Linear versus circular economy
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify linear and circular economies using product examples.
Key learning points
- A linear economy represents 'cradle to grave' product life cycle.
- Circular economy represents 'cradle to cradle' product life cycle.
Keywords
Linear economy - products are often used briefly, become obsolete, and become waste
Circular economy - products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste
Obsolete - a product that is no longer used or useful
Common misconception
Circular economy only means recycling.
The circular economy can be defined as products and materials being kept in circulation and not becoming waste. Design decisions within circular economy can be generated through consideration of 6 Rs: recycle, reuse, rethink, refuse, repair, reduce.
Teacher tip
Keep hold of any products that excessively use packaging, such as Easter eggs. Have a look around the school/ home for products that 'grow' with the user as examples of sustainable products, such as adjustable chairs/ products.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.___________ converts waste into reusable materials.
Q2.A product’s life cycle when following a linear economy can be defined as ...
Q3.A product’s life cycle when following a circular economy can be defined as ...
Q4.What is the common meaning for this symbol?
Q5.The vast majority of waste in the UK is incinerated or ends up in ...
Q6.The 6Rs are refuse, repair, refuse, recycle ...
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which are examples of products that follow a linear economy?
Q2.Which are examples of products that follow a circular economy.
Q3.Match the term to the design decision.
designing parts that could be reused or products that grow
designing accessible compartments for batteries
designing products that will stand the test of time
designing parts to be easily dismantled
designing products with less packaging
designing using environmentally friendly plastics such as biopol
Q4.The circular economy can be defined as an system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste.
To help you plan your 9 design and technology lesson on: Linear versus circular economy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 design and technology lesson on: Linear versus circular economy, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 design and technology lessons from the Circular economy unit, dive into the full secondary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.