Cobblestone American History Magazine for Kids - November/December 2023

In this issue

The Wright brothers’—and other early aviators’—experiments with flight transformed the world.

Silken Wings

Seven hundred years before the Wright brothers began experimenting with human flight, the Chinese had already mastered its secrets—with kites.

2 mins

Da Vinci's 4 Designs

Have you ever wondered how a bird flies? Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) did. He thought that understanding how a bird flies would provide the key to human flight. So, what did da Vinci learn from birds?

3 mins

THE IDEA MEN

People dreamed of flying thousands of years before the Wright brothers found success near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. These dreamers, such as Leonardo da Vinci, studied birds flying and imagined how humans might do the same—if only they had wings. Other men developed a more hands-on approach to the topic. Early inventors made wings of cloth, glue, and feathers and tied these creations to their arms in an attempt to imitate nature.

3 mins

A Helping Hand

May 6, 1896. A group of people who had gathered beside the Potomac River, just south of the U.S. capital, grew quiet. Then, it erupted in cheers as a small, unmanned aircraft took to the skies and flew for more than half a mile. The flight came seven years before the Wright brothers’ first manned, powered flight. The inventor of the aircraft was Dr. Samuel Pierpont Langley.

2 mins

Two Brothers From Ohio

Most people do not realize that the Wright brothers—Wilbur, born in 1867, and Orville, born in 1871—performed various scientific experiments before inventing their aircraft. For as long as anyone in their hometown of Dayton, Ohio, could remember, the Wright boys had worked on mechanical projects.

4 mins

WHY KITTY HAWK?

The Wright brothers searched carefully for the best place to test their gliders and flying machines. Their main concern was for good, steady winds. But they also hoped to find a remote location to allow them to perform tests away from the public eye.

1 min

GROWTH OF AN INDUSTRY

After their historic flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright returned to Dayton, Ohio. They spent the next few years making adjustments and building additional versions of their powered aircraft in their bicycle shop.

3 mins

TAKING OFF

The Wright brothers expected airplanes to “take off,” but even they might be amazed at the way the airline industry has become big business. In the past, it was expensive to send something by plane.

1 min

Eye in the Sky

An interview with Joe Piotrowski

7 mins

Airborne Animals

Humans have taken to the skies in balloons, gliders, and airplanes-but we're not alone among the clouds. Animals of all sorts have evolved to harness wind power.

2 mins

Read all stories from Cobblestone American History Magazine for Kids

Cobblestone American History Magazine for Kids Description:

Embark on an exciting journey through the annals of American history with Cobblestone Magazine for Kids. We're thrilled to introduce you to this engaging publication that brings history to life for young minds. Cobblestone Magazine for Kids is not just a magazine; it's a gateway to exploring the rich tapestry of American history in a way that captivates and educates.

Published by Cricket Media, Cobblestone Magazine for Kids is designed to make history an exciting and accessible adventure for children. As your young readers explore the pages of Cobblestone, they'll encounter a variety of features designed to make history come alive:

* Historical Stories: Engaging narratives that transport young readers to different periods of American history.

* Interactive Activities: Fun and educational activities that reinforce historical concepts and encourage active learning.

* Profiles of Historical Figures: Learn about key figures who played significant roles in shaping the nation.

* Exploration of Events: In-depth explorations of important events and milestones in American history.

* Illustrations and Visuals: Rich visuals, including maps, illustrations, and photographs, that enhance the learning experience.


Cobblestone American History Magazine for Kids is the perfect companion for young explorers eager to uncover the fascinating stories woven into the fabric of American history. Subscribe now and watch as your child's curiosity and understanding of history blossom.