In 1927, Lindbergh cut his maps and refused to carry a heavy radio. Your team must work strictly within this ration kit:
2
8.5 × 11 Standard
1
3 × 5 Inch Stiff Card
2
Official Cargo Weight
6 in
Use Wisely!
Tools Provided: Scissors and ruler are tools only—they cannot be part of the final aircraft.
Mission Pacing Total Time: 40 Minutes
05 MIN
Examine supplies, plan aerodynamics, and draft your aircraft blueprint.
15 MIN
Cut, fold, and securely balance your 2 cargo paperclips.
10 MIN
Launch 3 flights on the classroom runway, measure distance, and log data.
05 MIN
Check off your 3 Success Criteria and connect your engineering to history.
Stay on schedule! In 1927, Lindbergh couldn't afford a single wasted minute.
Aeronautical Engineering Tips Flight Physics
Nose vs. Tail Weight
Too much nose weight causes an immediate nosedive. Too much tail weight makes the plane stall and crash. Find the center of balance!
Wing Span & Flaps
Broad wings generate more lift to stay in the air longer. Tiny upward folds on the trailing edge (elevators) help keep the nose aloft.
How did Charles Lindbergh's success reshape how ordinary Americans viewed global distance and technology during the Roaring Twenties?
Ready Engineers? Clear the Runway! May 1927 • SS5H2.b
35–40 Min
Students review the 3 Success Criteria on their sheet, check them off, and answer Phase 3 reflections. Facilitate whole-group debrief: "How did Lindbergh's flight parallel Henry Ford's automobile in shrinking travel time and connecting Americans?"
Roaring Flight Teacher Guide • Page 1 of 2 Instructional Design, Intentions & Pacing
Facilitation & Evaluation
Success Criteria Rubric
Aeronautical Troubleshooting Prompts
Differentiation Strategies
Support / ELL: Provide visual paper-folding guide (dart vs. glider fold); allow 1 cargo paperclip initially before adding the second. Assign partner roles (Lead Fold Engineer & Flight Data Recorder).
Extension / Challenge: Increase target ocean runway to 20 feet; require craft to land within a 2-foot wide "Paris airstrip" box for precision navigation points.
Success Criteria Assessment Rubric (Aligned to SC 1, 2, 3) Score: /16 Points
| Criterion / SC Focus | 4 - Exemplary | 3 - Proficient | 2 - Developing | 1 - Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC 1: 1920s Historical Synthesis | Articulates deep connection between Lindbergh's triumph, technological optimism, and global travel in the 1920s. | Explains accurately why Lindbergh's flight was a major milestone for 1920s America. | Mentions Lindbergh or flight with vague connection to 1920s historical significance. | Does not connect engineering task to 1920s history or Lindbergh. |
| SC 2: Payload & Constraints | Strict adherence to materials; both paperclips securely integrated and stay attached all 3 flights. | Adheres to materials; 2 paperclips attached; holds secure on at least 2 flights. | Minor constraint issue (excess tape used or paperclips detach during landing). | Exceeds material limits; cargo not integrated into design. |
| SC 3: Aeronautical Flight Distance | Glider glides smoothly 15+ ft across the runway; demonstrates clear lift, stability, and control. | Glider reaches 12–15 ft with stable forward motion and modest balance. | Glider reaches 8–11 ft; experiences frequent stalling or tumbling. | Glider fails to achieve forward glide (< 8 ft); drops immediately. |
| Testing, Log & Iteration | Blueprint is clearly drawn and labeled; all 3 flight trials accurately recorded with thoughtful modifications. | Blueprint completed; all 3 trials recorded with basic flight notes. | Incomplete data log (1–2 trials recorded); minimal blueprint details. | Data log and blueprint largely incomplete or missing. |
Pre-Flight Checklist: [ ] Pre-cut 6 in tape strips [ ] Mark 15 ft floor runway with painter's tape [ ] Review "I Can" statements with class
Roaring Flight Teacher Guide • Page 2 of 2 Standards & Assessment • SS5H2.b
C. A real-world limitation, restriction, or rule that engineers must respect during design.
D. The scientific study of how air moves around solid surfaces to generate lift and reduce drag.
Part 3: Reading Comprehension & Historical Evidence
1. According to the text, why did other pilots crash before Lindbergh? What was Lindbergh's key design difference?
2. (SS5H2.b) How did both Henry Ford's automobile and Charles Lindbergh's flight change American life in the 1920s?
