Project Upcycle

Students upcycle waste materials at their school by combining them with 3D printed forms to create useful products - available to subscribers of The PrintLab Classroom

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Lesson Overview

In this creative project, students will upcycle waste materials at their school by combining them with 3D printed forms to create useful products. The project begins with a presentation and a precedent case study about sustainable design social enterprise - Goldfinger Factory. Students then investigate what waste materials are thrown away by their school, before giving them new life through an iterative design process. Finally, each student will develop an article for the school newsletter to educate people about the importance of
upcycling and how to get involved.

**With thanks to Goldfinger Factory**

Subject Areas

The lesson can be incorporated into the study of maths, design technology, and computing. The material can be adapted for ages 8-16. The curriculum is aligned to ISTE, 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 upcycling and its importance to modern day society

  • develop CAD skills based on creating 3D printed forms to fit inside waste packaging

  • research and investigate waste materials and products accumulated at their school/organisation

        • work both individually and collaboratively to identify product design opportunities that keep materials in circulation

        • go through an iterative design process to give waste products/materials new life by combining them with 3D printed forms

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