Questions and Extended Activities

1. In the beginning of the episode, Emily lists some distinctive characteristics of San Francisco. What are they? Make a list of some distinctive characteristics of your city/town/area.
2. What was Mr. Hallidia’s original business? What incident inspired Mr. Hallidie to start a cable car company?
3. Imagine you were living in San Francisco in the 1870s. Write an article for the local newspaper describing the introduction of this new form of transportation, the cable car. How will this affect the community, both good and bad? Think of a catchy heading, too.
4. The Cable Car Guy says that there aren’t any women drivers at this time. Why do you think there aren’t many women in this field?
5. What skills and qualities do you think make a good cable car operator? Would you want to be a cable car operator? Support you answer.
6. What is the purpose of the bell system? Evaluate this form of communication. Can you think of a better system?
7. What is the difference between a cable car and a trolley system? Which system would be the best for your area? Why?
8. Click on Other Fun Websites for the following activities:

A. Click on the Cable Car Museum link. Go to Cable Car Heritage. Read the article and What is the difference between a cable car and a trolley system? design a time line showing the development of the cable car system.

B. Click on the link Make a Cable Car of Your Own. Follow the directions.