Lesson+Ideas


 * //Describe your reasons for selecting this particular recording. Explain why you believe this recording could be effective with students.//

I liked this recording because it was a comedy and I would never have thought to use something like this before. Also, the time period is unique in terms of people transitioning from horse and buggy to the automobile. It could help students see what people thought of this new invention and what it was like to buy and drive one of these new "machines." Most students' families probably have two or more vehicles and never give a second thought as to how they would get along without a car, while this recording questions the marketability of them. -Emily

This recording was something that students could easily understand. They have enough knowledge of cars to be able to "get" the humor in it at any age. They may not be familiar with what a buckboard is, but that could be easily remedied via Google images. This recording demonstrates what people thought about automobiles initially--something we don't give a second thought to today as they are everywhere. It also shows the skepticism people can have regarding new inventions. This same idea could be equated to the electric cars of more recent times. We think we have everything we need and/or want until something new comes along. It is only then that we realize the value of the new invention. I use a similar example each year with data storage devices. We start by looking at a floppy disk, then go to a cd, then a dvd and end up talking about a flash drive. Who would have guessed 10 years ago that anything could be better than a floppy disk? And what will be using to store data 5 years from now? -Jean

I liked this recording because of its simplicity and humor. Trying to listen to something from that long ago can be difficult but this one was humorous. As far as being effective with students, it would be difficult. Anything older than 2 years is ancient to some students these days( or at least 5 years ago when I was in the classroom. The time frame may have shrunk more since then.) But I would propaby use it in a lesson about great inventions of the 20th century. Show how the use of humor in spoken word had to do what TV and movies nowadays does so easily. It would make students use their imagination.- Mike
 * //Describe at least 5 ways the recording you selected could be used in the classroom. Try to expand ideas for different subject areas and/or grade levels. For each lesson idea, include a brief description of how this activity could help promote critical thinking skills in students.//

In a consumer math class, students could compare and contrast the process people go through buying a car today compared to the early 1900s. Not only would they learn about the public's first reaction to automobiles, but it would catch their attention because it's told in a humorous way. Also, students need to learn their options when buying a car and what different loan terminology means so they can make informed decisions in the future. -Emily

For a speech or drama class this recording could also be used. Students could use it to study the delivery of comedic performances and possibly compare it to stand-up comedy acts today. They could study the language used, accents, wait time for laughter, etc. It would really be helpful in preparing for a school play that is set in an early 1900s small town. As students study inventors in science (3rd Grade), this recording could be used to hear how a person reacted to a new invention in days gone by. We may brainstorm some other inventions that might have gotten a similar reaction. And from there we could predict what kinds of inventions might be needed in the future and the reactions that they may get.

As part of a mini economics unit in 4th grade, we could discuss the benefits of buying with cash vs. buying on credit as many Americans do today. I think younger kids have the notion that buying on credit is free. This might be an eye opener for them. -Jean

This could be used in a high school history or economics class. Maybe start by having students list what they think have been the 5 greatest inventions of the 20th Century. Then use this as a counterpoint to those that may think the invention of the automobile would be a "slamdunk" to take off. Possible lead to a discussion about possible new inventions and the pros and cons they may face in today's world.-Mike

Another idea for a group activity would be to use this recording as an introductory activity. Then have the students think of another invention that may have faced uncertainty and devise their own 1-2 minute skit about that invention. Groups could do some research to find out what problems may have occurred in production or problems with public acceptance. An example may be the first computer that was the size of a small house...pros/cons? -Mike