Who Killed the Electric Car Analysis – College Essay Example

required by this genre.

Just like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film gathers the suspects for a close examination in a Sherlock Holmes-like manner to determine their guilt or innocence. The second half of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" showcases this investigative process as the seven suspects identified earlier are scrutinized.

Consumers, batteries, oil companies, and car makers are all involved in this process.

the U. S. authorities and the California Air Resources Board.

The documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" delves into the decline of electric cars, using a distinctive method that involves an H auto in an interrogation room. Different suspects are interviewed and a verdict is given after each section to determine their guilt or innocence. The film begins by providing a brief history of electric cars and how they initially competed with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles in the early 1900s.

The documentary discusses the reasons why gasolene is chosen over electricity as the preferred fuel, and it also explores how the internal combustion engine remains dominant. It then transitions to a more recent period when the California Air Resources Board mandated that 10 percent of all cars sold in California by each automaker must be zero-emission vehicles by 2003. The response of automotive companies to this requirement is examined, focusing on the challenges faced in producing and marketing zero-emission cars. This timeframe also highlights the efforts made by legal and political teams from these manufacturers to overturn the law that ultimately led to the development of modern electric vehicles.

Many manufacturers are recognizing a grassroots movement that envisions cleaner air and energy independence, as the movie concludes on a positive note. In a manner reminiscent of John

Kennedy's appeal, the movie states that those who solve our energy puzzle will be the ones who "change the universe."

Scenes chosen for classroom review

Every year, two million new cars are sold in television ads for California.

Electric auto. The electric auto is not supported due to cheap oil, which favors the burning engine. However, Dr. Alan Lloyd introduces the topic of air quality in California and presents the manufacturer's case against the "Black cloud of decease."

Overturn emanations criteria. Each gallon of gasoline burned outputs President Bush backing lbs of C dioxide. Engineering in the State of the Union. Introduce. David Freeman.

Hydrogen Hummer is driving on the H main road and creating demand for electric autos. There is a hearing on the emissions criteria and California's ballot to eliminate the criteria for zero-emission policy. The cost to run an electric auto is comparable to gas when gas is priced at 60 cents per gallon.

Californians Against Utility "Save the electric car" campaign accuses the company of abusing its power and claims that they have built the last electric cars based on demand.

Selling; How far. how fast. batch. how much? Interpreter explains the fate of the gathered EV1s for car manufacturers.

PBS investigates the auto crusher where the suspect, identified as the government, David Freeman, is present. Freeman claims that they are facing the main culprit, Suspect: most of the money in the universe. A vigil is held for Suspect: Hydrogen Fuel Cell. Would you buy one of these electric autos? President Bush is shown displaying a check of 1.9 million at a filling station.

The "Who controls the hereafter?" contest is offering a cash prize of dollars. It is

about the last cars that were driven. The person with the largest nine has the advantage. The Automotive Museum is associated with this mystery, specifically related to the smell of fear. A list of suspects is available, and their verdicts will be determined.

Suspect: Consumers claim that the debate surrounding electric cars is essentially a debate about the future. Suspect: James Woolsey and Plug-In America emphasize that the only group capable of making significant changes is the one that challenges Suspect: Oil Companies and their practices.

Discussion Prompts.

These prompts can be used for whole-class treatment, small group discussions, or adapted as writing assignments that vary in length and topic. The following questions aim to explore different aspects related to cars and transit in order to sustain and enhance air quality. Brainstorming possibilities is encouraged, focusing on the average consumer's perspective. You are invited to discuss each idea individually.

1. What compromises are you willing to make regarding cars and transit in order to sustain and improve air quality?
2. Identify a statement from the movie with which you disagree. Provide your reasons.
3. Which statement troubles you the most from the movie? Explain why.
4. In your own words, describe why automakers collected and destroyed electric vehicles.
5. Did the government adequately serve its people in regard to electric cars? Explain.
6. Should the government have the authority to dictate manufacturing choices for companies? Why or why not?
7. How significant is our nation's dependence on oil? Elaborate.
8.Do you agree that those who solve the energy problem will have a transformative impact on society? Explain.
9.Should the world oil supply be distributed equally based on population, allocated according to highest price paid, or reserved for

developing countries? Present your opinion with supporting arguments.
10.Is it ethically acceptable for a country to use oil as a weapon?Pleaseand unify the text below, while preserving the and their contents. Justify your response.

• Oil companies
• Car companies
• U.S. consumers
• Scientists researching H fuel
• Citizens seeking to salvage the electric auto

Lastly, discuss whether energy should be considered a national security issue and explain why or how it should be perceived this way. Also, explain the relationship between using H as a fuel and the reemergence of atomic power. Discuss whether it is logical to drill for more oil in pristine wilderness areas, providing reasons for your opinion based on information from the movie. Additionally, state your belief on whether electric autos are a sensible alternative to combustion engines considering information presented in the movie.
Furthermore, provide your opinion on whether hydrogen-powered autos will become available for purchase within different timeframes (next 10 years, next 20 years, or ever), based on information presented in the movie.

For a mock court activity related to the movie's content:
- Assign defense and prosecution squads for each of the seven suspects.
- Instruct these squads to prepare for a mock test if desired by utilizing relevant information from the movie.

Additional research is necessary. Conduct a test with a jury that has not seen the movie. The following functions need to be fulfilled: The Judge serves as the presiding officer, maintaining order, settling disputes, and instructing the jury. The Prosecution team presents evidence against the accused individual using witnesses.

