Overview
Could the government soon control your car? How would you feel if your car could be shut down based on your behavior? What if it monitored your every move and the car companies sold your data? Explore new car technologies mandated by recent legislation and how this could impact privacy and personal freedom. Do you want Big Brother in your backseat?

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Grade level and subjects
• Recommended for grades 6-12
• Subjects: Government and Science / Technology
• Works in Classroom, Hybrid, and Homeschool settings

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• identify the key points discussed in the video regarding government-mandated car technologies and their potential impacts;
• analyze the arguments presented by experts and policymakers in the video about the balance between safety and personal freedom;
• formulate informed opinions and arguments on the ethical and practical implications of government control over personal transportation; and
• evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing surveillance and control technologies in cars, based on the information provided in the video.

Key concepts and terms covered
Big Brother, Data Collection, Kill Switch, Surveillance, and Technology Mandate.

Sample discussion questions
• What new car technologies does the video discuss?
• What does “Big Brother” as a “backseat driver” mean in the context of this video?
• In what ways could these car technologies be seen as beneficial or harmful to society?
• How might different stakeholders (drivers, government, tech companies) view these technologies differently?
• Is there a difference between people voluntarily choosing to use these technologies and the government requiring individuals to use them? If so, what’s the difference?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 14-page Teacher's Guide includes a lesson description, learning objectives, key vocabulary, a fill-in viewing guide with answer key, discussion and analysis questions, and classroom activities.

Standards alignment
Aligned to state standards — use the SITC Standards Tool to match this video to the standards in your state.