Sustainable Design Challenge for Students
Year 7 Technology Design and Technologies 60 minutes
What is Sustainable Design?
Design that meets present needs without compromising future generations Uses eco-friendly materials and processes Minimizes waste and environmental impact Considers the entire product lifecycle
Problem Identification Activity
Form groups of 3-4 students Brainstorm problems in your school or home Focus on waste, organization, or efficiency issues Select one problem to solve
Material Investigation
{"left":"Recycled cardboard - lightweight, biodegradable, easy to cut and shape\nRecycled plastic bottles - durable, waterproof, can be cut with scissors","right":"Bamboo sticks - renewable, strong, natural material\nPaper tubes - recyclable, cylindrical structure, good for storage"}
Developing Design Criteria
Sustainability - uses recycled or renewable materials Safety - no sharp edges, non-toxic materials Functionality - fits the intended purpose effectively Aesthetics - appealing appearance and design
Planning Your Design Process
What steps will you take to create your solution? How will you manage your time and resources? What tools and materials do you need? How will you ensure safety throughout the process?
Sketch Your Design Ideas
Create annotated sketches of your solution Label materials and joining methods Show safety features clearly Include sustainability notes
Next Steps and Reflection
Present your design to the class Evaluate designs using our criteria Reflect on collaboration and planning Prepare for prototyping in future lessons