Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING:

• Understand the concept of "CO₂ equivalents" and energy consumption.
• Recognize that data centers and AI training consume significant resources.

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Calculate a simple digital carbon footprint.
• Work in teams to solve environmental challenges using AI concepts.
• Present sustainable ideas clearly.

ATTITUDES & VALUES:

• Develop responsibility for their own digital usage.
• Appreciate how innovation can be used to protect the planet.

European Dimension / Erasmus+ Connection

• Digital & Ecological Citizenship: Linking tech usage to environmental impact.
• Transnational Challenges: Comparing data center energy use across countries.
• Innovation for Sustainability: Encouraging youth to design future green cities.

1. Resources and Tools

Digital Tools:

• Carbon Calculators: WWF Footprint Calculator or similar.
• Creation: Minecraft: Education Edition or SimCityEDU (optional).
• Research: ChatGPT (Kids version) for researching green solutions.

Materials:

• "Data Packets" (colored cards/tokens) for role-play.
• Art supplies for drawing eco-cities (if not using software).

2. Working Methods

• Simulation: Acting out how data travels to understand energy use.
• Gamification: Using Minecraft/SimCity to build solutions.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Investigating the "invisible" cost of the internet.

Activity Overview

3. Introduction and Motivation

The Invisible Cost of the Internet

Goal: Visualize the physical side of digital actions.

• Video: Watch a clip about Data Centers (e.g., "Where is the Internet?").
• Discussion: "When you send an email, does it fly through the air?" (No, it goes through cables to a hot, noisy server).
• Concept: Every click uses electricity!

4. Research and Learning

Activity 2: My Digital Footprint

Simulation: The Data Center Game

• Roles: Students are "Servers."
• Action: The teacher ("User") sends "Data Packets" (cards) rapidly.
• Result: The Servers get tired and hot! This represents the heat and energy used by real data centers.
• Task: Calculate the carbon footprint of streaming 1 hour of video vs. reading a book.

5. Creative Application

Activity 3: AI Eco-Builder

Challenge: Design a Green City of the Future.

Tools: Minecraft Education, SimCityEDU, or Paper & Markers.

Requirements:

• Efficient Transport: Smart bus stops or traffic lights.
• Green Energy: Solar panels managed by AI.
• Waste Management: Recycling robots.

Presentation: Groups present their city and explain how AI helps the environment.

6. Reflection and Evaluation

Making a Change

Self-Reflection: Students fill out the attached reflection sheet (Att 3.1).

Discussion Questions:

• "What surprised you about the cost of the internet?"
• "What is one action you will take?" (e.g., less streaming, turning off PC).