Performance Benchmark N.8.B.1
Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and
environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate
environmental degradation, and make new resources economical. E/S
New technologies have been a part of our life since the beginning of time. Each new technology
has an impact on our resources and environment. In the beginning the impact was not as
obvious. When the wheel was first invented it is doubtful that the inventor could have imagined
the effect it would have on resources and the environment. Also doubtful is having that
knowledge would have deterred him, or the many others who used his invention, in any way.
There are many technological advances that have both costs and benefits to the environment and
resources. These costs and benefits are constantly changing as advances continue to be made.
Here are just a few examples that can be used in the classroom.
Communication
Communication technology is increasing at an unprecedented rate and with it, greater demands
on adequately disposing of out-dated equipment. Communicating with each other is easier than
ever before and available to more people than ever before. These technologies can have an
eventual harm on the environment but they can also allow the environment to be helped by using
less of other resources and educating more of the public.
For a timeline on the history of communication go to
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl_history_of_communication.htm
Advances in communication decrease the need for travel which decreases the use of fossil fuels.
With video conferencing, online classes, and email people can hold a meeting or conference
without even leaving their home. The new technology also allows scientists and
environmentalists to educate the public about environmental issues. Education and awareness
are critical elements to protecting the environment. Scientists also benefit from today’s instant
communication. The state of an environment can be communicated to countless professionals
around the world almost instantaneously. More timely solutions to environmental degradation
issues can be assessed and implemented.
For greater detail on communication and the environment access the article “Can the Internet
Help Slow Global Environmental Decline?” at
http://www.firstmonday.org/issues/issue6_11/unruh/index.html
The production of communication devices also puts a toll on the environment. The largest toll
comes in the form of disposal. Old outdated equipment needs to be disposed of and packaging of
new equipment needs to be disposed of. Another toll is energy usage. With more and more
people using communication devices more and more energy is being used to power these
devices. Work is being done to mitigate these negative effects on the environment. As described
in the study below it is known that equipment needs to be made for the long haul and the
consumer needs to be informed about the environmental effects of their purchase.
Studies are being done to determine impact of ICT. ICT stands for information and
communication technologies. This relates to technologies such as computers and mobile phones.
This project assessed the way that these technologies can effect environmental sustainability.
For more information on this go to http://www.comminit.com/en/node/71366/348.
For more information on the effect of cell phones on the environment go to
http://www.secret-life.org/cell_environment.php
Computers
Computers are another item that cause a problem with disposal. For more information on
computer disposal go to http://www.nysscpa.org/cpajournal/2004/704/essentials/p70.htm.
Not only are they in one day and out the next, they are toxic to the environment. They are also a
large source of energy consumption. Computers also allow us to analyze environmental data
much more efficiently and to communicate this data to hopefully produce positive results.
Figure 1. Recyclable components of a computer
(From www.mcleanmicro.ca/recycle.html)
With the technology of computers come programs that allow scientists to analyze the
environment. Scientists can use the computer to quickly see and analyze data presented. These
computers can give them access to information, such as satellites, or it may help them analyze
the information, such as computer programs. Scientists also use computers to model how the
environment is being or may be affected.
Computers themselves require large amounts of energy. People add to this by leaving their PC's
running for long periods of time when not in use. Production of computers also requires large
amounts of energy. “My computer weighs 25 kilos. However, the factories that made my
computer produced 63 kilos of waste. They also used 27,700 liters of water and 2,300 kilowatt
hours of energy.” (taken from “what effects does my computer have on the environment” at
http://www.newint.org/easier-english/RUBBISH/computer.html)
For more information from Microsoft on how to mitigate the environmental effects of computers
on the environment go to
http://www.microsoft.com/environment/our_commitment/articles/climate_savers.aspx
Transportation and Fuel
Transportation and fuel are two advances that cause ever changing cost and benefits. As new
fuels are produced the cost and benefits change. Between greenhouse gas and fuel supplies the
cost benefit analysis of each option is seemingly impossible. In fact, not everyone even agrees
on what the costs and benefits are of each fuel option.
For a timeline on the history of transportation go to
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bl_history_of_transportation.htm
Transportation and fuel have the obvious benefit of making it possible to travel faster and send
items faster. Society has realized the effect of fossil fuels on the environment. Because of this
there has been a lot of work invested to invent an alternative to the traditional gasoline usage of
automobiles. There are pros and cons to each of these alternatives also. While society has not
yet come up with a universal solution, efforts continue to address this global concern.
For more information on how fossil fuels effect the environment go to
http://www.essortment.com/all/fossilfuelimpa_rhxu.htm
For more information on how scientists are making ethanol more environmentally friendly go to
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310164901.htm
For more information on how natural gas effects the environment go to
http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas.asp
1. ATMOSPHERE
Large scale diffusion of pollutants.
High growth on a short term basis of the concentration of
pollutants because of local conditions (e.g. smog).
Photochemical reactions caused by ultraviolet rays, notably
over ozone, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.
Climatic changes (global warming).
Acid rain.
Synergetic effects when pollutants are combined (e.g. smog
and greenhouse gases).
