Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
01/25/2021
Alphabet pulls plug on cell phone balloon business
Alphabet is shutting down Loon after concluding the business, which offers balloons as an alternative to cell towers, is not commercially viable, Google’s parent company said last week. Founded in 2011, Loon aimed to bring connectivity to areas of the world where building cell towers is too expensive or treacherous using balloons. But, surging demand for mobile connectivity made has towers much more cost-effective in more of the world.
■Class discussion: Was using balloons to provide cell phone service just a loony idea? Or, did it fill a real need at the time? Hundreds of small satellites are being shot into orbit to provide broadband internet service. Do you think that such a satellite system could become obsolete in the future? Can companies be too innovative? What are the risks of not being innovative enough? For instance, are auto companies smart to spend billions to develop electric cars?