How can we manage the technology life cycle?

A computer contains many pieces that must be manufactured and put together. Think about all of the components - parts - in all of the computers in the world that make computers work. What raw materials are needed to make the components? How much waste is created? What impact does that waste have on our environment? In this project, students developed and shared an engineering solution to reduce the impact of technology on society and the environment. We specifically focused on the waste created during the etching process of circuit boards. Students conducted a series of experiments to learn the current methods for waste disposal pros and cons. From there, students were able to design their own method, test it out, and assess their results. The final product was a presentation to "sell" their idea.