Charts, graphs, and physical grounds are utilized in the investigation. Additionally, the squad also conducts interviews with defense informants. The main

responsibility of the prosecution is to establish the guilt of the suspect, demonstrating it beyond any reasonable doubt.

The defense team: Provides evidence to counter the prosecution's stance and may present alternative suspects.

The defense may employ informants, charts, graphs, and physical evidence. The team will also interrogate the prosecution's witnesses. The defense's role is to create reasonable doubt regarding the defendant's guilt.

This activity aims to evaluate students' cognition in a unique manner, while also fostering critical thinking and oral presentation abilities.

Common Good:

To initiate the activity, begin by reading the following paragraph. Allocate a few minutes for a general conversation regarding the concept of the "common good" and former president Charles E. Wilson's statement: What benefits the nation also benefits General Motors, and vice versa. The preamble to the United States Constitution commences with the phrase: "We the People of the United States."

To improve the Union, it is important to implement just systems, promote harmonious living within the country, and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.

The establishment of this basic law for the United States of America promotes the overall well-being and guarantees the freedoms enjoyed by us and future generations. It signifies a mutual dedication to the idea of the "common good," which is embraced by both citizens and authorities.

President Dwight Eisenhower nominated Charles E. Wilson, the president of General Motors, to serve as Secretary of Defense. Consequently, confirmation hearings were held for Wilson.

During the questioning, senators expressed worry about him potentially encountering challenges in making a decision that could negatively impact General Motors, which is a significant defense contractor.

Wilson assured senators that he was capable of making this determination, but he could not imagine

such a scenario. He stated, "because for years I believed that what was beneficial for the country was also beneficial for General Motors, and vice versa." Student management Who Killed the Electric Car? suggests that the decision to abandon electric vehicles and embrace H technology is not serving the "common good." Create your own definition of the "common good." Form groups of 3 to 5 and share these definitions. Attempt to reach a consensus on a group definition.

Evaluate General Motors’ decision to terminate the electric car program in light of your group’s definition. Prepare to discuss your findings with the class. Do Mr. Wilson’s beliefs from 1953 align with the portrayal of General Motors Corporation in the film? Would the Senate summon the current president of GM?

Imagine what he might say about the demise of the electric car that would still be quoted after 50 years.

Hidden Agenda.

Teacher introduction: In this class, we will discuss the concept of a "hidden agenda." Please share your thoughts on the topic and form groups of 3 to 5 to discuss further.

When working in groups, have each group discuss their thoughts on the board and come up with a definition of "hidden agenda" that the entire group can agree on. Once each group has completed their definition, combine them to create one working definition for the entire category. Then, have the students return to their groups and discuss what hidden agendas may have been present in the following scenario, in order to make a claim.

To present their arguments in class, the group must have solid evidence from the movie. Each group should choose their three most powerful claims and be

ready to present them.
What is the role of business?
The documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" explores the complex dynamic among businesses, governments, and consumers in a democratic capitalist society.

Before engaging in any discussion, make use of the following prompts to clarify your personal viewpoint on the role that business plays. Give priority rankings to the entire list, starting from 1 as the most significant.

Providing a brief explanation for each, the obtained results rank the top 10 least important factors.

When discussing the film, it is important to analyze how group attitudes affect opinions about the movie. Additionally, it is crucial to examine the role of government and understand its purpose in a democratic/capitalist society. The documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" offers a comprehensive case study that explores the intricate connection between concerns, authorities, and citizens.

Before starting any discussion, utilize the provided prompts to clarify your personal viewpoint on the role of government. Organize the complete list in ascending order of importance, beginning from 1.

Rankings of importance from top to bottom:

1. Most important: detailed explanations
2. Less important: clarity of writing
3. Least important: variety of vocabulary

Explanation for each ranking:

• Detailed explanations: These are considered the most important as they provide in-depth information and thorough analysis.
• Clarity of writing: Although it is less important than detailed explanations, clear and concise writing is crucial for conveying ideas effectively.
• Variety of vocabulary: This is given the least importance as it simply adds diversity to the language used, without significantly impacting the overall message.

When discussing the film, analyze how different positions of authorities influence the sentiments about the movie and use your consequences to

include groups that include persons with diverse attitudes.

The second half of "Who Killed the Electric Car?" scrutinizes each suspect to establish their culpability. Serving as a fair investigator, a comprehensive list is created outlining reasons supporting guilt and innocence for each suspect. These lists form the basis of a convincing argument that will ultimately lead to a vote on each suspect's responsibility.

Brian Daniels

is an educator specializing in history and ethics at Hudson High School.

Hudson, Massachusetts. He serves as the democratic school enterprise's school facilitator at Hudson High, and is a devoted member of the school's First Amendment Schools squad.

He has been learning for 30 old ages and holds bachelor’s degrees in history and psychology from Boston College and a master’s degree in critical and creative thinking from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. In the summer of 2006, he will become the Curriculum Director for English and Social Studies Grades 6-12 in the Hudson school territory. He has been published multiple times in the Boston Globe and has an article scheduled for publication in October of 2006 in the National Social Studies Supervisors Association magazine.

A Sony Pictures Classics release, Electric Entertainment presents a Dean Devlin/Plinyminor production. A film by Chris Paine titled "Who Killed the Electric Car?" Narrated by Martin Sheen, edited by Michael Kovalenko and Chris A. Peterson. Director of photography: Thaddeus Wadleigh. Original music by Michael Brook. Consulting producer: Alex Gibney. Executive producers: Dean Devlin, Tavin Marin Titus, Richard D.