Going Green Unit

Background

The environment we live in is in most cases not well taken care of by those entrusted. The environment is that space which surrounds wherever you are. How then can information technology be used to make our environment safe to us now and for others in the future? Are there technology solutions that can be used to create awareness, or remind people of their responsibilities to the environment? This unit allows the students to explore the different environmental problems and develop information technology solutions.

Questions for students to ponder: Which environment concern bothers you a lot? What technology solutions can be used to address that concern? Why do you think technology is the best way to go?

The Unit is designed to take 13 weeks of three 50 minutes lesson a week.

This unit is aimed at investigating and understanding the digital technologies used for environmental protection, their impacts and solutions to any problems arising from their use. Below are the details of the unit

Unit Details

Unit Title: Green Technology
AOI Environment: Students will develop digital products that can be used to address environmental issues.
Significant Concept: Technology when used effectively can reach many and help in changing perception.
AK Focus
Ethics: How ethical are our actions to the environment?
Unit Question: To what extent has technology been used address the environmental concerns?

Green Technology class Activity

Complete the following tasks and write notes

1.   Explain the term green technology and give some examples of how it is applied.

Models and Simulations

2.      Define the terms:

• Computer models
• Computer simulations

3. List down 5 examples of computer models and simulations
4. Explain the difference between computer modeling and simulation
5. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of models & simulations

Resource

http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/spreadsheets/modelling_simulation/miniweb/pg8.htm

http://www.teach-ict.com/as_a2_ict_new/ocr/AS_G061/314_spreadsheet_concepts/models/miniweb_object/pg10.htm

Electronic waste

http://doyourpart.com/green-living/terris-top-5-sources-of-e-waste/

http://www.electronicstakeback.com/wp-content/uploads/Facts_and_Figures_on_EWaste_and_Recycling.pdf

6. What is e-waste? Explain.

7. What constitutes e-waste? List the different items that can be classified as e-waste.

8. Explain 4 causes of e-waste. Identify specific examples of hazardous electronic parts/components in your explanation.

E.g computer system casings are made of plastic which is non bio-biodegradable and these can pollute ground water which in turn may cause health problems for people and animals

9. Discuss the main impacts that result from e-waste.

Suggest FIVE practical solutions to the e-waste problem.

Describe the features of the following technologies.

• Smart homes
• Smart cars
• What is Green IT?
• What are some of the technology changes that have contributed to Green IT
• Describe the role of the following in relations to green IT

a) Cloud computing

b) Blogs and web 2.0 resources

c) Computer games

d) Telecommuting 

e) Green networking services
f) Green security services
g) Green storage services
h) Green systems services