Design a 'Zero-waste' Prototype Bottle!

In this creative project, students will learn about the circular economy before rethinking and redesigning the way we produce, use and dispose of bottles.

* This is a lesson that is part of The PrintLab Classroom lesson portal. To view details of the full portal, click  here. *

Overview

In this creative project, students will learn about the circular economy before rethinking and redesigning the way we produce, use and dispose of bottles. Through a series of video animations, a hands-on card sorting activity and a case-study presentation, students will be provided with an overview of the harmful plastics industry, together with an insight on how the circular economy concept can design out waste and positively redefine the life cycle of plastic bottles.

In the main part of the lesson, students are guided by a student portfolio and video tutorial to develop a prototype bottle that is 'zero-waste' and uses circular economy principles. Ideas are transferred to CAD software before being 3D printed and presented to the rest of the class.

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.

Learning Criteria

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 modeling software to design a 'zero-waste' bottle prototype
• Use 3D printers to manufacture a 'zero-waste' bottle prototype
• Analyze their work and the work of their peers to suggest improvements to their designs

Each student will require:

1 x laptop/computer with mouse and internet access to use Tinkercad software

1 x pen/pencil

The teacher will require:

1 x 3D printer and PLA filament 

1 x laptop/computer with mouse, internet access and slicing software for the 3D printer

Post-it notes (set of 2 different colors required for each team of 4-5 students)