Description

The expansion of data centers and the growing use of AI have become central concerns within environmental science. This project invites students to dive into one of the most urgent sustainability challenges: how to balance the demands of technological progress with responsible environmental stewardship. Acting as data center developers, students investigate real-world issues such as water consumption, energy demand, mineral extraction, e-waste reduction, and the environmental impacts on surrounding communities.

This independent, multi-day project helps students connect big-picture environmental ideas with practical problem-solving. Students use their research to select a location for the data center, landfill, and energy sources on a real map, applying evidence-based decision-making in a realistic scenario. Students communicate and defend their choices through an informational presentation. Student pages, teacher instruction pages, grading rubrics, a presentation template, and answer keys are all included.

➤Please note: This resource pairs well with my Full Environmental Science Curriculum.

Includes:

• 1 Teacher instruction page
• 8 pages of student research and critical-thinking questions
• 1 map of a real US city for students to examine and plan development
• 1 PowerPoint template for student presentations (13 slides)
• 1 presentation grading rubric
• Answer keys

Topics: data center development, environmental impacts, human impacts on the environment, water conservation, fossil fuels v. renewable energy, carbon emissions, noise pollution, thermal pollution, air pollution, water pollution, light pollution, e-waste pollution, mineral use, impacts of mining, environmental mitigation

*This resource does require math calculations and critical thinking that may be quite challenging for lower-level or young students. To make sure this resource is appropriate for your class, click on this PREVIEW link.*

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If you have any issues or questions about this product, please feel free to write to me at su*****@*************ce.com.