Detroit Techno in the Classroom
God Said Give ’Em Drum Machines is more than a film; it is a powerful entry point for teaching Black history, music, media literacy, and innovation through the story of Detroit techno and the Black artists who created it. Our education initiatives invite students to explore how culture, technology, and entrepreneurship intersect, and how Detroit reshaped global music from the ground up.
The Classroom Cut
The Classroom Cut is a 56‑minute educational edition of God Said Give ’Em Drum Machines, created specifically for schools, libraries, and community organizations. This version offers a concise, age‑appropriate introduction to the Black origins of techno in Detroit and the pioneers who helped build one of the world’s most influential music movements.
Designed for students of diverse ages and backgrounds, The Classroom Cut highlights themes of innovation, resilience, creativity, and cultural ownership. Educators can use the film to spark discussion around race, history, technology, and the music industry while honoring Detroit’s role in shaping global culture.
Learning Goals
Our education program uses film, music, and storytelling to help students:
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Understand techno as Black history, rooted in Detroit’s social, cultural, and economic landscape.
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Recognize the contributions of Detroit’s Black producers, DJs, and entrepreneurs to contemporary electronic music.
Resources for Educators
To support meaningful classroom use, we offer flexible tools that educators can adapt to their context and curriculum. Resources may include:
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Discussion guides that connect the film’s themes to history, music, and technology. courses.
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Classroom activities that invite students to analyze themes in classic Techno tracks.
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More coming soon!
Screenings, Workshops, and Partnerships
We work with schools, districts, colleges, community centers, and cultural institutions to bring the film and its themes directly to students. Depending on your needs, educational engagements may include:
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On‑site or virtual screenings of The Classroom Cut with facilitated Q&A conversations.
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Guest talks or panels featuring members of the filmmaking team, scholars, and artists connected to Detroit’s Techno story.
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We are especially committed to serving Black, indiginous, and people of color and underserved communities, where access to film, music, and media education can inspire and open up new pathways to creative expression.
Bring GSGEDM to Your Students
If you are an educator, administrator, librarian, or program leader interested in using God Said Give ’Em Drum Machines with your students, we would love to partner with you. Together, we can design an experience that aligns with your learning goals—whether that is a single screening, a short unit, or a deeper, project‑based exploration of Detroit techno and Black cultural innovation.
Email us at GSGEDMinfo@gmail.com to tell us about your classroom or program, your students, and your timeline, and a member of our team will follow up with next steps.