The Fall of the Hindenburg

Michael Morrison

Nonfiction- Airships (background)

Before airplanes were commonly used for

transportation, travelers usually crossed the

Atlantic by ship or for a short time before and

after World War 1, by airships. Airships are

often called zeppelins after Ferdinand Count

von Zeppelin of Germany, who designed the

most successful crafts. They are also known

as dirigibles or blimps.

Background (continued)

In 1936, the Hindenburg began commercial air service between

Germany and the US. During its short period of operation, it

carried 1,002 passengers on 19 scheduled flights. The flight in

May of 1937, in which 36 of 97 people aboard were killed when

the airship burst into flames while landing, marked the end of the

use of airships in commercial aviation. Today, airships are used

occasionally for commercial or recreational purposes.

THINK / PAIR / SHARE

What are some advantages and disadvantages of

air travel? Use these words:

descend, insist, inspect, restrict, transport

Read pg. 16

The events detailed in

this article was one of

Great-grandma’s strange

truths.

Explain what she meant

by “Truth’s stranger than

fiction”. Give 2 examples.

E.C.

Listen to… “About the

selection” and The Fall of

the Hindenburg

Notes

Exposition- explaining

or giving information

The Hindenburg

Website links… airships.net