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Dystopian visions: The Cold Equations — ICT & Computing in Education
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Dystopian Visions

Dystopian Visions, by Terry Freedman

Dystopian visions: The Cold Equations

April 25, 2022

Ever since the idea of just-in-time inventories was invented, I thought it was a bonkers idea. It makes sense only if you assume that there is never going to be a major disruptive event that will disrupt supply. I think that the pandemic and now the war in the Ukraine have highlighted the folly of such assumptions.

The potentially devastating consequences of a drive for efficiency to the nth degree are shown in this science fiction story. In The Cold Equations, Tom Godwin posits the idea of a supply spaceship that has almost precisely the right amount of fuel for its return journey, taking into account weight and distance. What happens when the pilot discovers a stowaway on board? I won't spoil the story for you by telling you (read it, especially if part of your job is to discuss moral issues with your students), but what a great starting point for a spreadsheet exercise! Can you construct a simple model showing what happens to fuel consumption when one of the critical factors (weight or distance) goes over a certain limit?

This activity can be enriched by asking the pupils to do research into this area -- not necessarily in the area of space flight, but in the more accessible realm of fuel consumption by cars.


If you found this article interesting or useful (or both), why not subscribe to my free newsletter, Digital Education? It’s been going since the year 2000, and has slow news, informed views and honest reviews for Computing and ed tech teachers — and useful experience-based tips.

In Discussion topic, Dystopian Visions Tags Tom Godwin, Cold Equations, Dystopian visions
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