Bring the power of public radio to your classroom!

Image licensed under CC BY 2.0

Related Current Events:

CURRENT EVENT | March 17, 2019

Flying Cars

If Uber and other transportation technology companies have their way, people who use ride-hailing apps will soon be able to order flying taxis. These futuristic vehicles would quickly transport passengers from location to location, traveling high above traffic on the ground. Listen to find out how and when the dream of flying cars may become a reality, and what issues need to be considered before then.

Story Length: 4:14

Listen to the Story:

0:00
0:00
SOURCE:

National Public Radio © 2019 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.

03/17/2019


Listening Comprehension Questions

  • What is the purpose of the engineer’s virtual reality simulation?
  • Why does the panelist from NASA believe that flying cars are close to becoming a reality?
  • How would flying taxis be powered?
  • How would air traffic control be handled for flying taxis?
  • How might flying taxis create a “dystopian world,” according to one audience member at the conference?

Classroom Discussion Themes

  • How do you feel about the uses of artificial intelligence (AI) mentioned in this story? Do you trust AI more or less than humans in these scenarios? Why?
  • Do you share the audience member’s concerns about equity in transportation? Explain your answer.