Lesson summary
Students look at the concept of circular economy through the context of pipes. They think about what a sustainable pipe might be.
Learning intentions:
Students will...
- explore the differences between the linear economy and circular economy
- investigate what the circular economy is and how it relates to the sustainability of plastic pipes.
Success criteria:
Students can...
- explain how plastic pipes can be part of the circular economy.
Lesson guides and printables
Curriculum links
Select your curriculum from the options below.
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content descriptions:
Year 5 & 6 Design and Technologies:
Students learn to:
- investigate needs or opportunities for designing, and the materials, components, tools, equipment and processes needed to create designed solutions (AC9TDE6P01).
General capabilities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking.
Syllabus outcomes: ST3-2DP-T, ST3-3DP-T.
Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability.
Relevant parts of Year 5 & 6 Design and Technologies achievement standards:
Students explain how people design products to meet the needs of communities, including sustainability. Students select and justify design ideas and solutions against design criteria that include sustainability.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
UN SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation
Target 6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
UN SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
Skills
This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:
- creativity
- critical thinking
- problem-solving
Resources required
- Access to the student worksheet for groups of students
- Art supplies - coloured pens and paper OR lined paper
- Devices capable of accessing the internet - one per student
- Optional: About the Linear Economy and Circular Economy - Presentation
- Writing materials.
Additional info
Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium – facilitate class discussion and oversee group tasks.
Special thanks to:
Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) is a non-profit association that is committed to future-focused leadership. Through research, education, technical expertise and advocacy, they help advance the use of plastic pipes and fittings as a smart, efficient and sustainable solution.
Related professional learning
Visualise Data in the Primary Classroom
Quick summary: In this hands-on course, you will build your ability to use infographics as a learning tool in your curriculum. You’ll discover how to understand infographics and create your own.
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