When we think of sand, what first comes to mind? Sure, summer, sun, sunshine – and this of course, on the beach. Sand is perfect for digging in your feet or building sandcastles, but not only for that! Without sand, our world would certainly look completely different. Whether glass, concrete or technical devices such as cell phones or photovoltaic systems, none of this would exist without sand. Sand can therefore justifiably be called one of the most important raw materials of the 21st century.
Do some research on the topic of sand:
- What types of sand are there, and what are each used for?
- Where are the largest sand mining areas? Where is the most sand imported and why?
- What might be problematic from sand mining? Which people/communities/countries might be negatively affected? Small research tip: there is even a “sand mafia”.
- How sustainable is sand mining?
Either alone or in groups, create a presentation on the topic of sand or sand mining. What are the key issues in addressing this topic? Think about a solution that includes the points “social justice” and “sustainability”.
This Worksheet is part of the Quartely Problem Series. For more quartely problems and other classroom materials, click here.
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