The Environmental Impact of Cell Phone Production

Audrey Eddins

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

The Environmental Impact of Cell Phone Production

Understand cell phone lifecycle

In this lesson, students will explore the environmental challenges associated with the production of cell phones. They will investigate the lifecycle of a phone, from raw material extraction to disposal, and discuss sustainable practices that can mitigate these impacts. This lesson is important as it raises awareness about the environmental footprint of everyday technology and encourages students to think critically about sustainability.

Audience

12th Grade Students

Time

1 hour 15 mins

Approach

Understand cell phone lifecycle

Materials

Discussion Questions, Lifecycle Worksheet, Sustainable Practices Reading, and Pens and Paper

Step 1

Introduction

10 mins

Begin with a brief discussion on the importance of technology in daily life.
Ask students to consider the environmental impact of their cell phones.
Introduce the lesson's objective: understanding the lifecycle of a cell phone and its environmental impact.

Step 2

Lifecycle Investigation

25 mins

Distribute the 'Lifecycle Worksheet' to each student.
Guide students through the stages of a cell phone's lifecycle: raw material extraction, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
Encourage students to note down key environmental impacts at each stage.

Step 3

Sustainable Practices Discussion

20 mins

Hand out the 'Sustainable Practices Reading'.
Facilitate a discussion using the 'Discussion Questions'.
Encourage students to propose ideas for reducing the environmental impact of cell phones.

Step 4

Group Activity

15 mins

Divide students into small groups.
Assign each group a stage of the cell phone lifecycle.
Ask groups to brainstorm sustainable practices for their assigned stage and present their ideas to the class.

Step 5

Closure

5 mins

Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
Ask students to reflect on how they can personally contribute to reducing the environmental impact of technology.
Thank students for their participation and encourage them to continue thinking about sustainability.

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Discussion

Discussion Questions

Facilitate a discussion on sustainable practices in cell phone production.

What are the main environmental impacts of cell phone production?

Encourage students to think about resource extraction, energy use, and waste.

How can consumers influence the sustainability of cell phone production?

Discuss consumer choices, demand for sustainable products, and recycling.

What role do companies play in reducing the environmental impact of their products?

Consider corporate responsibility, innovation, and sustainable practices.

Worksheet

Lifecycle Worksheet

A worksheet to guide students through the lifecycle of a cell phone and its environmental impacts.

List the stages of a cell phone's lifecycle and describe the environmental impact of each stage.

Consider extraction, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.

What are some sustainable practices that can be implemented at each stage of the lifecycle?

Think about recycling, energy efficiency, and material sourcing.

Reading

Sustainable Practices Reading

A reading material that provides information on sustainable practices in the production and disposal of cell phones.

Sustainable Practices in Cell Phone Production

The production of cell phones involves several stages, each with its own environmental impact. From the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of old devices, each step can be optimized for sustainability.

Raw Material Extraction:

Use of recycled materials to reduce the need for new mining.
Implementation of fair trade practices to ensure ethical sourcing.

Manufacturing:

Adoption of energy-efficient processes to reduce carbon footprint.
Minimization of waste through improved production techniques.

Usage:

Encouraging longer use of devices to reduce turnover.
Promoting energy-saving settings and features.

Disposal:

Establishing robust recycling programs to recover valuable materials.
Educating consumers on proper disposal methods to prevent e-waste.