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Design a Better Bin Challenge

A sustainability activity to build your 5C skills!

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WALT (We Are Learning To):�

Identify and solve real-world sustainability problems in our school or community.

Work effectively in a team to design and communicate an environmentally friendly solution.

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Challenge Overview

  • Work in teams to design a new type of waste or recycling bin.
  • Solve a real problem in your school or community.
  • Use creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.
  • Present your idea in a 1-minute pitch.

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Team Roles

  • Project Manager – keeps the group on task
  • Researcher – helps identify the problem and gather ideas
  • Designer – leads the drawing and creative process
  • Builder – helps construct the prototype
  • Presenter – shares your idea with the class

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Step 1: Identify the Problem

What waste issue do you see at school or in the community?

Talk about the issue as a team and write it down.

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Step 2: Brainstorm & Sketch

Explain

Explain how it works and why it’s helpful.

Label

Label all the parts.

Sketch

Sketch your bin idea on paper.

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Step 3: Choose Materials

What will you build your bin from?

Can you use recycled or sustainable materials?

Think about what’s practical and environmentally friendly.

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Step 4: Prepare Your Pitch

Explain the problem your bin solves.

Describe how it works.

Tell us what makes it unique.

Practice a 1-minute pitch with your team.

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Step 5: Reflection

How well did your team work together?

What did you learn from this activity?

What would you do differently next time?

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Focus on the 5C Skills!

✅ Communication – Sharing and listening.

✅ Collaboration – Working as a team.

✅ Critical Thinking – Solving problems.

✅ Community – Helping others and the environment.

✅ Creativity – Thinking outside the box.