American Institute of Physics
African Americans in Astronomy and Astrophysics
A two-part lesson focuses on the contributions to the fields of astronomy and astrophysics of two African Americans: Benjamin Banneker and Dr. George Carruthers. In part one, scholars learn about Benjamin Banneker by examining his...
American Institute of Physics
Meet Four Pioneering African American Astronauts
An out-of-this-world resource introduces young scientists to four African American astronauts: Michael P. Anderson, Ronald E. McNair, Guion S. Bluford Jr., and Jeanette J. Epps. Groups read biographies of these individuals and prepare...
Smithsonian Institution
Students’ Response to 9/11—A Documentary Report
Young historians research the devastating attacks of 9/11 and use that information to script their own documentaries. The follow-up activity includes recording the documentary and conducting classmate interviews,
Curated OER
Revolutionary Money
Examine paper money from the American revolution! Historians study the paper bills and discuss the history of money. How has money changed over the times? Activities are included.
Curated OER
Firestorms: The Bombing of Civilians in World War II: War, Ethics, Guernica, Precision Bombing
Young scholars explore the history, rationale and ethics of civilian bombing in times of war. They consider war strategy, the laws and conventions of war and international implications.
Curated OER
Firestorms: The Bombing of Civilians in World War II
Students examine the implication of civilian targets in war. In this World War II lesson plan, students investigate the history of bombing practices in war. Students zero in on World War II bombing practices as they discuss precision and...
Curated OER
Kites of Japan
Students perform research into the designs of Japanese kites in order to appreciate them for their aerodynamic designs. The appreciation builds student interest in order to produce their own similar designs.
Curated OER
The Aerial Age
Learners infer America's attitude towards aviation in the early 1900s. In this The Aerial Age lesson plan, students analyze early 1900s literature, music, advertisements, and popular culture in reference to aviation. Learners represent...
Curated OER
THE WRIGHT IDEA!
Students learn about the technological development of flight by organizing a presentation on the history of flight.
Curated OER
Hindenburg
Students write a diary entry from the perspective of someone who was affected by the Hindenburg explosion. In this Hindenburg lesson plan, students learn the history behind the explosion, discuss the reactions of people, and discuss...
Curated OER
Predictions by Famous People in History
In this prediction worksheet, students read 5 predictions made by famous historical people. They decide if the predictions became true or if it turned out to be false. They use a word bank at the bottom of the page to aid in comprehension.
Smithsonian Institution
Korean War
North and South Korea: two regions divided. The story of the Korean War describes the events that occurred when these two regions' ideologies clashed. The resource uses various images and descriptions of artifacts, in addition to...
Curated OER
A New Regime: The Beginning of SupersonicFlight
Students learn through multimedia about the history of supersonic flight and the men who made it possible.
Curated OER
Mobile Cooking
Students investigate the history of Mobile, Alabama and then create recipes from the area, including Southern Pecan Pie and Mr. Carver's Peanut Brittle.
Curated OER
How Things Fly
Middle schoolers conduct a series of hands-on experiments that help them explain the role of lift in fixed-wing flight. They observe the flow of air and water around several surfaces and then consider the dynamics of airflow around an...
Curated OER
Baga Drum
Pupils examine a Baga Drum in order to explore the history of the Baga people of West Africa. In this art history lesson, students recognize figures used in Baga Drum design that represent aspects of Baga culture. They also design and...
Curated OER
The High and the Flighty
Students study women aviators and act out a talk show-style interview with one of them. They plot Amelia Earhart's flights on a map.
Curated OER
Jet Engine Technology
Learners discover the technology of jet engines through an interactive program. They explore the history of the gas-turbine theory and follow tutorials in how to use them. They finally read about the new Air-Breathing engines.
Curated OER
It's Aviation Awareness Week!
There are easy ways to incorporate activities related to Aviation History Month in your classroom.
Curated OER
Rotocopters
Students construct their own rotocopters to study flight. In this flight lesson students work in groups and complete timed trials of their rotocopters.
Curated OER
Setting Boundaries
Students investigate the determination of the boundaries of various countries. They work in small groups to research a country's political history and past boundary issues and territorial disputes.
Curated OER
From Airmail to Airlines
Students explore changes in air transportation from 1920 to the present. In this air flight lesson plan, students are introduced to the history of air transportation. This lesson plan contains three different activities that will...
Curated OER
As Air Force Grows, So Does Iraqis' Pride
Students explore the Air Force's involvement in the Gulf War. In this history lesson, students read an article from USA Today about the Gulf War, then answer several questions to check their understanding of the article.
Curated OER
Up, Up and Away
Tenth graders experiment with gravity and air pressure. In this geometry lesson plan, 10th graders build their own kits and fly it. They investigate the questions: what keeps a kite in the air and what are some important factors when...