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experiments using a telegraph. Once when the metal in the
telegraph stuck, Bell's assistant plucked the metal to loosen it.
Bell, who was in another room, heard the sound in his receiver.
He understood that the vibrations of the metal had traveled down the electric
current to the receiver. He continued to work on this idea.
March 10, 1876, was the first time Alexander Graham Bell successfully spoke
words over a telephone line. He was about to test a new transmitter when he
spilled some battery acid on his clothes. He cried out to his assistant who was in
another room, "Mr. Watson, come here! I want you!" Watson heard every word
clearly on the telephone and rushed into
Feb 11.1876
the room.
Bell demonstrated his invention to many
people. Over time, more and more telephone
lines were installed, and people began to use
the invention in their homes and businesses.
Did SQ3R help you? Let's find out.
1. Who invented the telephone?
2.
What was his regular job?
3.
What did Mr. Bell say to Mr. Watson during the first telephone conversation?
4. Who was Mr. Watson?
Line
partial page from inventor's notebook
5. How did people first learn about the telephone?
On another sheet of paper, write a paragraph telling why you are glad the telephone
was invented. Read your paragraph to a friend.
Scholastic Success With Reading Comprehension • Grade 3
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