Decoding Data Centers: Media Messages and Bias
Lesson Plans
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Civics, English Language Arts
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Provided by Project Look Sharp
What it is
- In this media literacy activity from Project Look Sharp, students will analyze media messages from different sources about the sustainability of data centers.
- Students will view an infographic about the environmental costs of data centers, a video from Google about the sustainability of their data centers, a news clip about a data center proposed in Arizona, and a TikTok talking about Northern Virginia as the data center capital of the world.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This activity does a great job of reminding students to consider the source and motive behind pieces of media.
- Students will enjoy seeing familiar media formats, such as TikTok videos.
Prerequisites
- In the activity plan, the link for the Do-It-Yourself Guide is not clickable
Differentiation & Implementation
- When watching the Google video, students may be interested in further exploring what it means to purchase renewable energy to match the energy consumed. Students can research renewable energy credits, as well as carbon offsets and other methods used by corporations to satisfy their environmental commitments.
- Teachers can use this activity in a conversation about the environmental impacts of AI, its increased use, and the need for more and more data centers. This article can also be used to inform such a conversation.
- Students can observe and discuss the media in small groups to get out their thoughts before participating in a whole-group discussion.
From the scientist review
This resource has students explore media bias by watching and reading different pieces of media about data centers. Students will analyze the media and investigate whether the source is biased, and present a fair and accurate representation of its topic, which in this case is data centers and their impact on the environment. Analyzing and questioning the bias and accuracy of media and information sources is an essential skill for students, especially as they are exposed to more sources of information and start learning, researching, and exploring topics independently. Through this lesson, students will also learn about the environmental concerns with data centers, as well as the positive benefits these centers can bring. The information presented is accurate, and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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