Introduction: When the news media use the term "digital divide," they mean the gap between those who have access to personal computers (and therefore a world of information) and those who do not. The underlying assumption is that computers are a totally beneficial product, and the more of them the better. But the picture may not be all rosy. The life span of a computer system these days is often little more than two years. Most consumers who already own computers discover that it is cheaper to buy a new computer than to upgrade or repair their present computer. Some estimates state that there will be over 315 million obsolete computers by the year 2004. What happens to all this "computer junk?" Why do we care?

Imagine that an organization known as UPGRADE, ( United Professionals for a Growing need to Recycle Aging Data processing Equipment ) has a job opening. You applied, and have reached the final level of the hiring process. The last phase is to write a letter to the Human Resources department and convince them you have a superior level of knowledge and understanding of the issues pertaining to recycling outdated computers and related materials.

Resources:
Environmental Issues
Back Thru The Future Micro Computers, Inc. Strange name but a good site. Check out the links from this page.
Environmental Risk - What Do You Do With Your Old Computers? This site is set up similar to a WebQuest. Not much research data here but you may get some good ideas from a quick look.
Computer Junk Is Growing Great site - lots of raw data. Look at this one closely.
The PBDEs: An Emerging Environmental Challenge What are PBDEs? Take a look.
Toxic metals danger in your computer Lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, and yes...there's gold in them thar computers... but how much?
CNN - Computer recyclers offer alternatives to the dump A good article with some data.
Save the world, one old computer at a time Some opinions and some facts here, don't forget to check out the links at this site, there are some very good suggestions.
CNN - Don't landfill TVs and monitors, study warns What does CRT stand for and why do they contain lead? Another good CNN article.
RECYCLING OLD COMPUTERS? Here are $1.2 Billion Reasons You Should "Show me the money?" What happens to a big company trying to dispose of this stuff at the landfill?
High-Tech Computer Junk: Where Does It Go? This is just an outline but it's not bad, take a look.
What are some environmental problems and how you can help "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!" This article looks at the big picture. It helps to have some perspective.

Recycle Resources
This is a list of commercial recycling organizations. This website nor it's producers intend in any way to recommend the use of these websites as they are provided as a learning tool only.
The Computer Barn
Micron's Green Recycling Program
COMPUTER RESCUE
Reduce Garbage, Eliminate Landfills
PC Disposal
Summit Electronics Recycling
Classic Computer Rescue Squad

This website has excellent historical information.
Historic Personal Computer Collection

Search Engines

Evaluation: Your letter should be be at least two pages in length and will be turned in on paper and disk. Include at least one chart created using Excel based on figures noted.
Grades will be based on:

the use of Word's attributes and abilities to create a professionally superior document.

RUBRIC	Dig a Little Deeper below 30	Are You Sure? 30 - 39	Little Doubt 40 - 49	No Doubt 50	Score
Persuasiveness of argument in written form	Had a few facts that were poorly organized and failed to completely convince the reader of your knowledge or understanding of the issues	Facts were fairly well organized and convincing, although insufficient. Questions remained that left some doubts for the reader	There were enough facts to convince the reader of your knowledge of the issues, but there may be some doubt you completely understand them	Your facts, the order in which they were presented, and the way you presented them, was sufficient to convince the reader you completely understand the issues
Ability using Microsoft Word to produce a professional document	The letter contained spelling and grammatical errors. The chart was poorly constructed. Word's abilities were not used. The letter was poorly constructed	The letter contained spelling or grammatical errors. The chart was adequate. A few of Word's abilities were used. The letter's construction was inadequate	The letter's spelling and grammar were correct. The chart was good. Word's abilities were used. The letter's construction was satisfactory	The letter's spelling and grammar were correct. The chart was well done and well placed. Word's abilities were used. The letter's construction was excellent

Conclusion: The entire class will use the information gathered to produce a compiled list of convincing reasons why any computer owner should recycle. This list should be suitable to be included in the packaging of new computers and related materials.

Introduction | Task | Process | Resources | Evaluation | Conclusion

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PGCC