Moving From a Linear to Circular Economy
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Provided by: The Circular Classroom|Published on: August 29, 2025
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Synopsis
- This module from The Circular Classroom is the first of three that introduce students to a circular economy and help them understand how the current linear system harms the environment.
- This module includes a workbook and three activities, in which students will map out the life cycle of a product, compare natural, social, and industrial systems, and debate about which products are more harmful to the environment.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Engineering
Authors: Dr. Leyla Acaroglu
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The three activities require few materials and little prep, making them easy to implement.
- Students have many options to choose a topic or object that interests them, keeping them engaged in learning.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand that products are made from materials that need to be extracted from nature.
- Students should have a general understanding of how products are made.
Differentiation & Implementation
- After completing the activities in this workbook, students can complete a research project exploring some products and companies that are trying a circular approach. Have students brainstorm ways for other products to be made with different materials, for reuse, longer use, upcycling, and/or efficient recycling.
- In Activity 1, some students may need help finding resources to research the life cycle of their object. Additionally or alternatively, some students may benefit from extending the time limit.
- To emphasize climate change, teachers can have students address specific climate impacts their chosen products may have in Activity 3.
- Teachers can highlight how a circular economy can help address UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production, and may also relate to goals 14, Life Below Water, and 15, Life on Land.
This three-module unit focuses on the transition to a circular economy. Throughout the videos and workbooks, the focus remains solidly on using systems thinking to design products that advance environmental sustainability. This resource is grounded in sound science and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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