Eco-phone

As the number of smartphone users worldwide exceeds 2 billion, and as users update their devices with ever-increasing frequency, there are growing concerns about the impacts of smartphone manufacture and disposal on the environment and human health. In this activity, students use knowledge about Earth resources, as well as applying their working scientifically skills, to work out how to persuade phone manufacturers to make eco-friendly smart phones from sustainable materials.

NEW! ENGAGE PROJECTS

Eco-phone is a way to make project-based learning easy, and get students more confident with real-life science issues. A Project simulates how students will meet issues in everyday life and provides less support than other ENGAGE activities.

The Project begins by engaging students with the dilemma. It sets up the ‘research questions’ for students to answer and provides a range of ‘sources’ containing the information they need. Students come to an informed opinion and communicate their views.

A project can be done in 2 lessons, or over a longer time. It makes an ideal opportunity to work with experts, such as ‘science ambassadors’, to learn about science in society. This video describes how a Project works

 Science objective

Earth resources: Explain why recycling of some materials is particularly important. (KS3 Science Syllabus)

Enquiry objectives

Apply skills: Interrogate sources, critique claims, analyse patterns, examine consequences and communicate ideas (KS3 Science Syllabus)

Try the activity

Note: To download Project materials, you need to upgrade your registration to Advanced User. It’s free and fast. Upgrade here.

 You need to login before you download the free activities

Eco-phone teachers guide

Size: 69.41 KB

Running the activity