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Overview: Communication has changed immensely throughout history. Since the invention of the telegraph in 1844 to the present day cellular phone, humans have learned to communicate in many interesting ways. What will the telephones of the future look like? How will they work? What will they be able to do? This activity is a great conclusion to a unit on technology, communication, electricity, telephones, and so on.
Booklink: The Phone Book by Elizabeth McLeod, Kids Can Press, 1995. ISBN 1550742205
Science Activity Link: After listening to excerpts from The Phone Book, students will be asked to use a variety of materials such as glue, boxes, construction paper, etc. to "build" a telephone of the future. They must keep in mind size, cost, and usefulness. They will then write a one page explanation of how their invention works.
Objective: Students will design a futuristic telephone using a variety of materials. They will write an explanation of how their invention works.
Science Processes and Content: Processes-inferring, communicating, and designing Content-communication, inventions, design and redesign technology, and electricity
National Science Education Standards: (1) Science as Inquiry, (2) Physical Science, (5) Science and Technology, (7) History and Nature of Science
Materials: (1) Ask students to bring in a variety of materials from home. Some suggestions: boxes, construction paper, craft sticks, tin foil, paper bags, straws, play dough, clay, paint, glue, and so on.
(2) Chart paper, markers, and the book entitled, The Phone Book
Procedure:
1. In groups of four, have students brainstorm inventions that help people to communicate. They may list these on chart paper. Prompt students to list inventions of the past and present, such as the telegraph, telephone, cell phone, computer, web cam, etc. When students are done, have them share their ideas with the class.
2. Read excerpts from The Phone Book, focusing on the invention of the telephone and difficulties that Alexander Graham Bell had with his invention (pages 12-27).
3. Following a discussion of the passage, ignite students' imaginations with pages from the end of the book that focus on telephones of the future (56-62).
4. Challenge students to use their imaginations to "build" a telephone of the future using the variety of materials they brought from home and those in the classroom. They should try to be as realistic as they can, keeping in mind what their phones will be able to do.
5. Following the creation of their inventions, students must write a one page explanation of their telephone. The write-up must include function, cost, and materials used.
6. Have a sharing session where students can advertise their inventions and answer questions from "future buyers."
Safety: Remind students to stay in their seats when working with the various materials.
Related Books:
Communication by Terry Jennings, Belitha Press Ltd., 1996. ISBN 1855615339
Get the Message by Gloria Skuzynski, Simon and Schuster, 1993. ISBN 0027780716
Telephones: Inventors and Inventions by Gina Holland and Amy Stone, Benchmark Books, 1996. ISBN 0761400656
Discover the Wonder: Module E / Electricity by Teacher's Edition, Scott Foresman Science, 1994. ISBN 0673359034
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