Material Detail

The Case of Rare Earths Elements is a role-playing game in which students debate the positive and negative perspectives of rare earth elements from all sides, from producers and activists to manufacturers and consumers. Rare earth elements are all around us. They are part of the foundation on which our modern society is built. They power our phones, our cars, and scores of other technologies. Yet the mining and distribution of these elements have created challenges—environmental pollution, geopolitical monopolies, and future sustainability—that must be addressed. The game teaches students to understand multiple perspectives and to recognize the complex issues facing today’s policy makers, while also emphasizing the role of history in the formation of policy. By understanding the history of the issues, the changes brought about by this industry, and the historical context for the characters’ positions, students are better able to engage in a contemporary debate while gaining real-world skills. 

This will delete the comment from the database. This operation is not reversible. Are you sure you want to do it?

Thank you for reporting a broken "Go to Material" link in MERLOT to help us maintain a collection of valuable learning materials.

If you feel this material is inappropriate for the MERLOT Collection, please click SEND REPORT, and the MERLOT Team will investigate. Thank you!

You are being taken to the material on another site. This will open a new window.

Do not show me this again