Sustainability Cross Curriculum Priority

The Topic for this design brief is centred around Waste, more
specifically, the production and consumption of unsustainable
disposable goods such as food items with plastic packaging or
single use plastics. During the term, students will learn
about properties of materials that affect the management of
waste and contribute to environmental issues, in particular
the effect of plastic. This topic links clearly with the
Sustainable Development goal 12 of, ‘Responsible Consumption
and Production’, as it addresses the issue of unsustainable
production which includes the use of plastic packaging. Goal
12 also addresses sustainable consumption, indicating that
consumers also have a role in sustainability as they have a
chose on what product to buy. This will be included in the
lessons, as students will learn ways they can reduce their
plastic use and alternatives to single use plastics. The
sustainable development Goal 14, ‘Life Below Water’, also
links with this design brief as it aims to prevent and reduce
marine pollution, particularly from land-based activities.
Students learn the environmental effects, such as pollution
from plastic waste, therefore addressing Goal 14.
Additionally, Goal 15, ‘Life on Land’, is also linked to this
design brief. Goal 15 addresses the environmental impact of
Deforestation on earth’s biodiversity caused by human
activities. Goal 15 fits with the design brief, as students
are learning about the effects on the environment that comes
with producing un-sustainable products that contributes to the
growing amounts of waste. This design brief incorporates the
key concept of, ‘Futures’, from the Australian curriculum and
the, ‘Organising Idea Eight’. This ‘Organising Idea’ is about
designing action for sustainability, which the students will
be doing by designing their own sustainable packaging. It also
states that for action to take place towards sustainability,
it requires an evaluation of past practices. In this design
brief and series of lessons, students will be looking at the
use of plastics and how they can be altered to a more
sustainable alternative. The organising idea also focuses on
scientific and technological developments based on future
economic, social and environmental impacts. This part of the
organising idea will be addressed by looking at the
environmental impacts of waste.