Overview
How has the Chinese government response to the COVID-19 pandemic differed from the U.S. government response? Are the different responses simply a matter of technological innovation? Should government trust its citizens? Should citizens trust their government? What is the Chinese social credit score and how does it work? In this segment John Stossel discusses efforts by the Chinese government to control a pandemic and to control its citizens.

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Lesson Insights

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

What students will learn
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
• list components of China's social credit score;
• compare responses to the coronavirus outbreak in China and in the U.S;
• discuss the Chinese social credit score system and mass surveillance; and
• assess the impact of the Chinese government monitoring its citizens' internet use.

Key concepts and terms covered
Social Credit Score, Great Leap Forward, and Chinese Cultural Revolution.

Sample discussion questions
• John Stossel says he doesn’t believe what the Chinese government says about coronavirus. Why do you suppose that is?
• How does the social credit score work? Why do you think the government of China is doing this?
• Li Schoolland says it was better to be poor and uneducated in Mao’s China. Based on the video, why do you think that was?
• Why do you think many members of the media believe the U.S. government needed to be more involved to combat COVID-19? Why would that lead them to interview mostly those who agree?
• Why do you think the Chinese government will lower your social credit score for playing lots of video games or having friends with low scores?

What’s in the free teacher’s guide
This printable 7-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.