Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

“A Sound of Thunder” was published in 1952. What new types of technology appeared in the 1950s? What are some fears people may have had about these technological innovations?

Teaching Suggestion: Much of Bradbury’s writing deals with the effects of technology, and “A Sound of Thunder,” in which Bradbury explores possible consequences of technology, is no exception. As students consider this question, encourage them to imagine being a parent in the 1950s, when television, cars, and microwaves are somewhat new on the scene. You could draw a comparison to today’s technologies that people may worry about, such as smartphones, video games, or self-driving cars. The main purpose of this question is to introduce students to the fears and negative consequences that can sometimes surround technology (connects with Bradbury’s theme The Danger of Unrestrained Technology).

• This short History Channel video and subsequent article about America in the 1950s gives 50 facts about the US in the 1950s, ranging from pop culture to technology to politics. You may want to show the video before posing the above question to activate student schema.