What powers your phone, your streaming, your searches—and what does it actually cost?
Every time you click, scroll, or stream, you’re relying on massive buildings most people will never see. But as our digital world expands, so do the hidden demands on energy, water, and communities.
In this one-day mini unit, teens uncover the real infrastructure behind “the cloud” and explore the growing debates surrounding data centers. From the rise of AI to local community pushback, students will examine how these facilities are built, what resources they consume, and the trade-offs between technological progress and real-world impact. Along the way, they’ll wrestle with big questions about responsibility, resource use, and who gets to decide what gets built—and where.
Inside This Mini Unit:
- Engaging reading that connects history to today’s headlines
- Glossary of key terms related to infrastructure, energy, and technology
- 3 Critical Thinking Questions for discussion or reflection
- Short comprehension quiz with answer key
- Sources for further investigation
Perfect for:
Homeschool current events, civics discussions, or technology-focused lessons. Designed for middle and high school students who are ready to think deeply about the systems powering their everyday lives.
👉 Help students see beyond the screen—and understand the real-world trade-offs behind the digital world they depend on.

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