Roaring Flight Independent Study • Page 1 of 2 Historical Text & Core Vocabulary
Engineering Application & Analysis
EDP In Aviation
Part 4: Applying the 5 Stages of the Engineering Design Process (EDP)
1. Ask
Define problem & constraints
2. Imagine
Brainstorm solutions
3. Plan
Draw blueprints & gather items
4. Create
Build prototype model
5. Improve
Test, modify & refine
Short Answer: In the aircraft glider challenge, what was the primary constraint in the "Ask" stage, and what did an engineer do in the "Improve" stage after a crash?
Part 5: Engineering Trade-Off Case Study (The Spirit of St. Louis)
Examine the equipment weight table below from Lindbergh's actual 1927 flight planning:
| Equipment Option | Weight | Lindbergh's Decision | Engineering Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Parachute | 20 lbs | REMOVED | A parachute is useless over mid-ocean freezing water. |
| Radio & Heavy Battery | 90 lbs | REMOVED | 90 lbs equals 15 gallons of fuel (an extra 150 miles range). |
| Main Nose Fuel Tank | 2,700 lbs | INSTALLED | Placed at center of gravity to keep plane balanced as fuel emptied. |
Trade-Off Analysis: Why did Lindbergh consider carrying extra fuel safer than carrying a radio and parachute? Explain his reasoning using the concept of weight and fuel range:
Part 6: Extended Synthesis Response (SS5H2.b Connection)
Prompt: In 3–4 complete sentences, explain how the 1920s became an era of speed and innovation. Connect Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight with Henry Ford's automobile assembly line. How did these two innovations make the world feel smaller and more connected?
Completion Check: [ ] Vocabulary Matched [ ] Reading Qs Answered [ ] EDP Analysis Complete [ ] Synthesis Written
Roaring Flight Independent Study • Page 2 of 2 Engineering Analysis & Historical Synthesis • SS5H2.b
Roaring Flight Answer Key • Page 1 of 2 Standard Worksheet Key
Differentiated Key • 2nd/3rd Grade Level
Support Packet Key
Clue 1: Scrambled Flight Words Key
A. L O P I T PILOT Flies the plane
B. C A O E N OCEAN The Atlantic
C. U E F L FUEL Powers motor
D. G N I W S WINGS Provides lift
Clue 2: Fix the Broken Airplane Key
1. Plane is too heavy → Matches C Take out the heavy radio and gear.
2. Runs out of gas → Matches A Put big fuel tanks in the center.
3. Nose drops down → Matches B Move the cargo weight back.
Mission 3: Packing Challenge Solutions
ITEMS TO CIRCLE (Light & Essential)
ITEMS WITH X (Too Heavy / Nonessential)
Mission 5: Sentence Frame Solutions (SS5H2.b)
1. In the 1920s, Henry Ford built lots of affordable cars / automobiles for families to drive on land.
2. Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean.
3. To help his airplane fly far, Lindbergh made it very light so it could carry extra fuel.
Roaring Flight Answer Key • Page 2 of 2 Flight Detective Differentiated Key
⛽
Extra Fuel
Needed to fly 3,600 miles
[ Circle or X ]
📻
90-lb Heavy Radio
Weighs as much as 15 gal of fuel
[ Circle or X ]
🧭
Pocket Compass
Very light, shows direction
[ Circle or X ]
🪂
Heavy Parachute
Useless over freezing ocean
[ Circle or X ]
🥪
5 Sandwiches & Water
Light food for pilot energy
[ Circle or X ]
🧳
Fancy Heavy Clothes
Not needed in the cockpit
[ Circle or X ]
Mission 4: Draw Your Super-Light Spirit Glider! Draw wide wings and label the pilot
Mission 5: Detective Report (Fill in the Blanks)
1. In the 1920s, Henry Ford built lots of affordable for families to drive on land.
2. Charles Lindbergh was the first person to fly alone across the Ocean.
3. To help his airplane fly far, Lindbergh made it very (light / heavy) so it could carry extra fuel.
Official 1927 Flight Detective Badge
Mission complete! Passed SS5H2.b 1920s Aviation & Engineering.
PASSED ★
Flight Detective Puzzle Packet • Page 2 of 2 Differentiated Engineering & History • SS5H2.b
