in place. What do you think?

Can you add this bit of fun to your unit study?