Sustainable Design: What Is the Role of a Designer?

In this resource from Practical Action, a presentation and linked activities provide design and technology teachers with opportunities to highlight the different values and beliefs that designers may hold.

Students can engage in exploring their own values about the responsibilities of designers and companies too.

The powerpoint highlights the work of two designers Emily Cummins and Steven Hunt, both of whom have chosen to be involved in the development of technologies that 'make a difference to people’s lives'.

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URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx5x8

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Review

Sustain. Design Y9

Posted by simmo1977 on 30th November 2011

Activity time: 60-90 mins

Level:4 -6

Prior knowledge: Knowledge…

Activity time: 60-90 mins

Level:4 -6

Prior knowledge: Knowledge of famous designers and the meaning of sustainability

Subject / curriculum links / skills: DT/ Design process and research.

Preparation time: 5 minutes (creating a simple Power Point from Belief Circles activity)

Extra resources: Video-project/interactive whiteboard, post-it notes

Commentary:

I started this activity with a mixed ability Year 9 class in a classroom with computers, last period on a Friday. I changed the Belief Circles activity by displaying each statement on a video-projector screen in turn and asking learners to stick post-it notes on the screen to reflect their views. They seemed to enjoy this and it led to some good discussion.

Learners then watched the presentation which led to more discussion before starting the main activity. They seemed to enjoy this as it gave them opportunity to research something that they were interested in. Some learners did posters whist others did Power Point presentations. There was not enough time in the lesson to finish the main activity so it was continued in the next lesson with prizes award for the best pieces of work. I finished the lesson with a short question and answer plenary.

This activity was not particularly original but it was accessible to all and did cause learners to think more about how values affect the design process. It could be improved by the addition of a short plenary activity to reinforce learning.