The Victoria Community Development Corporation

Heart's Content Cable Station Provincial Historic Site Learning Resources

OBJECTIVES

- reading for information
- conduct research
- drawing conclusions
- brainstorming

1. DISCUSSION

Write the word communication on the board. Have each person write a definition of communication in their notebooks. Allow time for responses and sharing. Record some of the students' suggestions on chart paper.

2. BRAINSTORMING

Divide the class into small groups. Ask: What are some of the ways you could send a message to someone? Let each group brainstorm for several minutes. Allow time for sharing. Record suggestions on chart paper.

3. DRAWING CONCLUSIONS / BRAINSTORMING

Display a map of the world or an atlas. Point out North America and Europe. Ask the groups to brainstorm how someone living in the 1800's would send a message from North America to Europe. Let each group brainstorm for several minutes. Allow time for sharing.

4. READING FOR INFORMATION

Assign students to read pages 250-251 in The Atlantic Edge and complete Activity Sheet 1

5. RESEARCH / READING FOR INFORMATION

Using The Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, have students find out why Heart's Content was chosen as the site of the trans-Atlantic cable. The Encyclopedia is available in printed form and on CD-ROM.

6. BRAINSTORMING / DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

Now that students have some understanding of what a submarine cable is, and that it was landed at Heart's Content, have them brainstorm the benefits of the transatlantic cable by completing Activity Sheet 2.

7. BRAINSTORMING / DRAWING CONCLUSIONS

Have students compare the role of the transatlantic cable in the past with today. Why was the cable shut down in 1966? Have students complete Activity Sheet 3.

8. FIELD TRIP

Visit the HEART'S CONTENT CABLE STATION

ACTIVITY SHEET 1

DIRECTIONS: Read pages 250-251 in The Atlantic Edge. Answer the questions.

1. What were the means of communication used in the three opening paragraphs?

1600 ___________________________________________________________________
1750 ___________________________________________________________________
1864 ___________________________________________________________________

2. Why do the means of communication change?

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3. What is a telegraph?

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4. What did Marconi prove?

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5. What is an underwater cable?

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ACTIVITY SHEET 2

DIRECTIONS: Brainstorm in your group and make a list of all the possible benefits of the transatlantic cable between Newfoundland and Europe.

ACTIVITY SHEET 3

DIRECTIONS: Brainstorm in your group and make a list of all the possible reasons why the transatlantic cable is no longer used.

ACTIVITY SHEET 1 - ANSWER KEY

DIRECTIONS: Read pages 250-251 in The Atlantic Edge. Answer the questions.

1. What were the means of communication used in the three opening paragraphs?

1600 Send a child with a message.
1750 Writing a letter.
1864 Sending a telegram / newspaper.

2. Why do the means of communication change?

The means of communication changes because of new inventions.

3. What is a telegraph?

A telegraph is an electrical signal sent through wires.

4. What did Marconi prove?

Marconi proved it was possible to send signals through the air without wires.

5. What is an underwater cable?

An underwater cable is a telegraph cable laid on the bottom of the ocean.