Unit xx. Impact of computing – I’m a sustainability analyst

This unit is planned but development has not yet started. Our plans may change in the future as we continue to review our scheme of learning.

Unit description

Understanding the digital divide and the environmental impacts of computing.

Unit career

I’m a sustainability analyst

“As a sustainability analyst, I evaluate environmental and economic impacts of projects and policies.  My goal is to help organisations implement sustainable practices that promote long-term environmental health.”

Key Question

All the activities in this unit enable students to answer the key question:

How can we use computing responsibly by understanding its environmental impact, reducing harm, and applying technology to protect the planet?

Knowledge statements

This is achieved by students studying 4 “Learn-it” lessons, each of which focus on one knowledge statement:

1. Know the environmental impacts of computing.
   • E.g. e-waste, energy consumption, and the carbon footprint of data centres.
2. Know the concept of the digital divide and how unequal access to technology affects different communities.
3. Know how to evaluate the sustainability of computing practices and suggest improvements to reduce environmental impact.
4. Know how technology can be used to investigate & solve environmental problems.
   • E.g. monitoring wildlife & pollution, rainwater collection systems, solar power, automatic lights.

What is included in this unit?

• Teacher guide providing a detailed overview of the unit.
• 6 Lesson folders:
  • 4 “Learn-it” lessons with a teacher PowerPoint and student workbook.
  • 1 “Make-it” lesson with assessment materials for teachers and students.
  • 1 “Review-it” lesson with an end of topic MCQ test, assessment grid, peer assessment and self-reflection.
• Any additional resources and materials needed for the activities are provided in the lesson folders.
• 6 detailed lesson plans explaining how to teach the 3 lesson phases.
• Extension activities with model answers.
• 3 independent homework question sheets supported by 3 online videos hosted on Tella.