Extending the Content Writing Activity

Create the Front Page of a Newspaper

At the time the Wright brothers accomplished the first controlled, heavier-than-air flight, not many people knew about their experiments. They had gone to great lengths to keep what they were doing private. However, some reporters did manage to get out information regarding the momentous event. In this activity, you and a partner will create the front page of a newspaper, written as if it were December 18, 1903 (the day after the first flight), devoted to the Wright brothers' incredible achievement.

1. Fist, choose a partner. Then, search the Internet or other library resources, being sure to use the Web Resources included on this site, for further information about the Wright brothers and the history of aviation. Be sure to keep track of the sites and/or reference materials from which you draw information. The following two links will help you get started:

NOVA | Wright Brothers' Flying Machine – this link contains an example of an article about the Wright brothers' flight in 1903 written when it actually happened

Wright Brothers Fly for First Time – this link gives an example of a current article about the Wright brothers that is written as if it had been written in 1903

2. Organize the information you've collected by brainstorming ideas for the front page of your newspaper. Remember, the dateline should be December 18, 1903. What is the name of the newspaper? What city is it located in? What brief articles would you like to include? What information is most important, and what would be interesting for the newspaper's readers?

3. Drawing on the ideas you and your partner have come up with, lay out your front page. Write several brief articles detailing the information you think the public would like to read about. Be sure to include biographical information on the Wright brothers and a detailed account of their first powered flight. Be creative! Invent interviews with people who may have watched the first flight or people who may have been friends with the brothers when they were young. Consider writing an editorial - do you think people knew how important the invention of the airplane was, or do you think that they didn't take it seriously?