1st Lesson Plan: Food System & Recipe Books
A creative learning activity where students explore the impact of food waste and learn to cook sustainably. Through posters, presentations, and recipe creation, they discover how to reduce waste and make better food choices using circular thinking.
What is the Food Systems and Circular Recipe Book?
The Food Systems and Circular Recipe Book is an educational toolkit developed as part of the Erasmus+ project "The Circular Schools – Empowering Secondary Education Students for a Green Future". Its goal is to help students explore the environmental challenges of today’s food systems, especially food waste and unsustainable consumption.
Purpose
The project aims to raise awareness of the scale and impact of global food waste, which reaches up to 40% of food lost or wasted. Students are encouraged to think critically about where their food comes from, what happens if it is wasted, and how they can reduce food waste at school and at home.
Structure & Activities
The lesson plan includes three key phases:
- Poster Creation: Students work in groups to study one or more food items (e.g., milk, fruit, meat – local vs. imported, processed vs. unprocessed) and create a poster explaining their life cycle.
- Presentation & Discussion: Each group presents its findings and reflects on food origin, daily choices, and how to make them more sustainable.
- Circular Recipe Creation: Groups design or choose a recipe using seasonal, local, and eco-friendly ingredients with low environmental impact.
Example: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – vegan, high in protein, ideal for summer, and low-impact on the environment.
Educational Value
The project promotes collaboration, creativity, and environmental responsibility. It helps students take practical action and apply circular thinking to everyday food habits.
Supported by
This initiative is co-funded by the European Union and contributes to the EU’s circular economy and sustainability education strategies.
Pilot Implementation Summary – Lesson Plan 1
Participating Schools
İstanbul Atatürk Fen Lisesi, Turkey
ENGIM Piemonte, Italy
Participants and Setup
Total students: 44 (ages 14–18)
Format: In-person, 90–120 minutes
Activities: Group poster creation, classroom discussions, and circular recipe design
Materials Used
Canva slides, posters, flashcards, phones, and educational videos. Materials were accessible, clear, age-appropriate, and engaging.
Evaluation Results
| Evaluation Area | Score Range (1–5) | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Student Engagement | 5 | Active participation in group work |
| Materials & Usability | 5 | Well-structured and easy to use |
| Attitudinal Impact | 3–5 | High awareness raised; moderate behavioral intent in Italy |
Key Strengths
- The theme of food was highly relatable and effectively engaged students
- Students collaborated well, including those less inclined to participate
- Poster creation and presentations were enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences
Main Challenges
- Lack of kitchen access limited recipe implementation to theory
- Group presentations were lengthy without clearly assigned roles
- Transition between topics (e.g., from carbon footprint to food waste) lacked fluidity
Recommendations
- Assign specific roles to students within groups for better structure
- Encourage home-based recipe preparation and classroom sharing with visuals
- Improve the design and clarity of handouts and add smoother topic transitions
Both schools reported that the lesson plan was effective, adaptable, and suitable for broader use across diverse classroom settings.
View our lesson plans through the Canva link below: Open Canva Slides
2nd Lesson Plan: Treasure Hunt
A hands-on learning experience where students investigate sustainability in their city. Through a treasure hunt, group exploration, and collaborative mapping, they uncover how circular practices shape the food, retail, and service sectors around them.
Lesson Plan 2 – Circular Economy Treasure Hunt
From the EDU.CIRCULAR Project: The Circular Schools – Empowering Secondary Education Students for a Green Future
Lesson Plan 2 is a dynamic and experiential educational activity designed to help secondary students understand and apply circular economy principles within their local environment. The lesson unfolds across three structured sessions that encourage critical thinking, real-world exploration, and collaborative learning.
Purpose
The main goal is to deepen students’ understanding of how circular economy strategies can be observed and applied in everyday settings. It invites them to reflect on sustainability challenges and solutions through active participation in their own community.
Structure
- Session 1 – Introduction: Students are introduced to key circular economy concepts and prepare for their field activity.
- Session 2 – Treasure Hunt: Conducted outside school, usually in the city center, students work in groups to explore local businesses in different sectors. Families are welcome to join, reinforcing community involvement.
- Session 3 – Board Map and Evaluation: Students present their findings, discuss their experiences, and collaboratively build a visual board map (digital or physical) summarizing sustainable practices observed during the hunt.