2. HYDROSPHERE
Diffusion of pollutants in a dissolved or colloidal state.
Acidification and loss of neutralizing potential of ground and
underground water.
Drops of pH following snow melting (aquatic organism are
particularly vulnerable).
Growth in the solubility of several metals because of
acidification.
Additions of organic compounds, aluminum, manganese,
calcium, magnesium and potassium by runoffs.
Contamination of ground and underground water by nitrates.
3. LITHOSPHERE
Acid depositions.
Liberation of toxic metallic ions (aluminum, cadmium, etc.)
through acidification.
Loss of nutrients, notably calcium and magnesium.
Inhibition of the miniralization of nitrogen.
Modifications in the compositions and the depth of
decomposition gradient.
Inhibition of decomposition.
Loss of the soil flora and fauna.
Fixation by plants of heavy metals (e.g. lead) and
contamination.
Removal and consumption of land.
Extraction of raw materials like mineral products and energy.
4. ECOSPHERE
4.1 AQUATIC ECOSPHERE
Alteration of ecosystems in unforeseeable ways.
Disappearance of vulnerable species and
proliferation of tolerant ones.
Reduction of bacterial treatment of organic matter
by nitrification.
Reduction of available nutrients to aquatic species.
Reproductive impediments.
4.2 LAND ECOSPHERE
Damages over the vegetation modifying:
hydric cycles.
the level of underground water resources.
soil erosion.
air purification capacity of the ecosphere.
food sources (agriculture).
entertainment and tourism.
Reduction of the vital space.
Reduction of the genetic potential of species.
Reduction of the food supply and alteration of the
food chain.
Consumption of resources.
4.3 HUMAN ECOSPHERE
Odors.
Noise.
Cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Susceptibility to infection.
Drops in life expectancy.
Injuries, incapacity, hospitalization, death.
Damage to structures:
loss of useful life. (amortization)
loss of property values.
corrosion of metal structures (bronze, steel, etc.).
destruction of historical and cultural monuments.
Figure 2. Environmental impact of transportation
(From http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/gallery/TGchapter8_Concepts.ppt.)
One thing that is agreed on is that transportation and the fuel it uses causes resource depletion
and environmental degradation. The greenhouse effect is an ongoing challenge society faces.
Greenhouse gases are changing our climate and causing great damage to our environment.
Using fossil fuels causes’ air and water pollution, and leaks in transporting this fuel has also
caused detrimental effects to whole ecosystems.
This PowerPoint shows several graphics on the environmental impacts of transportation
http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/gallery/TGchapter8_Concepts.ppt.
Genetically Modified Food
Genetically modified food is a fairly new technology and controversy. One of the goals behind
genetically modified food is to provide more food faster to countries that need it therefore,
increasing resource availability and making it more affordable. There have been new studies
conducted that state these crops are harming some insect population therefore, causing
environmental degradation.
Most of the genetically modified crops are modified to be more tolerant of herbicide and resist to
insects and viruses. It is thought that because of this there would be a great reduction in the use
of pesticides. Unfortunately this does not seem to be the case. While some crops in some
location show a major reduction in the use of pesticides, overall use has not decreased. It is
thought that because of pests adapting to pesticides the use of pesticides will not decrease. Most
of the benefits seem to be to technology companies and to farmers. The reduction in price that
was predicted to happen has not yet been realized by the consumer.
There have been many studies done that show harm to insect populations. It has been shown that
some moth and bee populations have decreased in areas where genetically modified crops are
being grown. There has also been harm shown to predators of the “pests” that eat these
genetically modified crops.
To see more details about the harms and benefits of genetically modified foods and the studies
that were done, visit
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_environment/genetic_engineering/environmental-effects-ofgenetically-modified-food-crops-recent-experiences.html
Society and Technology
There are times when society uses a technology even though they know it has a negative overall
impact on the environment.
1. Society becomes dependent on the technology. When a new technology comes out
society may either not know the ramifications of it or be so focused on the benefits they
feel they will always outweigh the negatives.
2. The technology may have health and/or safety benefits that outweigh the negatives on the
environment.
3. The technology may make the lives of society so much easier that they feel it outweighs
the negative effects. We know using fossil fuels in automobiles harms the environment
but can you imagine just giving up transportation all together - it makes our lives so much
easier that we feel it outweighs the harmful effects.
There are also many technologies invented to lessen the impact on the environment. These
technologies may have one or more of the following goals.
1. To reduce the use of a natural resource
2. To increase the efficiency of a technology
3. To reduce waste
To see some research that is being done to lessen our impact on the environment, go to
http://www.ecogeek.org/
Here is a list of technologies that are lessening the impact on the environment
http://green.yahoo.com/Technology
Performance Benchmark N.8.B.1
Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and
environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate
environmental degradation, and make new resources economical. E/S
Common misconceptions associated with this benchmark
1. Students mistakenly believe that each technological advance is either all positive or all
negative.
