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Home · For Teachers · Telephone Fact Search

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Project Overview
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All Grades
Telephone Fact Search
Project type: Introductory Activity
Subjects
History
Social Studies
Science
Summary
In this introductory activity, students browse the site and create an organized chart displaying data about the creation and uses of the telephone.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To gather information about the impact of the invention of the telephone on society
Lesson Plan
Before Exploring
Ask how many students have a cell phone or have one in their family. Then ask how long phones have existed. After a brief discussion, tell students they will be compiling facts associated with the invention and development of the telephone from its early days to today.
Outline the Opportunity
Divide the class into groups of four to six students. Direct students to the topic Canada Says Hello: The First Century of the Telephone on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Students in each group will browse all of the clips on the site, including the Additional Clips. In each group, students should divide the clips based on the clips’ length in minutes. As they browse, students should record all dates, costs, performance numbers, technical data, and any other relevant facts about the invention and development of the telephone.
Revisit and Reflect
Have the students in each group share their facts with the rest of the group, then decide as a group how to organize the facts into a chart that categorizes all of the data collected. Post the charts in the classroom and have students do a walkabout to review their classmates’ work. Hold a class discussion to compare and contrast the charts, and describe which ones were organized most effectively and why.
Extension
Students can write a reflection in their journal about what the use of telephones means to their daily life.