Year 10 - Design and technology
Circular economy and LCA
The circular economy: developing countries
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit develops pupils' knowledge of technology in the world around us. The pupils consider a case study 'The Washing Machine Project' to empathise with issues faced by people in developing countries. Pupils develop knowledge of moral and social issues alongside empathy.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain circular economy and LCA using examples.
Key Notes
- A linear economy represents 'cradle to grave' product life cycle.
- Circular economy represents 'cradle to cradle' product life cycle.
- LCA assesses the environmental impact at every stage of a product's life cycle with the aim to reduce the impact.
Vocabulary To Learn
- circular economy: an economic system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste
- life cycle assessment (LCA): assesses the environmental impact at every stage of a product's lifecycle
- carbon emissions: volume of carbon produced contributing to global warming
- obsolete: a product that is no longer used or useful
- design decisions: a deliberate choice to meet a requirement or solve a problem
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Environmental impact only occurs when products are disposed of.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
A linear economy represents 'cradle to grave' product life cycle. Circular economy represents 'cradle to cradle' product life cycle.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'circular economy'
an economic system where products and materials are kept in circulation and do not become waste.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Environmental impact only occurs when products are disposed of. Correction: Circular economy and LCA consider the environmental impact at every single stage of a product's life cycle.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Design: Spider boot and Jaipur foot Study Guide
- Distribution: Better Shelter and wind-up radio Study Guide
- Investigating contexts Study Guide
- Manufacture and materials processing: Fairtrade Study Guide
- Product in use: S H E uniform and Hippo Roller Study Guide
- Redesign: The Washing Machine Project Study Guide
- Repair, maintenance and recycling: Energee Saw Study Guide
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