Grade Four Web Gems Lesson Plans

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Subject:  Social Studies  

Topic: History of Communication

Outcomes:  Students will:

-List at least six methods of communication used before modern telecommunication

-Describe how people have communicated through sound, image and written communication throughout history

-Name the most important inventions which have helped people communicate over distance and time with accuracy

-Explain the impact of these inventions on our lives.

Materials Needed:        Reference materials

                                  Internet access

                                  Chart paper

                                   Markers

                                   Glue 

Learning Activities: 

1.  Choose one communications technology from the list provided and predict the date it was invented.

Moveable type Morse Code Binary Notation Walkie-Talkie Photographs
Electronic Computer Art Television First calendar First transatlantic radio message
First Network of communication towers Xerses' communication network Electrical Generator First Mechanical Computer Steam Engine
Fibre Optic Communications First Communication Satellite Fire Telegraph Integrated Circuit
First writing Adding Machine Compact Disc Internet The wheel
Personal Computer Transistor Telephone Printing press Microprocessor

2.  Research your technology and write a paragraph to record your findings be sure to include the following information. 

Name of technology
Purpose
Date Invented
Inventor(s) and location, if known
A brief description of how the technology works
Significance of the technology during its time
Significance of that technology today.

3.  Draw a picture of your technology.

4.  Present your findings.  As a group draw a timeline and place your technologies in chronological order. Categorize your technologies as sound, images or printed symbols.

5.  Place the picture of your technology on the timeline and be prepared to explain the significance of your technologies to the class.  How well did/do they conquer the obstacles of time and distance with accuracy?

 

Evaluation:

From your knowledge of the history of communications, write down what you consider to be the six most significant technologies of all time.

Technology Date Invented
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
5.  
6.  

 Select the piece of communications technology from your list which you consider to be the most important of all time and write a paragraph explaining:

    -Three reasons why it was important in its time

    -Three reasons why it is still important today.

Reference:  NetWorks Understanding Telecommunication Kit.  This is one lesson in a classroom resource designed to allow students to investigate how telecommunications works.