I want to share with you one of my learning scenarios:

My Scenario: Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance

Level: Upper Intermediate/Advanced

Subject Areas: History, Conspiracy Theory

Goals:

-         to distinguish between historical facts and historical fancy

-         to think critically about conspiracy theories and facts

-         to distinguish facts from opinions

-         to think about their own theory based on the provided information and facts

-         take a historian’s role to gauge accuracy of the facts

Scenario: Amelia Earhart's Last Flight. Searching for Amelia.

Amelia Mary Earhart (1897- disappeared in 1937) was a pioneer in American aviation. Earhart was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. She wrote best-selling books about her flying experience. During an attempt to make a flight of the globe in 1937 in a Lockhead Model 10 Electra, Earhart disappeared over the Central Pacific Ocean near Howland Island. Talks and stories about her fascinating life, career and disappearance continue to this day.

What do you think happened to Amelia?

Your investigation:

• http://ameliaearhart.com/
• http://www.ellensplace.net/eae_intr.html
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelia_Earhart
• http://www.lib.purdue.edu/spcol/aearhart/bibliography.php
• http://www.biography.com/featured-biography/amelia-earhart/
• http://tighar.org/
• http://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/electra/earhart/
• http://www.militarycorruption.com/earhartbook.htm

Questions to guide you:

What was the route of her final flight?

Where did it happen? On what island did she disappeared? What country is the closest to this island?

How did she become lost and why people couldn’t contact her?

What might have happened?

Theories:

- Amelia was lost at sea

- She ran out of gas and crashed into the ocean

- Captured by the Japanese on Mili Atoll (Marshall Islands)

- She was on a spy mission doing the aerial pictures.

Which of the theories do you agree with? Why/Why not?

Your theory?

Give your reasons towards the theories of her disappearance based on the historical evidence, documents, newspaper stories and facts.

Act as a historian. How do historians gauge accuracy of the facts?

What factors should be considered talking about historical facts?

Should we take eye-witness testimony and newspaper stories at face value?

The Historian cannot accept evidence at face value. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

Some sources contributed to the idea that the American Government had conspired to deceive and mislead the public about Earhart’s disappearance.

What was her importance to the American Government? Why was she fervently searched?

How do you understand the idea of the conspiracy theory regarding Amelia Earhart?

Can you think of other examples where people suspect a Government plot to conceal information from the public?

My teaching objectives for this scenario are to equip my students with CT strategies, to critically think about Amelia Earhart’s disappearance. This scenario might be completed in groups as a group exploration or as a homework.  After having read suggested sites with evidences and information, Ss would come up with oral presentations of their own theories. Some Ss may take roles as historians presenting historical facts and judging historical fancies.