Students need to see that most technologies have pros and cons. While some people may
have strong feelings one way or the other there is usually another side of things. This is a
website that describes, in a student friendly way, several of the technologies that we use
today. It also lists the advantages and disadvantages of technology. This website is an
opinion of its author. At the end it asks the student to decide if they think technology is
positive or negative. This would be a good example to the students of a project that you could
have them do. http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~tgasca/typesoftech.html
2. Students mistakenly believe that humans can fix any negative effect of technology.
With all the new technologies being developed and presented as better for the environment,
students may believe that we can fix any negative effects. Students may also have the
perspective that humans can do anything. Unfortunately, they may not see the permanent
negative effects that humans have caused the environment. There are times when humans
cannot return an environment to its natural state or “fix” it. One example is the loss of
biodiversity. When a species becomes extinct (as a direct or indirect result of technology) it
cannot be replaced. One way to counter this belief is to follow the lesson plan below. This
lesson allows students to study species from the past that are now extinct and modern species
that have become extinct. Students can compare what the causes were in the past compared
to more recently. This will allow the students to see that humans and technology have had an
effect on biodiversity and come to the realization that these species cannot be replaced.
For more information on this lesson by National Geographic, go to
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/17/g912/smsciforum.html
Performance Benchmark N.8.B.1
Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and
environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate
environmental degradation, and make new resources economical. E/S
Sample Test Questions
Questions and Answers to follow on a separate document
Performance Benchmark N.8.B.1
Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and
environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate
environmental degradation, and make new resources economical. E/S
Answers to Sample Test Questions
Questions and Answers to follow on a separate document
Performance Benchmark N.8.B.1
Students understand that consequences of technologies can cause resource depletion and
environmental degradation, but technology can also increase resource availability, mitigate
environmental degradation, and make new resources economical. E/S
Intervention Strategies and Resources
The following is a list of intervention strategies and resources that will facilitate student
understanding of this benchmark.
1. What Do Light Bulbs Have to Do with Air Pollution?
This lesson from the Clean Air Campaign focuses on air quality and electricity production.
Students are charged with the task of calculating the amount of CO2 emitted when electrical
energy is produced to power each type of light bulb. Also included is the environmental
component of compact fluorescent bulb use and bulb recycling.
To access this activity, go to
https://public.doe.k12.ga.us/DWPreview.aspx?wid=89&obj=100936&mode=1%20
2. Genetically Modified Food
In this lesson students analyze the pros and cons of genetically modified foods. They also
discuss the future implications of these foods. There are several multimedia resources,
provided as links in the lesson plan, which can be used with the students. An extension of
the lesson in the form of an art project that shows their feelings in response to what they
learned about genetically engineered food is also offered.
You must register (free) to access this activity
http://www.teachersdomain.org/resources/tdc02/sci/life/gen/lp_bioengfood/index.html
3. Keystone Science Schools: Sustainable Automobiles
These lesson plans focus on sustainable automobiles. There are several different content
areas that can be covered. There are many graphics included on this page such as “how
technology has changed travel”. There are also links to several more pages giving
information on alternative fuel sources for automobiles. To get to the lesson plans click on
science module about half way down the page. The handouts for the lesson are also provided.
In the lessons students will learn about and evaluate different fuel sources. All of the
necessary vocabulary and definitions are provided on the lesson plan page. There are actually
10 days of lesson plans provided which involve games and labs.
To access this activity go to
http://www.gm.com/experience/education/teachers/keystone_curriculum.jsp?exist=false
4. Benefits, Harmful Effects, and Challenges of Technology
This is a lesson that has several assessments along the way. There is a pretest to assess
where a student’s knowledge of technology is currently. There are several reading passages
about the benefits, harmful effects, and challenges of technology. There are self tests along
the way to check for understanding. This would be a good introductory activity as a whole
class or in small groups to prepare students to learn about technology.
To access this activity, go to
http://www.seameoinnotech.org/resources/school%20community%20partnerships/pdf/SCI%20Technology%20Its%20Benefits%20and%20negative%20Effects.pdf
5. Technology – Its Benefits and Negative Effects by Discovery School
This lesson involves the students watching a technology video on video streaming. The class
will then create and discuss three column diagrams about the benefits and negative effects of
technology. Afterwards the students will debate about the issues and answer some discussion
questions. A rubric is also provided for the debate.
To access this activity, go to
http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/teacherCenter/lessonPlans/pdfs/35_Science_TechnologyItsBenefitsAndNegativeEffects.pdf
6. Nanotechnology Education Resources Funded by the National Science Foundation
Nanotechnology is a relatively new concept. Most of the topics covered under this category
are likely ones that the students have not heard about or discussed before. This allows them
to have unbiased analysis of the environmental effects of this technology.
In this first lesson there are three activities. The students will first research how technology
has changed in the past and how it may alter people’s lives in the future. In activity 2,
students research nanotechnology and some of its uses. Lastly, students research how
different groups may use this technology.
http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/IPSE/educators/socImp1.html
In this lesson “student groups representing different segments of society, environmentalists,
local industry and business leaders, healthcare administrators, local residents, and
nanocomposite manufacturers, will discuss the possible effects of nanotechnology on the
interests of the people they represent. The class is asked to consider both pros and cons of
using nanotechnology and to make a decision at the end.”
http://www.mrsec.wisc.edu/Edetc/IPSE/educators/socImp2.html