Rewriting History: An Alternative Ending to the Amelia Earhart Story
 
Use this activity:
Lesson Plan:

Objective:

  • Students will understand the events surrounding Amelia Earhart’s disappearance.
  • Students will practice creative writing by crafting an alternative historical ending.
  • Students will demonstrate historical empathy and imagination while maintaining historical context.

Materials Needed:

  • Printed copy of the Amelia Earhart background handout
  • Notebook or writing device
  • Optional: map of Earhart’s route

Introduction (10 minutes):

Begin with a brief discussion on Amelia Earhart's accomplishments and her disappearance. Ask students what they already know. Show a map of her flight route if available. Talk about the mystery of her last flight and why people are still fascinated by it.

Activity Instructions (30–40 minutes):

  1. Distribute or display the handout below.
  2. Read through the historical background as a class or individually.
  3. Explain that students will create their own alternate ending to Amelia Earhart's story.
  4. Encourage creativity: survival stories, spy theories, secret missions, futuristic rescues, etc.
  5. Have students complete their stories using the prompt provided.

Conclusion (10–15 minutes):

  • Invite students to share their endings aloud or in small groups.
  • Discuss how alternate histories can help us better understand real events.
Other Uses:
Writing Groups/Writing Workshop- This activity serves as an excellent tool for enrichment-based writing groups or guided writing workshop in language arts or social studies.
Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 45-60 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work or morning work over several days.
Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts.
Share - Allow students to share their work with the class.