Module 6: Stuff
Aims
Pupils will find out about why the footprint of the ‘stuff’ that we buy is so big. They will understand that some things that we buy have a smaller impact on the planet and people than other things, and they will be motivated to make choices with the least impact. They will also discover the history of production in the region and nationally, and begin to understand how and why things have changed. They will also realise that reducing the amount of ‘stuff’ that we buy in the first place is one of the most important things we can do to reduce our footprints.
Knowledge- They will understand that ‘stuff’ refers to the goods that we buy, including games, clothes, furniture, tools, etc.
- They will understand that the ‘stuff’ that we buy accounts for the biggest portion of our footprint.
- They will understand that much of the ‘stuff’ that we buy is produced overseas, but because we are the consumers of these goods, it is accounted for in our footprint.
- They will understand that Wales and the rest of Britain used to manufacture more than we do now, and that some of this industry had negative impacts on the local and global environment, and on the people employed in these industries.
- They will understand that much of this industry has been exported, and that there are still resulting impacts on the local and global environment, and on the people employed in these industries.
- They will understand that Fair Trade is an initiative that helps address the issues of fair pay and conditions for employers.
- They will continue to use sequencing skills to realise the wider impacts of the things that we buy
- They will continue to develop listening, debating, and interviewing skills, and be able to form their own opinions based on what they have learned
- They will continue to develop presenting skills
- They will continue to develop planning skills
- They will have the opportunity to develop basic repairing skills
- They will continue to develop their map reading and geographical location skills
- They will develop empathy skills demonstrating compassion and understanding of those employed in poor working conditions
You are encouraged to acquire additional resources and materials to make the project relevant to your school. These are described in each activity and also listed here:
1. Global Washing Line
- Clothes pupils are wearing
- World Map
- Paper and sticky tape
3. The History of Stuff
- Historical maps of region
- Regional documents, archives etc, older people
5. Let’s go to the shops!
- Local shops and staff
6. Regional Planning – ‘Stuff’
- Local maps (aerial photo floor mats if possible)
- Possibly one or two of the shop keepers visited during the field trip might be available to join this session
Activities
Global Washing Line
A warm up game for pupils to discover the origins of the clothes they are wearing.
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‘Stuff’ Footprints
This slide show draws attention to some of the wider global impacts of the stuff that we buy.
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The History of Stuff
This group activity allows pupils to research how local trade and industry has changed over the years.
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Good Stuff
This slide show draws attention to some sustainable examples of the ‘stuff’ that we buy, including organic and Fair Trade products.
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Let’s go to the shops!
This is a field trip that will allow pupils to investigate for themselves the ‘stuff’ that is sold locally, and find out more from shop keepers about the origins of the goods that they sell.
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Regional Planning – ‘Stuff’
This group activity allows the pupils to create their own sustainable transport plans for the region.
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Report
An opportunity for pupils to work in groups or as individuals to report on the days activities.
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