Recycling

The MOD's use of recycling

Synopsis

This lesson introduces students to the important topic of recycling. Students consider the widespread use of recycling in Britain to create new products and the 4 Rs of recycling (Recycle, Re-use, Recover and Reduce). Students are then presented with a design brief which asks them to re-use existing products to design a children's playground and present their proposal to the class. Video footage is provided to help students understand the part played in recycling by one of the largest Government Departments, the Ministry of Defence.

MOD Topic

The MOD's use of recycling

Curriculum Checklist

1.1a, b, c, d; 1.2a; 1.3a, c; 1.4a
2 b, h
3b, d, e, i
4b, d, f

Curriculum Links

• Citizenship
• Science
• Geography

Prior Knowledge

Some prior understanding of the environmental issues surrounding recycling will prove useful in this lesson.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Be able to name the 4 Rs are and know how these relate to waste materials.
• Be aware of the MOD recycling programme.
• Be aware that waste materials can be re-used.
• Be able to meet some of the requirements of a brief.
• Be able to present a design.
• Be able to state several positive and negative elements in the design.

Average ability students will:

• Know what the 4 Rs mean and how these principles apply to waste materials. Understand the national importance of these principles.
• Have some knowledge of the MOD's recycling plans.
• Be able to identify several new uses for existing waste products.
• Engage with a brief and meet most of its requirements.
• Be able to present a design to the class and answer questions about it.
• Evaluate several elements of designs and make some reasoned suggestions for improvement.
• Understand why Government Departments have a duty to promote re-cycling schemes.

Higher ability students will:

• Have a good understanding of the reasons for recycling materials and the different ways of doing so (namely the 4 Rs).
• Understand why the MOD needs to have a recycling programme and have knowledge of its plans.
• Be able to think creatively to identify positive and coherent new uses for existing products.
• Understand the requirements of a brief and consider the best way to go about meeting its requirements.
• Be able to present a design clearly and confidently, talking around its different features and answering questions about it.
• Evaluate a number of different designs and identify both positive and negative aspects as well as providing suggestions for improvement.
• Have an understanding of Government policies on recycling and how they apply to the MOD.

Lesson code

DT4