Sustainable Choices

Overview

This lesson plan aims to introduce Year 7 students to the concept of sustainable business choices, focusing on the critical evaluation of resources used by businesses, as well as the rights and responsibilities of businesses. The lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum: Economics and Business curriculum area, specifically focusing on developing students' understanding of sustainability in an economic context.

Curriculum Connections

• Australian Curriculum: Economics and Business (Years 7-10)
  • Content Description: Examine the role of markets in influencing businesses and consumers’ choices and analyse the effects of economic and business decisions on the environment.
  • Cross-Curriculum Priority: Sustainability

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of sustainability in business.
2. Critically evaluate the resources used by businesses.
3. Recognise the rights and responsibilities of businesses in promoting sustainability.
4. Reflect on contemporary issues and solutions related to sustainable business practices.

Resources

• Whiteboard and markers
• Projector and screen
• Printed worksheets (see below)
• Short video on sustainable practices in Australian businesses
• Example case study: Patagonia's sustainable business model
• Sticky notes and pens

Lesson Plan

Introduction (10 minutes)

1. Welcome and Introduction

   • Greet students and introduce the lesson topic.
   • Briefly explain what sustainability means in the context of business.

2. Starter Activity

   • Ask students to think of a business they admire. Pose the question: "What makes this business sustainable or unsustainable?"
   • Invite students to share their thoughts.

Main Activity (25 minutes)

1. Video and Discussion (10 minutes)

   • Play a short video highlighting sustainable business practices by Australian companies.
   • Facilitate a class discussion on the video. Guide students to identify key sustainable practices shown.

2. Case Study Exploration (10 minutes)

   • Present a case study on Patagonia’s sustainable business model.
   • Break students into groups and provide them with case study worksheets to discuss:
     • Resources Patagonia uses sustainably.
     • Patagonia’s business decisions that reflect their rights and responsibilities in sustainability.

3. Critical Thinking and Sharing (5 minutes)

   • Hand out sticky notes and ask each group to write one sustainable practice they learned about or thought of.
   • Have groups share their ideas and place their sticky notes on a 'Sustainability Wall'.

Conclusion (10 minutes)

1. Reflection Questions

   • Ask students to reflect on the following:
     • How can businesses balance profit with environmental responsibilities?
     • What rights and responsibilities do businesses have towards the environment?

2. Class Wrap-Up

   • Summarise the main points discussed during the lesson.
   • Highlight the importance of making informed and responsible business choices for a sustainable future.

3. Homework Activity

   • Assign students to write a short paragraph on a local business they believe could benefit from more sustainable practices and suggest one improvement.

Assessment

• Formative Assessment: Observe group discussions and the ideas shared during the class and on the 'Sustainability Wall'.
• Homework Review: Assess students' understanding and personal insights on sustainable business improvements.

By integrating these elements, this lesson plan offers an engaging and enriching experience for Year 7 students, encouraging them to think critically about the importance of sustainable practices in business and their roles as future decision-makers.