Take flight with one of the greatest mysteries in aviation history! In this History Mystery Investigation, students become detectives to explore the life and disappearance of Amelia Earhart. Through narrative storytelling, case-file analysis, theory cards, and a hands-on STEM paper-glider challenge, learners practice critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and problem-solving while uncovering clues behind her final flight.

🕵️‍♀️ What’s Included
✅ Teacher Guide with CCSS + NGSS alignment
✅ Student reading passage on Amelia Earhart’s life and final flight
✅ Case File with timeline and key facts
✅ Theory Cards (6 possible explanations)
✅ Investigation Chart + Final Report Worksheet
✅ Optional STEM Paper Glider Challenge instructions
✅ Quick prep and print guide

💡 Skills & Standards Practiced

• Reading informational texts (RI 4.1–5.3)
  
• Writing opinions with text evidence (W 4.1–5.1)
  
• Collaborative discussion (SL 4.1–5.1)
  
• Engineering design process (3-5 ETS1 standards)
  
• Historical reasoning and geography connections
  

🎯 Perfect For:

• ELA + STEM integration days
  
• History detective projects
  
• Sub plans, enrichment, or gifted centers
  
• Homeschool investigations
  

🧭 Learning Goals:
Students will …

• Analyze historical facts and theories about Amelia Earhart’s disappearance.
  
• Evaluate evidence to form and support a theory.
  
• Apply STEM principles by designing and testing paper gliders.
  

📆 Time Frame:

• Mini-unit (2–3 days) or single 60-90-minute lesson