ARL Lesson Plans

In this lesson students will be inspired by how individuals can make a difference to the environment. They will begin to consider how engaging with the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) and changing their conscious recycling behaviour and consumer habits can positively impact landfill and waste material usage.

In this lesson students will explore the waste hierarchy and consider alternatives to recycling. They will critically evaluate their consumption of packaging and think creatively to come up with ways to reduce and re-use. Finally, they will apply their learning to a real world challenge by encouraging their family to change their consumption behaviours.

In this lesson students undertake real-world learning in the role of material designers. They investigate a range of packaging items and discuss why some of these items don't feature the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL). They research the barriers to meeting ARL classifications and consider the benefits and challenges of using certain materials for certain packaging before attempting to redesign a product to meet ARL classifications.

Students assume the role of a material scientist as they participate in hands-on investigations to sort and classify a range of items based on their material properties. They work collaboratively, combining ideas to design a materials-sorting solution for a recycling facility and sharing their ideas with the class. The lessons in this unit explore the purpose of the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) and how to translate this understanding into environmental action.

In this lesson students explore prior knowledge about recycling and the ARL, working together to research and collaboratively curate this information. Students then engage with a flipped classroom pedagogical approach, using what they have discovered to become the teachers and spread the word about the ARL through a quiz and teaching materials.

In this lesson students will undertake real-world learning as they seek the answers to Australia's progress towards 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging. Students then administer a survey to collect information about the community's rubbish disposal practices and knowledge of the ARL. Finally, students use this data to positively influence companies to adopt practices that assist in designing packaging to be recycled and to carry the ARL in order to let consumers know what to do with each item of packaging when they're at the bin.

In this lesson students assume the role of marketing executives, analysing the persuasive marketing techniques and aesthetic choices used by the Check It! Before You Chuck It campaign to promote the message of the ARL. Students will then focus their own persuasive creativity to create a marketing campaign which either advertises and explains the ARL or pitches a change to recyclable packaging at their company. Students will share these messages with specific audiences in their role as advocates for the ARL.

In this lesson students will reflect on their learning across this unit. It is a great opportunity for students to undertake social action and influence their school and wider community. It is also a fantastic creative demonstration of their learning and a useful piece of assessment for teachers to evaluate towards the end of the term.