Taking Flight:
How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies

Taking Flight

Have you ever wondered how two bicycle mechanics from Ohio managed to change the world forever? "Taking Flight: How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies" by Adam Hancher is a delightful journey through the incredible story of Wilbur and Orville Wright. Perfect for primary school teachers and home educators, this book brings history to life in a way that’s both engaging and informative for young learners.

The Wright brothers’ adventure begins in their modest bicycle shop, where curiosity and ingenuity were the order of the day. Hancher’s storytelling captures the spirit of innovation and determination, showing how these two brothers meticulously studied birds and aerodynamics to create their flying machine. The book includes vivid illustrations and easy-to-understand explanations of the scientific principles that helped the Wright brothers take flight, making it a fantastic resource for teaching STEM concepts in a fun and memorable way.

But it’s not just about the science; this story is also about perseverance, teamwork, and dreaming big. Through their countless trials and errors, the Wright brothers teach us the value of persistence and the joy of discovery. Whether you're looking to inspire a budding engineer or simply want to share a piece of history that sparks imagination, "Taking Flight" is a must-have addition to your educational toolkit. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to soar with Wilbur and Orville—because the sky's the limit when you bring history alive in your classroom or home!

Author: Adam Hancher

Adam is an illustrator hailing from The Black Country, now based in East London. He graduated from the University of West England with first class honours in 2010. His clients include: The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Puffin Books and Penguin Random House. Adam's work combines analog and digital techniques - ink, pencil, and Photoshop being his main tools. There is a strong focus on narrative within his work, often dealing with complex emotions and personal journeys conveyed though one image. His first book, The Little Pioneer, is published by Frances Lincoln in the UK and Doubleday in the US.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Quarto
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 9.25 in x 11.42 in / 235.00 mm x 290.00 mm
  • Reading age: 8 - 14 years old
  • Publication date: August 2nd, 2018
  • ISBN: 9781786031235

Read alongside these topics:

Can I use Taking Flight: How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies in my Flying Machines lessons?

Wright Brothers Dreams Take Flight | Inn On Bath Creek

Using "Taking Flight: How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies" in your Flying Machines lessons is highly beneficial, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the Wright brothers' innovations and their impact on aviation. Here are several reasons why this book can be an excellent resource for your lessons:

Educational Value

#
  • Historical Context: The book details the early life of the Wright brothers, their experiments with kites and gliders, and their eventual success in powered flight on December 17, 1903. This historical narrative can engage students and provide context for their studies in aerodynamics and engineering principles.
  • Scientific Principles: The Wright brothers' work involved critical scientific concepts such as lift, thrust, drag, and control mechanisms. The book explains how they applied these principles through innovative techniques like wing-warping to achieve controlled flight.

Lesson Integration

  • Hands-On Activities: You can complement the reading with hands-on activities that explore concepts discussed in the book. For instance, students can build model airplanes or conduct experiments related to lift and balance, mirroring the Wright brothers' own experiments.
  • Character Education: The perseverance and problem-solving skills demonstrated by the Wright brothers serve as excellent character lessons. Their journey emphasizes the importance of dedication, experimentation, and learning from failure, which can inspire students in their own endeavours.

Curriculum Alignment

  • STEM Focus: The themes in "Taking Flight" align well with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education goals. It encourages critical thinking and innovation—key components of modern educational standards.

In summary, "Taking Flight: How the Wright Brothers Conquered the Skies" is not only informative but also versatile for lesson planning in Flying Machines classes. It offers rich content that can enhance student understanding of both historical and scientific aspects of aviation.

Lets learn a little more about the Wright brothers!

Ready for takeoff, teachers and parents? Buckle up because we’re about to soar through the story of the Wright Brothers and how they conquered the skies! This tale is not just a history lesson; it's a thrilling adventure that can inspire your young aviators and might just add a bit of lift to your teaching toolkit.

Wilbur and Orville Wright were not born with wings, but their curiosity and determination certainly gave them the right stuff. Growing up in the late 1800s, they were fascinated by flight, tinkering with kites and toy helicopters. Their journey from bicycle mechanics in Dayton, Ohio, to aviation pioneers is a testament to the power of perseverance and inventive thinking. In 1903, after countless experiments and setbacks, the Wright Brothers achieved the first controlled, sustained flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This incredible feat was the result of meticulous planning, clever engineering, and, of course, a healthy dose of brotherly teamwork.

So, how can we bring this sky-high story down to earth for our young learners? Try a hands-on project where students build and test their own simple gliders or paper aeroplanes. This not only brings the Wright Brothers' pioneering spirit into your classroom but also introduces principles of aerodynamics in a fun, engaging way. Discuss the importance of trial and error, and highlight how even failed attempts are valuable learning experiences. Remember, the Wright Brothers' first flights were only the beginning—each small success paved the way for greater achievements. By encouraging curiosity and resilience in your students, you’re helping them take their first steps toward conquering their own skies. Let's get those imaginations flying!

Discover Hands-On Education