Summer Learning Journey Day 2, Week 1

DAY 2: Up in the Air

Activity 1: Flying Solo [4 points]

Jean Batten was a famous aviator (pilot) who was born in Rotorua, New Zealand in 1909. In the 1930s she made several record-breaking solo flights (on her own) across the world. In fact, she was the first person to fly solo from England to New Zealand - a huge achievement! She also flew a number of long solo flights between England and Australia or Brazil. When she flew, she always took a silk dress with her so that she could look beautiful at the parties she attended upon her arrival.

Amelia Earhart was an American aviator who lived at about the same time as Jean Batten. Like Jean, she also flew solo. In fact, she was the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She flew all the way from Canada to Northern Ireland on her own without stopping. In 1937, Amelia Earhart attempted to circumnavigate (go right around) the world. Unfortunately, the flight ended in tragedy when she disappeared near Howland Island, about halfway between Australia and Hawaii. She was never found.

For this activity, compare and contrast these two aviators. You could use a Venn diagram like the one provided below. Please be sure to include three similarities and three differences between the two women. Post your work on your blog.

Activity 2: One Small Step for Man [4 points]

Neil Armstrong was an American astronaut and engineer. In 1969, Neil and his team of astronauts flew to the moon in a spacecraft called Apollo 11. When they arrived, Neil got out of the spacecraft and walked on the moon. He is the first person in history to walk on the moon! As Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, he famously said, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for
mankind.”

As you can imagine, landing on the moon is a very dangerous task. Many things can go wrong, and a number of astronauts have died attempting to land \on the moon. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins (the three astronauts on Apollo 11) must have been extremely brave.

I always imagine that walking on the moon must be like jumping on the trampoline! Do you like jumping on a trampoline? My daughter Laila loves it!

For this activity, let’s imagine that you were Neil Armstrong. Write a short poem describing how you felt when you first set
foot on the moon. Post your work on your blog

My legs are shaking, With chills up my spine
We've been waiting for this moment for a very long time
We're about hit the surface, it took a long flight,
Once we hit the ground, Aldrin calls "Contact Light".
We get suited up, and ready for space
Once we step out, the sun rays hit my face.
My heart is racing, I thought space would be weird
But once I took a step, all my doubts disappeared
I planted the flag with pride in my face
All we gotta do now is to get back to where it's safe
We took a few photos and hopped back on our ship
"That ones gonna hit the books" I loudly chipped

Activity 3: Miracle on the Hudson [6 points]

Mr. Chesley Sullenberger, or “Sully” as he was known, was an airline captain (pilot) for about 30 years. In 2009, he became world-famous when he landed his airplane in the middle of the Hudson River in New York City. He was forced to make an emergency landing when both of the engines in his airplane lost power. Amazingly, all 155 people on board the A320 plane survived the landing. This
the incredible event became known as the ‘Miracle on the Hudson.’

Although Sully must have been scared when the engines lost power, he didn’t show
it. Instead, he stayed calm and saved the lives of everyone on board. What a brave
man!

For this activity, we would like to hear about a time when you, or someone you know, were brave like Sully. Post your work on your blog.

My Brave story isn't that related to Sully's story but I still think it was brave. My Brave story is about a guy named David who did a Haka all by himself with more than 100 people watching him. He wasn't forced to do it, he just did it because he was satisfied. He watched a school do a performance, that he loved, so he expressing his thoughts through a Haka, which I think is such a brave thing to do!