Sustainable Societies Solution Design
Created byJessica Hartman
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Sustainable Societies Solution Design

Grade 12OtherPolitical ScienceSociologyPhilosophyPsychologyEconomicsTechnologyArtHistorySocial StudiesScienceEnglish60 days
5.0 (1 rating)
The 'Sustainable Societies Solution Design' project is a multidisciplinary initiative for 12th-grade students, aimed at using knowledge from various subjects to develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges. Students engage in a variety of entry events and portfolio activities, such as virtual reality simulations, time capsule analyses, and interactive art installations, to explore sustainability through political, economic, technological, cultural, and artistic lenses. The project emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, and the use of digital technologies, preparing students to address modern problems sustainably and considering economic impacts, cultural influences, and digital tools. It aligns with workplace learning standards and fosters skills essential for future professional and personal success.
SustainabilityInterdisciplinaryDigital TechnologyCollaborationProblem SolvingArtistic ExpressionSocial Studies
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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use knowledge from different subjects to solve society's modern issues sustainably, considering politics, economy, digital technology, culture, communication, art, and economy?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.
  • How can knowledge from different areas help solve today's societal problems sustainably?
  • How do politics, the economy, and society help or hinder efforts to be sustainable?
  • What role does digital technology play in sustainable solutions for societal problems?
  • How do culture, history, and philosophy influence our ideas about sustainability?
  • What responsibilities do people have to make society sustainable?
  • How can good communication and teamwork affect the success of sustainable projects in communities?
  • How do art and creativity help with sustainability and awareness of societal challenges?
  • What is the economic effect of using sustainable practices on businesses and society?
  • How can we make sustainable solutions that fit specific societal issues and regional differences?
  • What strategies help balance immediate needs with long-term sustainability choices?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:
  • Develop interdisciplinary approaches to address modern societal challenges sustainably.
  • Analyze political, economic, and social frameworks to evaluate their impacts on sustainability efforts.
  • Utilize digital technologies to devise and communicate sustainable solutions effectively.
  • Explore cultural, historical, and philosophical perspectives to deepen understanding of sustainability.
  • Recognize and assume personal and collective responsibilities in promoting sustainable societies.
  • Enhance communication and collaboration skills to influence successful outcomes of sustainable projects.
  • Integrate art and creativity in raising awareness and contributing to sustainable solutions.
  • Evaluate the economic impacts of sustainable practices on businesses and society.

Workplace Learning Standards

FSKLRG011
Primary
Use routine strategies for work-related learningReason: Students will engage in strategies to learn about and apply sustainability concepts in professional settings, aligning their learning to work-related topics.
FSKLRG009
Primary
Use strategies to respond to routine workplace problemsReason: Addressing societal challenges with sustainable solutions requires students to tackle routine problems effectively.
FSKLRG010
Supporting
Use routine strategies for career planningReason: Helps students consider how sustainability might play a role in their future professions and career development plans.

Workplace Technology Standards

FSKDIG003
Primary
Use digital technology for routine workplace tasksReason: Students will incorporate digital technology in designing sustainable solutions, reflecting modern workplace practices.

Communication Standards

FSKOCM004
Primary
Use oral communication skills to participate in workplace meetingsReason: Effective communication is critical in interdisciplinary efforts to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
FSKOCM007
Primary
Interact effectively with others at workReason: The project emphasizes collaboration across various disciplines, requiring effective interaction skills.

Workplace Writing Standards

FSKWTG008
Secondary
Complete routine workplace formatted textsReason: Documentation and presentation of sustainable projects require completing workplace texts such as reports and proposals.

Reading Standards

FSKRDG010
Supporting
Read and respond to routine workplace informationReason: Students will need to assimilate and respond to sustainability-related workplace information.

Numeracy Standards

FSKNUM014
Supporting
Calculate with whole numbers and familiar fractions, decimals and percentages for workReason: Numerical calculations are essential in assessing the economic impacts of sustainable solutions.

Safety Standards

BSBWHS211
Supporting
Contribute to health and safety of self and othersReason: Sustainable projects should consider health and safety impacts, encouraging habits that contribute positively in these areas.

Financial Literacy Standards

FNSFLT212
Supporting
Develop and use a saving planReason: Understanding economics of sustainability involves financial planning and budgeting for sustainable initiatives.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Virtual Reality Climate Challenge

Dive in with a virtual reality simulation where students experience the impact of unsustainable practices on our global ecosystem. They'll work as a team to reverse environmental damage using sustainable practices, fostering an understanding of real-world ecological challenges and solutions.

