Economics is about everyday life and that everyday life seems increasingly dominated by intangible items such as apps, social networks and online services. But these 'intangible' items are wholly reliant upon the physical infrastructure that facilitates them and the energy that powers them. That physical infrastructure in turn depends upon such mundane items as sand, salt and iron. We are extracting such material in greater quantities than ever before. This term’s study will explore the nature of our dependence on these basic elements of Mother Earth and the fascinating network which links them altogether. No previous knowledge of economics is required.