Old Time Radio Activity Lesson Plan

Authoring, Researching, Reporting and Other Work

General Info.:

GOALS:
1.  Each student will end up with a booklet they create about their experiences doing the WJEF ( your own call letters) radio activity.  All materials created will be placed in their booklets.  They will take these home when the project is completed. 

2.  Each student will be given a copy of their class radio broadcast program tape.  Each will pay a small amount for the tape.

Learning Objectives:
Each class will work as a large group, with sub-groups in the larger classes to:
1. Learn vocabulary and concepts of A.M. radio technology and history; 
2.  Learn the Morris Code (part of very early wireless history)
3. Write radio scripts, perform in dramatics, help create sound effects, and read adds, news and sports
4.  Learn how the technology of today (satellite radio and F.M. radio is a spin-off of old time A.M. radio
5.  Work in the Technology corner to see how a simple radio works.  This will involve batteries, wires and other materials necessary to demonstrate radio waves.
6.  Listen to music from the 1940's or 1950's;  read actual news clippings from the Charleston papers for the 1940's or 1950's; and some old-time classic radio broadcasts.

Materials and equipment needed:
1.  I-book lab to do the Internet-based matrix question activity;  copies of answer sheets (pre-run off).
2.  Cassette recorders to make radio programs
3.  Paper and pencils to write scripts
4.  Blank cassettes for recording programs.
5.  Microfilm printed copies of news from the 1940's or 1950's.  (Real news of the year will be reported)
6.  Sample cassettes and audio CD's of old time programming.

STUDENT JOBS (ALL STUDENTS)
 
1.  Complete the questions on the Radio History/Technology Question Matrix.

 
2.  Work with your class to decide what role and what year ('42 or '54) you would like to take on in a radio production.  Go Here to see choices.

 3.  Help write a commercial script, a news item, select music, and actually produce the Old Time Radio programs.

4.  Help to maintain a QUIET environment in the classroom to simulate a radio studio.

5.  Listen to "old time" radio music and programs in classroom.

 
 
RESOURCES
 
"On the Square"
by Nancy Shick
 		 Coles County History to 1976
 		 Microfilm of Charleston Courier & Daily News
EIU Booth Library Collection (by Mr. Taylor)
 
 

INTERNET RESOURCES
 

Return to the Radio "Quest" Page with questions, etc.
 		 Production Guidelines for Radio Broadcasts
 		 Return to Project Arrow Activity Page
 		 "The Ark" Script for a dramatic production
 		 Return to the Radio History/Broadcast Page
 
Check Out:
Mr. Taylor's A-Lincoln Learning Collection
"By the Light of the Fire"
Learning Activity and Resource Pages
 
http://www.alincolnlearning.us/