Lesson overview

In this design and technology Key Stage 3 (KS3) lesson, students learn how sustainable redesign can reduce ocean plastic waste. This lesson is focussed on students conducting a product life cycle analysis on a household object before redesigning it. Included are teacher resources that allow students to critique examples of redesigns, conduct a product life cycle assessment, and redesign a product.

Learning outcomes

• Define redesign
• Critique product redesigns
• Analyse the product life cycle of a household object
• Redesign a product

Lesson steps

1. Definition cryptogram (5 mins)
   Students complete a cryptogram to uncover the meaning of the lesson.
   
2. What is sustainable redesign? (5 mins)
   Students view examples of sustainable redesign and understand how they apply to the 6 Rs.
   
3. Redesign gallery (15mins)
   Students move around the room, like a gallery, and critique redesigns, stating which of the 6 Rs each design has used.
4. Product analysis (15 mins)
   Students choose one of three household items to analyse and redesign. Students analyse the product life cycle using the 6 Rs.
   
5. Redesign (10 mins)
   Students choose one of three things highlighted in the assessment, which they would like to change. Students redesign the product.
   
6. Unintended consequences (10 mins)
   Students discuss unintended consequences of sustainable redesign. Then students predict what unintended consequences may arise from their redesigns.

England

Design and Technology Key Stage 3

Design

• Use research and exploration, such as the study of different cultures, to identify and understand user needs.
• Identify and solve their own design problems and understand how to reformulate problems given to them.
• Use a variety of approaches [for example, biomimicry and user-centred design], to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses.

Design and Technology Progression Framework

• DA4 - Develop design specifications that include a wider range of requirements such as environmental, aesthetic, cost, maintenance, quality and safety.
• DA7 - Work confidently within a range of relevant domestic, local and industrial contexts, such as the home, health, leisure, culture, engineering, manufacturing, construction, food, energy, agriculture and fashion.
• DA9 - Take creative risks when making design decisions.
  
• DB7 - Use a variety of approaches, for example biomimicry and user-centred design, to generate creative ideas and avoid stereotypical responses.
• DB9 - Develop and communicate design ideas using annotated sketches.
• EB2 - The positive and negative impact that products can have in the wider world.