Flying High: Amelia Earhart and Self-Sacrifice

In this lesson, students will learn about the passion and drive of Amelia Earhart and the sacrifices she made to be a great aviator. They will also think about ways in which they can make sacrifices to help advance freedom for others.

Walk-In-The-Shoes Questions
As you read, imagine you are the protagonist.

• What challenges are you facing?
• What fears or concerns might you have?
• What may prevent you from acting in the way you ought?

Observation Questions

• How did Amelia Earhart see her role in the world of aviation?
• What was Amelia’s purpose in being an aviator?
• Even though flying was her dream, Amelia sold her plane when her family faced financial ruin. Why did she do this, and what did this action demonstrate about her character?

Discussion Questions
Discuss the following questions with your students.

• What is the historical context of the narrative?
• What historical circumstances presented a challenge to the protagonist?
• How and why did the individual exhibit a moral and/or civic virtue in facing and overcoming the challenge?
• How did the exercise of the virtue benefit civil society?
• How might exercise of the virtue benefit the protagonist?
• What might the exercise of the virtue cost the protagonist?
• Would you react the same under similar circumstances? Why or why not?
• How can you act similarly in your own life? What obstacles must you overcome in order to do so?

• Students will analyze the self-sacrificing behaviors and actions of Amelia Earhart.
• Students will evaluate the necessity for self-sacrificing behaviors in order to advance freedom.
• Students will apply their knowledge to making sacrifices in their own lives to help others.