Objectives:

In Social Studies, students in Missouri public schools will acquire a solid foundation which includes knowledge of the use of tools of social science inquiry (such as surveys, statistics, maps, documents) from The Missouri Show-Me Standards.

Harry S. Truman was one of the most traveled of the United States presidents. He made an extensive train tour of the states during his campaign. He flew frequently from Washington D. C. to Independence, Missouri. One time, on his way to Independence to visit his mother, he had the pilot of the presidential airplane dive on the White House to startle Bess and Margaret Truman who were on the roof looking at a jet fighter display over the capital. He enjoyed jokes, but this was a dangerous one.

During Truman's presidency, a new plane was issued for his use. It was named the "Independence" after his home town. A model of it can be seen in the Truman Library Collection. There's also a couple of pictures of the plane here.

Read this description of the airplane and also note the pictures of the airplane. Research the current airplane being used by the President of the United States. Design and draw a new airplane (or maybe space craft) for the president to use. Write a written description of its exterior and interior.

Additional activity: "Who Said This?" in which students match a quote about the presidential airplane with which president said it.

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