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airplanes

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

January 11, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

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.

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 

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.

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.

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.

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
Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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.

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

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?

Amazing Facts about Amelia Earhart and Fun Aviator Goggle Craft

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: airplanes, Amelia Earhart, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

December 17, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today is Wright Brothers Day. And we’re learning about amazing airplanes.

On December 17, 1903, almost 120 years ago the Wright brothers were able to make their first successful flight.

It was completed in the 1903 Wright Flyer in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina with Orville Wright manning the controls.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

What an amazing thing it must have been to see that sight!

Flying objects are things we take for granted because it is so commonplace now.

Wright Brothers Airplane

Their plane was a Canard biplane with a 12-horsepower Wright horizontal four-cylinder engine driving two pusher propellers via a sprocket-and-chain transmission.

And there were no wheels, linear skids acted as landing gear.

Also, it was a natural fabric finish – no sealant or paint of any kind.

With a wingspan of 40 ft 4 in, a length of 21 ft. 1 in. and it weighed 605 lbs. without a pilot.

We are going to paint and put together a simple old fashioned plane similar to the 1903 Wright Flyer.

Using some hot glue and wooden craft sticks (popsicle sticks) that you can customize by creating it in different sizes as well as colors.

First, look at some of these books to add to your study.

6 Resources for Learning About Flying Things

Use one of these books to study about airplanes or things that fly.

Who Were the Wright Brothers? (Who Was?)

As young boys, Orville and Wilbur Wright loved all things mechanical.  As young men, they gained invaluable skills essential for their success by working with printing presses, bicycles, motors, and any sort of machinery they could get their hands on.  As adults, the brothers worked together to invent, build, and fly the world’s first successful airplane. This is the fascinating story of the two inventors and aviation pioneers who never lost sight of their dream: to fly, and to soar higher!

Planes!: (And Other Things That Fly) (Things That Go)

Take to the skies with this fun, visual miscellany for younger children who love anything related to airplanes and flying!

The Story of the Wright Brothers: A Biography Book

The Wright brothers were the first people ever to build and fly an airplane, doing what many people at the time didn’t think was possible. Before they made history with their airplane, Wilbur and Orville were curious kids who loved learning about the world around them and how it worked. They fell in love with the idea of flying and taught themselves everything they needed to know to make their dream come true.

The Wright Brothers (Good for High School Kids)

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot.

Flight: The Complete History of Aviation (DK Smithsonian)

From the early pioneers to the latest spaceflight technology, this groundbreaking book charts the inspirational story behind humankind's conquest of the skies. In the 100 years since the Wright brothers' first powered flight, aviation has witnessed many memorable events. From record-breaking flights and aerial warfare, to advances in aircraft design and the race for space, Flight covers the most memorable moments in the history of aviation

The Sky TOOB

n 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.

Also, hands-on learning makes a subject come to life.

Hands-on Activities for Flying Things

Learning about the Wright Brothers and their Wright Flyer is a great springboard for learning about other things that fly, including:

  • Hot Air Balloons
  • Blimps
  • Space Shuttle. Look at my Exploring Space and Astronomy Unit Study. and learn how to make a straw rocket
  • Parachutes. Look at this STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity.
  • Stunt Planes
  • Executive Airplanes
  • Helicopters
  • Concorde Jet

Have children research via books or the internet who invented each and when. If you like, have them choose one and research it deeper.

Call your local airport and see if they offer tours for groups and schedule a field trip for your co-op or group of friends. You may have even better luck at smaller private airports.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Especially for younger children, the figures in Safari Ltd. In The Sky Toob are perfect for hands-on activities.

For instance, look at these ways to use the sky figures.

  • create an up in the air sensory bin,
  • a flying things diorama,
  • you can add them to the block center
  • use as a model for pencil drawings or
  • include them in a themed basket for things that fly.
Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Another way you can use them is to have your child place them in order of when each was invented.

Further, make paper airplanes and see who can fly them the farthest, measure the distances to include some simple math naturally into your day.

You can even add on an airplane launcher to really get them moving.

Last, make an egg carton helicopter that littles will love.

How to Make an Amazing Wooden Airplane

Now, let’s make this fun wooden airplane.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Short list of supplies

  • 2 sizes wooden craft sticks (popsicle sticks)
  • wooden spools
  • Craft paint
  • paintbrushes/foam brush
  • Hot glue gun/sticks
Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Directions:

Paint 2 large wooden craft sticks and 2 small ones the same color, or you can leave them unfinished in the natural color like the Wright Brothers plane was.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Paint a third small craft stick another color for the propeller.

Stack 5 or 6 craft sticks together and secure between each with hot glue. Once the glue hardens and dries, paint the stack the color you chose for the body.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Allow paint to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Once everything is dry, you are ready to assemble.

Place your stacked pieces vertically in front of you.

Then attach one large stick to the top and underside of the front of the stack centered about 1” down to create a nose for the plane.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

At the opposite end of the stack glue a smaller wood craft stick on top and underneath.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Finally, hot glue your propeller in place on the nose.

At this point, you may want to trim your craft stick down a bit to make a smaller propeller using loppers or strong scissors to make it smaller.

As an extra step if you like you can glue two small beads or wooden objects under the wings to tip it upwards to allow it to sit and a slant, making it better for display.

Wright Brothers And Amazing Airplanes And Other Things That Fly

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: airplanes, crafts, hands on history, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, science, unit studies, unit study

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