Decoding Data Centers: Media Messages and Bias

Provided by: Project Look Sharp |Published on: January 7, 2026

Lesson Plans

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Synopsis

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.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Civics, English Language Arts

Authors: Project Look Sharp

Region: Global, Arizona, Virginia

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

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.

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About the Partner Provider

Project Look Sharp

Project Look Sharp is a nonprofit, mission-driven outreach program of Ithaca College. Their mission is to help K-16 educators enhance students' critical thinking, metacognition, and civic engagement through media literacy materials and professional development.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.