Designing Better Bottles
Students learn about the circular economy before rethinking and redesigning the way we produce and use bottles - available to subscribers of The PrintLab Classroom
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Subject Areas
The lesson can be incorporated into the study of maths, biology, design technology, geography, citizenship and computing. The material can be adapted for ages 10-15. The curriculum is aligned to NGSS, CCSS and UK National Curriculum standards. A comprehensive list of standards met is included in the lesson platform.


In this project students will:
develop an understanding of the life cycle of plastics and their implications on natural resources, the environment and society
develop an understanding on the circular economy and how its principles can design out waste and positively redefine the life cycle of plastic bottles
use research, design-thinking and sketching skills in teams to develop a concept for a 'zero-waste' bottle
use 3D modelling software to design a 'zero-waste' bottle prototype
use 3D printers to manufacture a 'zero-waste' bottle prototype
analyse their work and the work of their peers to suggest improvements to their designs
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