How do we get channels to work?

Depends on the TV. More info will help us help you. Are these digital rabbit ears?

If you only have a Coax input, you will need a balun to connect the twin lead to coax.
A balun is used to connect BALanced to UNbalanced. This will have 2 screw terminals and push onto coax connector.

And is it a digital TV? If not, you will need a digital converter. TV set to channel3 (or other default channel for your regions).
Also, the TV antenna input (regardless of whether it is a digital TV or not) will have to be on the corresponding setting. Channel settings or similar function needs to be selected.
This site shows which stations you should be able to receive.
The Digital TV Transition: Reception Maps

If the rabbit ears have a small ~9" diameter loop, that is for UHF and TV will need to be switched from Cable to Air, this will allow tuning of UHF. In Cable Mode, above Ch 14 is Converted and not UHF.

Most newer tv's (meaning digital tv) have to have a scan run to find and program the channels they find, you will usually have to select the input type... in this case it would be over the air or ATSC.. The exact process will be different depending on the tv's manufacturer.

Otherwise all newer tv's have a coaxial input... that round screw in connector, thats where you hook it up.

If its an older TV... as was mentioned you will likely need a digital converter. More information is needed.