Pocket Timelines: Flight
Pocket Timelines Series
What’s inside...
One of a series which aims to help children look more closely at the world in which they live, this book on flight juxtaposes elements from the mechanical and natural worlds to illustrate scientific principles. Using photographic sequences and illustrations the text examines the reasons behind the way things function. Other books in this series look at 'Light', 'Structure', 'Balance', and 'Colour'.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
22 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think inspired the first people to want to fly?
How do you think flying has changed the way we explore and understand our world?
What are some of the biggest challenges inventors faced when creating flying machines?
If you could design your own aircraft, what special features would it have?
How do you think flight technology might change in the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as early aviators and ask how they would feel experiencing flight for the first time.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and innovation, highlighting the inventors mentioned in the book.
Connect the book’s themes to your child’s experiences by discussing family trips that involved flying or how flying impacts everyday life.
Use the illustrations and timelines in the book to help your child visualize the advancements in flight technology over the years.
After reading, encourage your child to draw or build their ideal aircraft, discussing the features they consider important.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: History and progression of aviation
Explanation: Through a detailed timeline, this book explores the major breakthroughs and historical milestones in the field of flight, from early inventions to modern advancements.
Real-World Application: Children can appreciate the importance of innovation and perseverance in science and technology. They can also be inspired to think critically about how advancements in one area can impact many aspects of everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding of aerodynamics
Explanation: The book illustrates basic principles of flight and aerodynamics, explaining how different designs and technologies have helped achieve sustained flight.
Real-World Application: This fosters a basic understanding of physics and encourages children to explore and understand the science behind other everyday phenomena.
Example Lesson: Inspiration from historical figures
Explanation: By highlighting key figures in aviation history like the Wright Brothers and Amelia Earhart, the book showcases their contributions and the challenges they overcame.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of determination and hard work, understanding that these figures had to overcome multiple challenges to achieve their dreams.
Example Lesson: Environmental impact of aviation
Explanation: The book discusses the environmental considerations concerning the development of aviation technology, such as fuel consumption and noise pollution.
Real-World Application: This can teach children about environmental stewardship and the importance of designing technologies that are sustainable for the planet.