The Cold War and Consumerism: Computer Science

Positives

• This video offers an overview of many history-shaping events and provides relevant ties to globalization and the rise of consumerism. 
• This video is fast-paced and includes engaging graphics that will help keep students engaged. 

Additional Prerequisites

• Because this video is so fast-paced and contains many dates, it may be helpful to periodically pause the video to allow students to digest information and keep up with the timeline. 

Differentiation

• Give students a timeline with only a few dates and ask them to take note of significant events in the rise of consumerism referenced in the video. 
• In social studies classes, ask students to conduct further research on a significant historical figure referenced in the video, such as Vannevar Bush or Yuri Gagarin, being sure to explain how this person played a role in the rise of technological advancement.
  
• Ask students to research a revolutionary technological device (such as the UNIVAC 1 or the transistor radio), explaining how its development contributed to the overall rise of electronics. 
• Consider having students watch this video and discuss how engineers and scientists are also focusing on inventions that will positively impact the environment. 
• Consider having students watch this video about the problem with consumerism or use this lesson about globalization after this video and discuss in groups how they may be able to contribute to the goal of sustainability on Earth.