Group Assignments
- Group A – Food Sector: food sourcing, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and local supply chains
- Group B – Retail Sector: ethical production, recycling, and waste management
- Group C – Service Sector: eco-friendly product use, energy conservation, and sustainable services
Activities & Tools
The treasure hunt is designed as a flexible and engaging experience. Students take notes, capture observations, and engage directly with businesses. Tools such as flashcards, digital maps (e.g. Google Maps), and classroom presentations support the learning process. The final session encourages reflection through round-table discussions and visual mapping.
Educational Impact
- Gain practical insights into sustainability challenges and solutions in different sectors
- Strengthen observation, collaboration, and communication skills
- Connect classroom theory with real-life application
Pilot Implementation Summary – Lesson Plan 2
Participating Schools
İstanbul Atatürk Fen Lisesi, Turkey
ENGIM Piemonte, Italy
Budapest School, Hungary
Participants and Setup
Total students: 51 (ages 14–18)
Format: In-person, with in-class sessions and off-campus group fieldwork
Activities: Introduction to circular economy, treasure hunt in the local community, group presentations, and collaborative mapping
Materials Used
Handouts, Canva slides, post-its, videos, Padlet, and Google Slides
Evaluation Results
| Evaluation Area | Score Range (1–5) | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Student Engagement | 4–5 | High participation and interest during field activity |
| Materials & Usability | 4–5 | Clear and usable; some materials could be simplified |
| Attitudinal Impact | 3–5 | Raised awareness of circular economy and sustainability |
Key Strengths
- Outdoor exploration enhanced student interest and engagement
- Topics were practical and connected to everyday life
- Digital tools (Padlet, maps) supported collaboration and creativity
Main Challenges
- Limited student mobility in boarding schools
- Questionnaires were too long; group roles not clearly defined
- Some student groups were incomplete due to scheduling
Recommendations
- Simplify materials and shorten questionnaires
- Assign clear group roles to improve organization
- Coordinate in advance with local businesses
- Support students with limited access to urban spaces
All schools found the lesson engaging and impactful, with potential for local adaptation and hands-on learning.
View our lesson plans through the Canva link below: Open Canva Slides
3rd Lesson Plan: DIY Repair Workshop
The DIY Repair Workshop engages students in hands-on learning about the environmental impact of e-waste and textile waste, encouraging them to rethink consumption habits. Through real-world examples and circular economy strategies, it empowers them to embrace repair, reuse, and advocacy for the right to repair movement.
Lesson Plan 3 – DIY Repair Workshop
From the EDU.CIRCULAR Project: The Circular Schools – Empowering Secondary Education Students for a Green Future
Lesson Plan 3 is a practical, action-based learning activity designed to introduce secondary school students to the concepts of electronic waste (e-waste), textile waste, and their broader environmental implications. The workshop promotes critical reflection on consumer behavior while offering students meaningful, hands-on engagement through repair practices and circular thinking.
Purpose
The core aim of this lesson is to raise awareness about the environmental impact of overconsumption, especially of electronic devices and fast fashion, and to empower students with tools and knowledge to embrace sustainability through repair, reuse, and mindful consumption.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the causes and consequences of e-waste and textile waste
- Explore the environmental and social costs of consumer goods
- Engage in hands-on repair activities using tools and guidance
- Appreciate the value of the circular economy and the "Right to Repair"
- Reflect on personal consumption habits and alternatives
Structure and Flow
- Session 1: Introduction to waste, planned obsolescence, fast fashion, and repair culture
- Session 2: Hands-on DIY Repair Workshop with electronics or textiles
- Session 3: Student presentations, reflection, and idea sharing
Suggested Materials
- Broken electronics, old clothes, repair tools (screwdrivers, needles, glue)
- Instructional slides/videos and safety materials
Educational Value
- Fosters curiosity and repair skills
- Builds awareness of environmental impacts from waste and production
- Encourages creativity, teamwork, and responsibility
Adaptability
This lesson can be adapted to various school contexts and resources. Including expert volunteers is encouraged but optional.
Pilot Implementation Summary – Lesson Plan 3
Participating Schools
İstanbul Atatürk Fen Lisesi, Turkey
ENGIM Piemonte, Italy
Participants and Setup
Total students: 40 (ages 14–18)
Format: In-person, 90–120 minutes
Activities: Theoretical introduction, circular economy examples, hands-on repair tasks, and group reflection
Materials Used
Slides, videos, printed worksheets, and basic repair tools. Content was clear, practical, and age-appropriate, especially with expert input.
