Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students are asked to design a system to minimise waste for an eco-resort on a small Pacific island. Students will be asked to give a short presentation detailing their system, potential problems and how they might be overcome, and why they think their system would be successful.

Learning goals:

  • Students investigate some of the problems faced by small island communities regarding disposal of their solid waste.
  • Students recognise innovate waste management systems suitable to small communities.
  • Students understand the core components of a successful waste management system.

Australian Curriculum content description:

Year 9 Geography

  • The effects of the production and consumption of goods on places and environments throughout the world and including a country from North-East Asia (ACHGK068)
  • Present findings, arguments and explanations in a range of appropriate communication forms, selected for their effectiveness and to suit audience and purpose; using relevant geographical terminology, and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS070)
  • Reflect on and evaluate the findings of the inquiry to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations; and explain the predicted outcomes and consequences of their proposal (ACHGS071)

Year 10 Geography

  • The human-induced environmental changes that challenge sustainability (ACHGK070)
  • Present findings, arguments and explanations in a range of appropriate communication forms selected for their effectiveness and to suit audience and purpose, using relevant geographical terminology and digital technologies as appropriate (ACHGS079)
  • Reflect on and evaluate the findings of the inquiry to propose individual and collective action in response to a contemporary geographical challenge, taking account of environmental, economic and social considerations; and explain the predicted outcomes and consequences of their proposal (ACHGS080)

Syllabus Outcomes: GE4-2, GE4-3, GE4-4, GE4-5, GE5-2, GE5-3, GE5-8.

Topic: Solid waste

Time required: 60 mins

Level of teacher scaffolding: Low – oversee activity.

Resources required: Internet access, student worksheet.

Digital technology opportunities: Digital sharing capabilities.

Homework and extension opportunities: This activity includes opportunities for homework and extension.

Keywords: Waste, waste management system, island, reuse, reduce, refuse recycle, compost, scenario.

 

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation:

Overarching learning goal: In this activity students are asked to design a system to minimise waste for an eco-resort on a small island. Students will be asked to give a short presentation detailing their system, potential problems and how they might be overcome, and why they think their system would be successful.

Student and classroom organisation:

Step 1. Explain to students that in activity they will be designing a system to minimise waste for an eco-resort on a small island. The scenario is as follows:

Ask students to imagine are working for a company that runs an eco-resort on a small island in the Pacific. The eco-resort has just won a prestigious award for its management of waste. They will be asked to give a short presentation about why they won this award – about the system, their role in the planning, any problems they experienced, how these were overcome, the successes of the system and why they think your system was so successful.

Break the class

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Student Worksheet

Imagine that you work for a company that runs an eco-resort on a small island in the Pacific. The eco-resort has just won a prestigious award for its management of waste. You will be asked to give a short presentation about why you won this award – about the system, your role in the planning, any problems you experienced, how these were overcome, the successes of your system and why you think your system was so successful.

In this activity you are asked to create a presentation that talks about your award winning waste management system. Use the information below to give some more context and guidance for this activity:

 

Some general background

Small island communities, generate waste, just like any other community. Some of these waste materials, such as food and garden waste, can be dealt with on the island. However, other materials that can be recycled, such as bottles, cans, paper, cardboard and batteries, may need to be transported off the island to the mainland. Materials tha

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