Life cycle assessment is an important tool for technology planning as solid waste disposal options dwindle and energy prices continue to increase. This guide investigates the life cycles of products. The activities in this book are suitable for secondary earth science, environmental science, physical science, or integrated science lessons. The guide contains six units. Unit 1 introduces the concept of the life cycle using the life cycle of a pencil poster. Unit 2 on dissecting a telephone helps students discover that a simple and a complicated product each must have a design that relates to structure and function. Unit 3 on raw materials examines the second stage of the life cycle. Unit 4 on manufacturing a product discusses the step in the life cycle that creates a final product out of raw materials. Unit 5 on the useful life of a product explores the fourth stage in a product's life cycle including durability, depreciation, and waste. Unit 6 covers disposal and reuse where students examine the trade-offs involved in selecting one drinking cup over another. (SAH)