About this resource
Present the challenge to go device free for one day. Ask students questions to encourage the thought process.
- How did people stay connected before cell phones?
- What would make you give up your cell phone for a day?
- A meal at your favorite restaurant?
- A trip to the mall with no budget restraints?
- A trip to Disney?
- If you had to take only three possessions from your home, what would they be and why?
Students will then fill in a picture of a battery (found on p. 28) to develop an awareness of how often they use their phone.
Prompt: Color a bar in the battery when you hear a time that you use your phone:
- When I wake up
- On the toilet
- In the shower
- When you are on the bus or train
- When walking
- When crossing the street
- When talking to friends
- During class
- During break time
- When doing sports
- When doing homework
- When eating dinner
- When watching TV
- When talking to family
- One hour before going to bed
- In bed
How do you think your digital behavior affects you, your brain, your learning?
Develop a plan that you could follow to digitally detox. Try it with a friend or your family. Journal your thoughts, feelings, and activities during the detox period.
Modifications for all Learners: This thinking challenge can be extended through journaling the day before and recording time spent using each type of social media, internet, texting, calling, taking photos, etc.. and creating a poster, infographic, or graph to represent time spent on devices.
Curriculum & Standards
Related General Curriculum / Common Core Area
Psychology/Science
Related Curriculum / Common Core Standard
AASL Main Standard(s): III. COLLABORATE Work effectively with others to broaden perspectives and work toward common goals. D. Grow - Learners actively participate with others in learning situations by: 1. Actively contributing to group discussions. 2. Recognizing learning as a social responsibility.
Related STEM Area: Critical thinking and responsible use of technology.
NGSS Main Related Engineering Design Standard:
ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions A solution needs to be tested, and then modified on the basis of the test results, in order to improve it. (MS-ETS1-4) There are systematic processes for evaluating solutions with respect to how well they meet the criteria and constraints of a problem. (MS-ETS1-2), (MS-ETS1-3) Sometimes parts of different solutions can be combined to create a solution that is better than any of its predecessors. (MS-ETS1-3) Models of all kinds are important for testing solutions. (MS-ETS1-4)
What students will do
- Students will build social and emotional capacity by unplugging for 24 hours.
- Students will work to develop relationships and community by unplugging for 24 hours.
To build social emotional capacity in students. Challenge students to transform behavior for 24 hours.
Resources Needed
Battery hand-out (found on p. 28), journaling materials, whiteboards and pens for brainstorming and group feedback.
How learning is assessed
- Students build social and emotional capacity by unplugging for 24 hours.
- Students worked to develop relationships and community by unplugging for 24 hours.