Imagine a Waste-Free Economy

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of this activity, learners will:
  • Be able to explain a waste-free circular economy
  • Be able to contrast a waste-free circular economy with our current wasteful linear economy
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the problem of waste in the world and its effects
  • Demonstrate an understanding about how a circular economy can solve the problem of waste

Curriculum Connections

Alberta
Science
4. A - Waste and our World - 4–5 Recognize that human activity can lead to the production of wastes and identify alternatives for the responsible use and disposal of materials.
7. A - Interactions and Ecosystems - 1. Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments and identify related issues and scientific questions; 2. Trace and interpret the flow of energy and materials within an ecosystem; 3. Monitor a local environment, and assess the impacts of environmental factors on the growth, health and reproduction of organisms in that environment; 4. Describe the relationships among knowledge, decisions and actions in maintaining life-supporting environments
Social Studies
3.2.2 explore the concept of global citizenship by reflecting upon the following question for inquiry:
What are some environmental concerns that Canada and communities around the world share?
4.1.1 value Alberta’s physical geography and natural environment
4.1.4 analyze how Albertans interact with their environment by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How are natural resources used by Albertans (i.e., agriculture, oil and natural gas, forests, coal)? 
How do Albertans deal with competing demands on land use (e.g., conservation, solar and wind power, recreation, agriculture, oil exploration, forestry)? 
5.1.1 value Canada’s physical geography and natural environment:
demonstrate care and concern for the environment through their choices and actions
6.1.6 analyze how individuals, groups and associations within a community impact decision making of local and provincial governments by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues:
How can individuals, groups and associations within a community participate in the decision-making process regarding current events or issues (i.e., lobbying, petitioning, organizing and attending local meetings and rallies, contacting elected representatives)? 
Ontario
Science
4.A1.3 use an engineering design process and associated skills to design, build, and test devices, models, structures, and/or systems 
Social Studies
4.B2.1 formulate questions to guide investigations into some of the issues and challenges associated with balancing human needs/wants and activities with environmental stewardship in one or more of the political and/or physical regions of Canada
4.B1.3 describe some key actions taken by both industries and citizens to address the need for more sustainable use of land and resources
7.B2.1 formulate questions to guide investigations into issues related to the impact of the extraction/ harvesting and/or use of natural resources around the world from a geographic perspective
8. B3.6 identify different types of economic systems (e.g., traditional, command, market, mixed), and describe their characteristics

Length of Activity

2.5 hours

Materials List

  • Internet-enabled device
  • Topic Backgrounder
  • Learner Handout: Plastic Make & Remake Activity
  • Craft/art materials listed in the handout

Online Lesson Format