WarGames Film Quiz helps Grades 9–12 separate simulations from reality, reconstruct a DEFCON escalation chain step-by-step, and argue where human judgment must override automation—without quoting snippets.
Film Summary
WarGames (PG – 1983) follows a Seattle teen who dials into a defense computer and triggers simulated nuclear attacks that begin to look real. Use DEFCON jumps, launch-sequence steps, and the “only winning move” problem to teach systems thinking, ethics of automation, and structured argument. Runtime: 114 minutes.
Parental Guidance
Rated PG for Cold-War tension and brief language. Expect sustained suspense, terse military dialogue, and short bursts of profanity; no graphic content. Verify on IMDb’s parental guide: IMDb Parental Guide.
Perfect For
Cold War units (History/Civics)
Tech ethics & data privacy
STEM crossovers (human-in-the-loop systems)
Argument writing & debate
Skills Addressed
Evidence-based analysis of systems and cause-effect
Simulations vs. operational truth under time pressure
Deterrence and unwinnable-game reasoning
Ethical decision-making and responsible disclosure
