Students should understand how human activities impact the environment through the extraction, use, disposal, and recycling of materials.
Key Concepts & Examples
Key Concepts & Examples
- Sustainability – Using resources responsibly so they last for future generations.
- Example: Using energy-efficient LED bulbs instead of traditional ones.
- Extraction – Removing natural resources from the Earth.
- Example: Mining for metals like iron and copper to make cars and electronics.
- Example: Cutting down trees for paper and furniture.
- Use – How materials are used in everyday life.
- Example: Plastic is used for packaging and bottles.
- Example: Aluminium is used for drink cans.
- Disposal – What happens when products are thrown away.
- Example: Plastic waste in landfills takes hundreds of years to break down.
- Example: Electronic waste (old phones, laptops) can release harmful chemicals.
- Recycling – Reusing materials to reduce waste and conserve resources.
- Example: Recycling paper reduces the number of trees cut down.
- Example: Glass bottles can be melted and reshaped into new bottles.
- Reduce waste by using reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
- Recycle materials like paper, plastic, and metal instead of throwing them away.
- Reuse items instead of buying new ones (e.g., using glass jars for storage).
- Choose renewable resources like solar and wind energy instead of fossil fuels.
- Support sustainable businesses that use eco-friendly materials.
