Phone life cycle Ewaste Year 8-9 Worksheet

This worksheet is designed to help students understand the complete life cycle of a smartphone. It covers each stage of the phone’s journey, from the initial resource gathering and production processes to its use and eventual disposal or recycling. Students will gain insight into the environmental and ethical considerations involved in each phase and reflect on ways to contribute to a more sustainable lifecycle.

Activity:

Raw Materials
Students will explore the raw materials needed for manufacturing smartphones, including metals, minerals, and plastics. They will identify where these resources are sourced.
Task: Fill in the blanks or answer questions about the types of resources used and the challenges associated with their extraction.

Manufacturing
This section covers the processes involved in transforming raw materials into a finished product. Students will examine the steps of assembly, including the working conditions of factory workers and the cultural impact.

Use and Maintenance
Activity: Students will learn about the typical usage patterns of smartphones, including energy consumption and the lifespan of the device.
Task: Answer questions related to how usage affects the phone’s performance and what maintenance practices can extend its life.

End-of-Life Management

Activity: Explore the various options for a phone’s end-of-life stage, including resale, donation, recycling, and disposal. Discuss the importance of responsible e-waste management.

Materials Needed:

Copies of the worksheet
Pens or pencils
Access to research materials