Circular Economy Challenge

Consider the challenge of developing a circular economy. Each team of learners develops and presents ideas for sustainable approaches to how items are made and used.

Design Problem: Develop a solution that fits within a circular economy. Your design should make one or more stages of a product life cycle more sustainable.

Grade Levels: 7-12

Duration: Four sessions (60 minutes each)

Concepts/Skills: Sustainability, environment, linear and circular economy, brainstorming, problem-solving, communication, systems design

Objectives: Students will...

Describe the difference between a linear and circular economy.
Create plans for shifting an item from a linear to a circular economy.
Refine their solution based on feedback from another team.
Present their ideas to communicate the problem, the solution, and its potential impact.