This inquiry leads students through an investigation of the life, achievements, and mystery of Amelia Earhart and her disappearance. The compelling question, “Where did you go, Amelia Earhart?” engages students in discovering the legacy of Amelia Earhart from her youth to her disappearance. Students will use the sources provided by this inquiry to gather information to create a final video in which they act as a reporter on the life of Amelia. They will need to report the facts but also come up with a clear argument to support their reasoning for what they believe to be the most compelling theory of her disappearance. The provided sources are suitable for 3rd-5th grade but can be differentiated as necessary. Including in this inquiry are a variety of sources that may be especially useful for advanced students who have a deeper interest in this topic.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
Where did you go, Amelia Earhart?
Staging Question
Examine five objects that relate to the life of a “mystery person” (Amelia Earhart). As a class, brainstorm what those five objects may mean concerning the mystery person’s life. After discovering the mystery person’s name, discuss how each object represents a part of Earhart’s life. Finally, create an anchor chart that includes things they know about her life and things they want to know.
What is the story of Amelia’s life?
Formative TasksStudents will create a timeline with ten important events in Amelia’s life.
SourcesSource A: Who Was Amelia Earhart? By Kate B. Jerome
Source B: Purdue Libraries Amelia Earhart Collection Interactive Libraries
Source C (optional): Amelia Earhart Biography
Source D: Bismarck Newspaper Article 1937
Source E: Minneapolis Newspaper Article 1937
If you could meet Amelia, what would you ask her?
Formative TasksTaking on the role of reporter, students will interview Amelia Earhart and take notes on her responses.
SourcesSource A: Being a Reporter (for Kids!)
Source B: KCTV News Team
Source C: Amelia Earhart Interview
Source D: What would Amelia’s Instagram Looked Like?
Source E: “Amelia’s” Instagram
What do you think happened to Amelia?
Formative TasksChoose the most compelling theory of Earhart’s disappearance connecting three supporting pieces of evidence, and write an argument in favor of the chosen theory.
SourcesSource A: Field Trip to Amelia Earhart Interactive Hangar Museum in Atchison Kansas
Source B: Hangar Museum Teacher Guide
Source C: Potential Plane Detection 2024 CBS
Source D: Bones Linked to Amelia Earhart 2016
Source E: Amelia Earhart Mystery Solved? This Man Says He's Located Her Lost Plane | Frank Buckley Interviews
Source F: News Nation reporting on her disappearance, 2023
Summative Performance Task
Argument:
Extension:
Taking Informed Action
Understand:
Assess:
Act: