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Lesson 2 of 8
  • Year 10

Circular economy and LCA

I can explain circular economy and LCA using examples.

Lesson 2 of 8
New
New
  • Year 10

Circular economy and LCA

I can explain circular economy and LCA using examples.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A linear economy represents 'cradle to grave' product life cycle.
  2. Circular economy represents 'cradle to cradle' product life cycle.
  3. LCA assesses the environmental impact at every stage of a product's life cycle with the aim to reduce the impact.

Keywords

  • Circular economy - an economic system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste

  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) - assesses the environmental impact at every stage of a product’s lifecycle

  • Carbon emissions - volume of carbon produced contributing to global warming

  • Obsolete - a product that is no longer used or useful

  • Design decisions - a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem

Common misconception

Environmental impact only occurs when products are disposed of.

Circular economy and LCA consider the environmental impact at every single stage of a product's life cycle.


To help you plan your year 10 design and technology lesson on: Circular economy and LCA, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Successful design opportunities ...

give a specific solution.
Correct answer: do not give a specific solution.
give a range of specific solutions.

Q2.
Design is when you only consider one possibility and then sometimes miss an even better solution.

Correct Answer: fixation

Q3.
What does LCA stand for?

Correct Answer: life cycle assessment

Q4.
Put the stages of a linear economy in order.

1 - raw materials
2 - design
3 - manufacture and materials processing
4 - distribution
5 - product in use
6 - disposal

Q5.
What is an obsolete product?

a product that is new and useful
Correct answer: a product that is no longer used or useful
a product that is complex to use
a product that is easy to use

Q6.
Identify the examples of products that follow a linear economy.

Correct answer: fast fashion
bags for life
Correct answer: single use coffee cups
re-chargeable products

Assessment exit quiz

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which stages of a circular economy are the key differences when compared to a linear economy?

manufacture and materials processing
Correct answer: repair and maintenance
raw materials
Correct answer: recycling
distribution

Q2.
Identify the examples of products that follow a circular economy.

Correct answer: reusable nappies
Correct answer: recycled clothing
non-rechargeable batteries
disposable nappies

Q3.
What design decisions could be made to reduce the environmental impact at the distribution stage of the product’s life cycle?

Correct answer: Locate manufacturing in the country of sale.
Locate manufacturing based on workforce costs.
Package fully assembled products.
Correct answer: Use hybrids or electric vehicles.
Correct answer: Use flat pack when possible.

Q4.
Which stage of the circular economy comes after 'product in use' and before 'recycling'?

Correct Answer: repair and maintenance, repair, maintenance, maintenance and repair