Society in a Time Capsule

Students uncover a time capsule from the year 2100, filled with artifacts from a society that successfully navigated modern challenges through sustainability. The class will discuss and analyze these artifacts, sparking inquiries into how these solutions can be applied today.

Sustainability Art Installation

Create an interactive art installation using recycled materials that depicts societal challenges and sustainable solutions. This hands-on project encourages students to think innovatively about waste reduction and engages them with artistic expression as a tool for advocacy.

Community Disaster Response Drill

Participate in a community-wide disaster response simulation focused on sustainable methods for crisis management. This event highlights the importance of planning and resilience, connecting students directly with real-world crisis scenarios and sustainable response strategies.

Global Leaders' Sustainability Conference

Students take the role of global leaders at a mock conference, each representing different countries or organizations. They are tasked with negotiating agreements and proposing sustainable solutions to global challenges, fostering skills in diplomacy, critical thinking, and international relations.
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Portfolio Activities

Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.
Activity 1

Virtual Reality Sustainability Strategist

Students harness virtual reality to interactively experience the consequences of unsustainable practices. They collaboratively develop strategic solutions to reverse ecological damage while fostering teamwork and understanding of real-world challenges.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce students to the virtual reality simulation of unsustainable practices and their impacts.
2. Divide students into teams and assign a specific ecological challenge to each group.
3. Allow students to engage with the virtual environment and gather information about the ecological damage.
4. Facilitate team discussions for students to brainstorm sustainable solutions.
5. Guide students to present their solutions using digital tools and virtual reality features.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital presentation showcasing team strategies for sustainable solutions developed through virtual reality exploration.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with FSKLRG011 (work-related learning), FSKLRG009 (problem-solving), and FSKDIG003 (digital technology).
Activity 2

Society Through Artifacts

Through analysis and discussion of futuristic artifacts from a sustainable society, students explore how current innovations can be adapted and utilized to address present challenges, integrating historical and philosophical perspectives.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Present students with a 'time capsule' of artifacts from a future sustainable society.
2. Facilitate a class discussion to analyze and interpret each artifact's relevance to sustainability.
3. Encourage students to research related historical and philosophical contexts of the artifacts.
4. Guide students to select an artifact and propose modern applications for sustainability.
5. Assist students in creating a written report connecting artifacts' lessons to contemporary solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report explaining the potential application of historical artifacts' lessons to modern sustainability issues.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsConnects with FSKLRG011 (work-related learning) and FSKWTG008 (workplace formatted texts).
Activity 3

Interactive Art Installation

Students design an art installation using recycled materials to depict sustainable solutions to modern societal challenges. This encourages creativity, advocacy, and a deeper understanding of waste reduction.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Introduce students to the concept of art as advocacy for sustainability.
2. Guide students to brainstorm societal challenges and sustainable solutions that can be depicted artistically.
3. Provide materials for creation and design a collaborative plan for the installation.
4. Facilitate the construction of the art installation using recycled materials.
5. Organize a gallery walk where students explain their artistic choices and sustainability solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn interactive art installation showcasing sustainable solutions, created collaboratively from recycled materials.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports FSKLRG011 (work-related learning) and FSKOCM007 (effective interaction).
Activity 4

Community Crisis Simulation

Participate in a simulated disaster response scenario where students apply sustainable crisis management strategies and learn practical community engagement methods.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Brief students on the objectives and importance of sustainable crisis management.
2. Explain the roles and rules of the simulation, distributing roles among students.
3. Conduct the crisis simulation, focusing on sustainable problem-solving approaches.
4. Facilitate a debrief session where students reflect on performance and strategies applied.
5. Guide students to write a reflective essay on their experience and insights gained on sustainability.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA reflective essay discussing applied crisis strategies and personal learning experiences from the simulation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsIncorporates FSKLRG011 (work-related learning) and BSBWHS211 (health and safety).
Activity 5

Global Leaders in Sustainability Conference

Students role-play as global leaders at a mock international conference, negotiating and proposing sustainable solutions to global challenges focused on diplomacy, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.
1. Assign each student a country or organization to represent at the conference.
2. Research the sustainability challenges and priorities of the assigned role.
3. Develop policy proposals for addressing global sustainability issues.
4. Participate in conference sessions, engaging in debates and negotiations.
5. Collectively draft a resolution that combines agreed-upon sustainable solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collaborative resolution document outlining negotiated sustainability solutions, reflecting global perspectives.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDevelops FSKOCM004 (oral communication skills) and FSKLRG010 (career planning).
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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Sustainable Societies Project Rubric

