Seven people who changed the world (1)
We will be studying the following people during April: Nicola Tesla, John Logie Baird, Mark Twain, The Wright Brothers, Marie Currie and James Watt
During April we will be using the theme of “Seven People who changed the world?” to increase our vocabulary. Looking at the famous people who changed our world.
This week’s English lesson : Nikola Tesla
SECTION ONE (Nikola Tesla)
Who was Nicola Tesla?
1). Nikola Tesla was a Serbian-American inventor, electrical engineer, and futurist whose groundbreaking contributions to the development of electrical power systems fundamentally changed the world. Born on the 10th July, 1856, in Smiljan, Croatia, Tesla immigrated to the United States in 1884, where he initially worked with Thomas Edison before pursuing his own visionary ideas.
2). One of Tesla’s most significant achievements was the development of the alternating current (AC) electrical system, which he proposed as a more efficient and practical way to transmit electricity over long distances compared to the direct current (DC) system championed by Edison. AC utilizes a rotating magnetic field to alternate the direction of electric flow, allowing it to travel farther and with less energy loss. Tesla’s AC system laid the foundation for modern electricity distribution and became the standard for power systems globally, facilitating the growth of cities and modern infrastructure.
3). He also invented the Tesla coil, an important component in radio technology, and engaged in pioneering work with wireless transmission of energy. Despite facing significant challenges, including rivalry from Edison and financial difficulties, Tesla’s ingenuity and vision ultimately helped propel the electrification of the world, making him a key figure in the annals of scientific history. His legacy continues to inspire innovations in energy and technology, emphasizing the enduring impact of his work on contemporary life.
VOCABULARY: After reading the text discuss all of the new words.
GRAMMAR: Go back through the text and write all of the adjectives in the text.
Photo:
1.
SECTION TWO (Vocabulary)
1. **Electricity** – A form of energy resulting from the flow of electric charge, essential for powering devices and systems.
2. **Innovation** – The process of creating new ideas, products, or methods that improve upon existing solutions.
3. **Alternating** – Referring to the flow of electric current that periodically reverses direction, as opposed to direct current which flows in a single direction.
4. **Current** – The flow of electric charge, typically measured in amperes, crucial for the operation of electrical circuits.
5. **Transmission** – The process of conveying electrical power from a generation source to consumers over distances using power lines and infrastructure.
6. **Magnetism** – A force produced by electric charges in motion, fundamental to the operation of AC motors and generators.
7. **Power** – The rate at which energy is transferred or converted, often expressed in watts, and a critical measure of electrical systems.
8. **Induction** – A phenomenon where a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current in a conductor, foundational to transformer technology.
9. **AC (Alternating Current)** – A type of electrical system where the flow of charge periodically reverses direction, enabling efficient long-distance power distribution.
10. **Efficiency** – The ability to deliver maximum output with minimal waste, particularly significant in power systems to reduce energy loss during transmission.
SECTION FOUR: Grammar (Active and Passive Voice)
1. The chef cooked a delicious meal.
*What did the chef cook?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
2. The children played soccer in the park.
*Where did the children play soccer?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
3. The teacher gave the students homework.
*What did the teacher give to the students?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
4. My sister painted a beautiful picture.
*What did my sister paint?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
5. The dog chased the squirrel up the tree.
*What did the dog chase?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
6. A delicious meal was cooked by the chef.
*Who cooked the delicious meal?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
7. Soccer was played by the children in the park.
*Where was soccer played?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
8. Homework was given to the students by the teacher.
*Who gave homework to the students?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
9. A beautiful picture was painted by my sister.
*Who painted a beautiful picture?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why? Change the sentence.
10. The squirrel was chased by the dog up the tree.
*What was chased by the dog?* Is this sentence in the active or passive voice and why?
SECTION FIVE: Watch the 3 minute video and then answer the four questions below.
QUESTIONS:
- Tesla is described as “The True Inventor of AC Electricity” What does TRUE INVENTOR mean?
- What was Nicola’s father’s job?
- What is a letter of recommendation?
- Tesla and Edison parted ways. What does “parted ways” mean?
- What’s the difference between AC & DC electricity?
- What other things did Tesla invent?
- Why does Sao Paolo owe its electricity to Tesla?
- Tesla died penniless. What does penniless mean?
SECTION SIX: Writing Exercise
Write a short essay of 150 words on the following topic: “The impact of technology on education.”
Discuss both the positive and negative aspects of technology in the learning environment. Begin by describing how technology enhances learning through resources and accessibility, then counter this by addressing potential drawbacks such as distractions and reduced face-to-face interactions. Conclude with your personal opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. Make sure to organize your ideas clearly, using linking phrases to connect your points and maintain coherence