This enduring mystery has puzzled historians for over 75 years. New evidence has just come to light which makes this an ideal opportunity for pupils to explore reasons for themselves. Clearly pupils will not be capable of adding fresh ideas: all we want here is for them to talk through the various possibilities and to come up with an explanation that they find the most compelling. We want them to use their thinking skills and to develop the confidence to EXPLAIN using their own words, not just accept the pre-packaged ideas given in one book.
Learning objectives
- Pupils speculate as to likely reasons e.g mechanical failure or adverse weather conditions.
- The more able can see the event within the broader context of the Second World War.
- More able pupils can use tentative language to indicate the provisional, nature of any conclusions drawn e.g. it most probably, or most likely, we’re not sure but I think.
Step 1
Start by showing slide 2 on the PowerPoint presentation which gives the context. Slide 3 then shows a contemporary newspaper report confirming how and when she died. So far so good, but now introduce an element of mystery. How could an experienced pilot
