Module 5: Minerals

Minerals in Your Electronics

You probably have a favorite electronic device that you use every day. It could be a mobile device, video game system, tablet, laptop, or something as simple as your wrist watch. Did you ever stop to think about the origins of the parts that make your device? The electronics may have been assembled in China or the United States, but that does not mean that all of the pieces come from those locations.

For this assignment, you will choose a favorite electronic device. Then, you will research the minerals found in your device, and where in the world those minerals are mined. Then, using Google Earth™, you will plot all the locations on the Earth where those minerals were mined. You can find information about how to use this software in the Developmental Module.

Before you begin, access the Minerals in Your Electronics Template and Checklist to make sure that you have included all of the items required for full credit. You will need to use resources outside of this course to complete this assignment, so please submit a Works Cited document with your assignment submission. If you need assistance, visit the Developmental Module for information on citing and resources that you used.

Reflection

After you have mapped from where all of the minerals that make up your favorite electronic device come, write a brief reflection about the process of making your digital mineral map. In three to four sentences, explain why you selected the electronic device as your favorite. Were you surprised to learn the minerals that make up your device? How do you feel about the mining process? Did you realize that so much went into manufacturing and producing electronics like the one you own?

Once you have finished the assignment, please submit your research and digital map to the dropbox.

 

Once you have completed this module, please complete the module test.