Electrical Linesperson - Fun Activities - Environments

Environments - ELECTRICAL LINESPERSON

Wichita Lineman: the only song about Electrical Linesperson: analysis
Australian Birds of Prey and Power Lines: 6 Thinking Hats
Electric Telegraph in NSW

Wichita Lineman: the only song about Electrical Linesperson: analysis

Middle Secondary

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy

1. Look at Glen Campbell's song Wichita Lineman (NB. This is a very old video)

https://youtu.be/4qoymGCDYzU

or a newer version by Glen

https://youtu.be/rjzTNWWO7U0

Here is the original verses:

Written by Jimmy Webb
Performed by Glen Campbell

I am a lineman for the county.
And I drive the mainroad.
Searchin' in the sun for another overload.
I hear you singing in the wire.

Chorus 1
I can hear you thru the whine.
And the Wichita Lineman,
is still on the line.
I know I need a small vacation.
But it don't look like rain.
And if it snows that stretch down south,
won't ever stand the strain.
And I need you more than want you.

Chorus 2
And I want you for all time.
And the Wichita Lineman,
is still on the line.

(Source: Cowboy Lyrics)

2. Read: Behind the Song

You will see from reading this article, that verse 3 could still be written!

Create

3. Create another verse to this song!

Compare

4. Compare the Glen Campbell's version to Johnny Cash & Keith Urban (below)

https://youtu.be/hwG9mypJhoU

& Keith Urban
https://youtu.be/_MayqtmZXDo

Compare

Comparison ideas: Answer the following questions:

a. Which is best? Voice? Music interpretation?

b. Why in your opinion? Back up with reasons!

c. Why was this a hit for Glen Campbell do you think?

d. Does the use of a full orchestra in Glen's second video make a difference to your response to the song?

5. Discussion

In a group of 4 - 5 students discuss your answers and analysis. Do you all agree?

Look

6. Look at each other's Verse 3 and give positive feedback about each verse!

Australian Birds of Prey and Power Lines: 6 Thinking Hats

Middle Secondary

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Numeracy

Australian Curriculum Cross Curriculum Priorities: Sustainability Priority

Cooperative Learning Activity

1. In your groups, you will look at the problem of Australian Birds of Prey and Power Lines using the 6 Thinking Hats Strategy.

Investigate

2. In groups of 6, investigate the following birds in Tasmania and the ABC News items [suggestion use the Expert Jigsaw Strategy and study ONE item each and then share]:

a. Tasmanian wedge-tail eagle Resources i. Threatened Species Link ii. Birds in Backyards iii. Raptor Refuge	b. Grey goshawk Resources i. Threatened Species Link
c. White-bellied sea eagle Resources i. Threatened Species Link

d. ABC News 29 October 2016 - Australia's largest bird of prey, the Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle, is 11 deaths closer to extinction, the state's power company has confirmed.

e. ABC News 21 December 2016 - Recovered wedge-tailed eagle takes flight but power lines threat remains

f. ABC News - Wedged-tail eagles deaths on TasNetworks power lines rises by 140 per cent -

Wedge-tail eagle

3. Now select which "hat" each person in your group will undertake.

	The White Hat calls for information known or needed. “The facts, just the facts.”
	The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit.
	Risks, difficulties, Problems – The risk management Hat, probably the most powerful Hat; a problem however if overused; spot difficulties where things might go wrong, why something may not work, inherently an action hat with the intent to point out issues of risk with intent to overcome them.
	The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.
	The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It’s an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions.
	The Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It’s the control mechanism that ensures the Six Thinking Hats® guidelines are observed.

(Source: deBono Group)

Discussion

4. Look at the posed statement "Australian Birds of Prey and Powerlines" and discuss.

Write

5. Write a small Newspaper article stating your conclusions and way forward [solutions].

Electric Telegraph in NSW (developed by Museums of History NSW)

Primary Middle

Australian Curriculum General Capability: Critical and creative thinking
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Personal and social capability
Australian Curriculum General Capability: Literacy