194 Grams and How Many Tons? – SAÉ for the CCQ Program

The SAÉ “194 Grams and How Many Tons?” directly addresses the environmental and human impact of our daily use of digital technologies. From the outset, with the opening The Material Equation of a Click, students realize that every resource-intensive app relies on a vast chain of exploitation. Activity 1, “How Many Tons of Ore Does It Take to Extract One Gram of Copper?”, reveals the harsh reality of mining and the natural resources needed for our connected devices. Activity 2, “Humans,” highlights the social and economic consequences of this exploitation, particularly in the areas where these resources are extracted. Activity 3, “The Impact of Technology,” prompts students to question our ecological footprint and both individual and collective responsibility amid the constant demand for new features. Finally, the Final Activity, “Open Letter to a Digital Consumer,” encourages them to challenge society about the necessity of reevaluating our habits. This SAÉ includes digital resources, a student workbook, and a teacher’s guide to help educators confront their classes with the very real issues of our connected world.