Communications Through the Ages
Program Highlights
This program, which explores the development and evolution of modern communications technology has a focus on marine history and the tragic sinking of the ocean liner RMS Titanic on April 15th, 1912. Based on specific curriculum outcomes, this program gives students hands-on activities, which will be provided via e-mail to the teacher along with a series of engaging post-class exercises.
Students will learn how inventors and innovations with strong links to Nova Scotia, helped make the World a smaller place and how their pioneering efforts have resulted in the various ways with which we communicate with each other today.
Curriculum Outcome Links
Curriculum summary Grade 4:
Social Studies
4.1.1 Students will be expected to examine the concept of exploration
4.2.1 examine the stories of various explorers of land, ocean, space, and ideas
4.2.2 analyze factors that motivate exploration
4.2.3 evaluate the impact of exploration over time
Curriculum summary Grade 5:
Language Arts
GCO 9: Students will be expected to create texts collaboratively and independently, using a variety of forms for a range of audiences and purposes.
9.1 create written and media texts, collaboratively and independently, in different modes (expressive, transactional, and poetic), and in an increasing variety of forms – use specific features, structures, and patterns of various text forms to create written and media texts
Social Studies
5.1.1 Develop an understanding of how we learn about the past
5.6.1 Illustrate the similarities and differences of past societies and your society
Inquiry Continuity and Change: What has changed and what has remained the same with societies over time?
Curriculum summary Grade 6:
Social Studies
6.1.4 identify and explain factors that are creating a more global culture around the world
- explain how the spread of ideas and technology is creating a more global culture
Technological Competence Graduates will be able to use a variety of technologies, demonstrate an understanding of technological applications, and apply appropriate technologies for solving problems. By the end of Social Studies 6, students will be expected to
- identify and describe examples of positive and negative interactions among people, technology, and the environment.
Program Length
30-40 min
Program Capacity
Maximum 1 class (30 students); Minimum 10 students.
Cost
The charge for this program is a flat rate of $75.00, all taxes included.
Activities
5 minutes: Introduction
The program begins an introduction from Museum staff, detailing the outline of the class and inviting students to think up some great questions for the session at the end of the class.
10 minutes: PowerPoint Presentation
Entitled Communications Through the Ages, the presentation will explore the evolution of how ships communicate with each other, the inventors who drove the technological innovations that made the World a smaller place in the 19th and 20th centuries, how these new technologies featured the night Titanic sank and how they paved the way for modern communications. The PowerPoint will be tailored to the specific curriculum outcomes for each grade.
5 minutes: Video
The students will watch a pre-recorded video with a member of the Museum’s staff which discusses the importance of the Morse Code Alphabet, Marconi’s contribution to the world of communications and the distress messages sent by RMS Titanic the night the ship sank.
5 minutes: Video
In this pre-recorded video, students will get to meet Haligonian and Titanic survivor Hilda Mary Slayter, who will tell them about life aboard ship, her escape from the ship and her memories of that night. This is a first-person interpretive presentation with a member of the Museum’s staff.
10-15 minutes: Question and Answer Session/Conclusion
Students will have the chance to ask questions about the sinking of RMS Titanic and other aspects of the course before a summary of the class.
Booking
For booking inquiries, please contact Laurel Shea, Visitor Experience Facilitator at laurel.shea@novascotia.ca or call (902) 424-6447.