In the News:

On June 5,2013, the Connecticut state senate passed a bill saying Gustave Whitehead was the first to fly in the United States. The measure still needs to be voted on before this recognition becomes Connecticut state law.  Use this news story to discuss with kids the Wright Brother's first flight and any impact that the Connecticut legislature might have on history books. Perhaps, you might find this webquest/extension activities of interest to assist in a discussion of the history of flight with students in grades 4-8. I just visited the Wright Brother's National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC, last month. Interesting to walk the distance of the different flights...the first only 120 ft. That's the distance of lining up 20 people 6 ft. tall! Amazing!

Did you know that people actually thought that the airplane would have no real purpose? Less than 10 people showed up for the Wright Brothers attempt to make history on that December 17, 1903, morning.Using this webquest of 10 informative text questions, students will learn about the Wright Brothers and their first flight. Extension activities,additional links and key are included. I've included some information for discussion about this news story about Gustave Whitehead,too.