Category 1

Interdisciplinary Understanding

Evaluates the ability to integrate knowledge from various disciplines to address sustainability challenges.
Criterion 1

Knowledge Integration

Demonstrates the ability to synthesize information from multiple disciplines to develop sustainable solutions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Consistently integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines in a cohesive and innovative manner, showing a sophisticated understanding of their interplay in sustainability contexts.

Proficient
3 Points

Integrates knowledge from various disciplines effectively, showing a clear understanding of their roles in sustainability solutions.

Developing
2 Points

Shows basic integration of knowledge from different disciplines, but lacks depth in understanding their combined impact on sustainability.

Beginning
1 Points

Demonstrates limited integration of disciplinary knowledge, with minimal understanding of its application to sustainability.

Criterion 2

Problem Solving

Evaluates the ability to identify and address sustainability problems using interdisciplinary approaches.

Exemplary
4 Points

Identifies sustainability challenges in detail and proposes innovative and comprehensive solutions that reflect deep interdisciplinary understanding.

Proficient
3 Points

Identifies sustainability challenges accurately and proposes practical solutions using interdisciplinary insights.

Developing
2 Points

Identifies sustainability challenges but solutions lack depth or full interdisciplinary application.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles to identify sustainability challenges clearly and proposes superficial solutions.

Category 2

Communication and Collaboration

Assesses the efficiency and clarity in conveying ideas and working collaboratively in a team environment.
Criterion 1

Oral and Written Communication

Evaluates the clarity and effectiveness of student communication in both spoken and written forms.

Exemplary
4 Points

Communicates ideas with exceptional clarity and persuasiveness both orally and in writing, adapting to different contexts and audiences skillfully.

Proficient
3 Points

Communicates ideas clearly and effectively, with good adaptation to audience and context in both oral and written forms.

Developing
2 Points

Conveys ideas adequately, but clarity and adaptation to audience and context may be inconsistent.

Beginning
1 Points

Struggles with clear communication of ideas, with minimal adaptation to audience and context.

Criterion 2

Team Collaboration

Measures the ability to work effectively as part of a team in developing sustainable solutions.

Exemplary
4 Points

Exhibits leadership in team settings, fostering an inclusive and productive environment, and significantly contributing to the team's success.

Proficient
3 Points

Works effectively within a team, contributing valuable insights and fostering a cooperative environment.

Developing
2 Points

Participates in team activities but with limited contribution and occasional challenges in collaboration.

Beginning
1 Points

Has difficulty working within a team, with minimal contribution and support needed for effective collaboration.

Category 3

Application of Digital Tools

Evaluates the effective use of digital tools to design and present sustainable solutions.
Criterion 1

Digital Tool Proficiency

Assesses the ability to effectively use digital technologies in project development and presentation.

Exemplary
4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional proficiency with digital tools, using them innovatively to enhance project development and presentation.

Proficient
3 Points

Uses digital tools effectively in project development and presentation, with few errors or omissions.

Developing
2 Points

Uses digital tools with basic competence but occasionally struggles with effective application.

Beginning
1 Points

Shows limited proficiency with digital tools, requiring assistance to effectively contribute to the project.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning
Question 1

Reflect on how your understanding of sustainable societies has evolved throughout the course. What specific aspects or insights have significantly influenced your thoughts?

Text
Required
Question 2

Rate your confidence in using knowledge from different disciplines to design sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

Scale
Required
Question 3

Which entry event or portfolio activity most inspired your approach to sustainability and why?

Multiple choice
Required
Options
Virtual Reality Climate Challenge
Society in a Time Capsule
Sustainability Art Installation
Community Disaster Response Drill
Global Leaders' Sustainability Conference
Question 4

Discuss the skills you have developed through participating in this project that you believe will be most useful in your future career or personal life.

Text
Required
Question 5

How did your team's communication and collaboration skills evolve during the project, and what impact did that have on your final product?

Text
Required
Question 6

Reflect on the role of digital technology in your project and its effectiveness in addressing sustainability challenges. What were some successes and obstacles experienced?

Text
Optional