Evaluation Results
| Evaluation Area | Score Range (1–5) | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Student Engagement | 4–5 | Strong interest during hands-on tasks; students responded well to real items |
| Materials & Usability | 4–5 | Tools and instructions were effective; some content could be simplified for younger students |
| Attitudinal Impact | 3–5 | Boosted awareness of circular economy, e-waste, and repair culture |
Key Strengths
- Real-life examples and damaged items made the activity tangible
- Students collaborated in small groups and enjoyed the format
- Involvement of experts enriched the experience
- Clear link between circular economy and daily behavior
Main Challenges
- Difficulty sourcing items or arranging expert help on time
- Technically less experienced students needed extra guidance
- Content complexity for younger students
Recommendations
- Use simpler language in theory sessions
- Introduce short videos or demonstrations before repair
- Encourage defined roles (e.g. leader, repairer)
- Offer alternative activities for schools with fewer resources
Both schools reported this workshop as impactful and engaging, showing great potential to inspire sustainable behavior and circular thinking through hands-on learning.
View our lesson plans through the Canva link below: Open Canva Slides
4th Lesson Plan: Life Cycle Analysis of Products
Students explore the full life cycle of products—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal—by analyzing their environmental impact. Through group research, presentations, and reflection, they gain critical insight into sustainable production and circular economy solutions.
Lesson Plan 4 – Life Cycle Analysis of Products
From the EDU.CIRCULAR Project: The Circular Schools – Empowering Secondary Education Students for a Green Future
Overview
This lesson plan introduces secondary school students to the concept of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), helping them understand how products affect the environment at every stage—from resource extraction to disposal. Through a mix of theoretical input and student-led exploration, it encourages a systems-thinking approach to sustainability and circular economy principles.
Purpose
The purpose of Lesson Plan 4 is to develop students’ awareness of the often-invisible environmental impact of everyday products. By examining where items come from, how they are made and used, and what happens when they are discarded, students are encouraged to question consumption norms and seek sustainable alternatives.
Learning Objectives
- Define what a product life cycle is and identify its main stages.
- Analyze the environmental and social impacts of products throughout their life cycle.
- Understand how circular economy practices can reduce negative impacts.
- Conduct a basic LCA on a product or item they choose.
- Present and reflect on sustainability challenges and solutions.
Lesson Structure
- Session 1: Introduction to product life cycles and their environmental footprint
- Session 2: Group work – researching and analyzing the life cycle of a chosen product
- Session 3: Visual presentations and reflective classroom discussion
Suggested Materials
- Life cycle diagrams and example case studies
- Worksheets or templates to guide the analysis
- Videos or infographics explaining product manufacturing and disposal
- Access to internet-connected devices for research
- Poster paper, markers, or digital presentation tools
Educational Value
- Promotes systems thinking and understanding of supply chains
- Raises awareness of the environmental footprint of consumption
- Encourages teamwork, research, and critical thinking
- Empowers students to make sustainable choices
Adaptability
This lesson is adaptable to various educational levels and classroom environments. Teachers can focus on specific sectors (e.g., electronics, clothing) or emphasize local relevance.
Pilot Implementation Summary – Lesson Plan 4
Participating Schools
İstanbul Atatürk Fen Lisesi, Turkey
ENGIM Piemonte, Italy
Participants and Setup
Total students: 35 (ages 14–18)
Format: In-person, 90–120 minutes
Activities: Theoretical input, product life cycle group research, presentations, and class reflection
Materials Used
Visual diagrams, slides, worksheets, videos, and internet-connected devices for research. Materials were clear and engaging, though some simplification was suggested for younger students.
Evaluation Results
| Evaluation Area | Score Range (1–5) | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Student Engagement | 4–5 | High involvement in group research and visual presentations |
| Materials & Usability | 4–5 | Resources supported independent learning and critical thinking |
| Attitudinal Impact | 3–5 | Increased awareness of product lifecycles and environmental effects |
Key Strengths
- Group research encouraged collaboration, discussion, and creativity
- Students connected abstract concepts with everyday products effectively
- Presentations helped consolidate learning and foster peer-to-peer education
- The lesson promoted critical awareness of consumption patterns and sustainability
Main Challenges
- Some students had limited prior exposure to supply chains or life cycle thinking
- A few participants needed additional guidance during the research process
- Time constraints occasionally limited the depth of analysis
Recommendations
- Provide a structured guide or example to support group investigations
- Begin with visual explanations of life cycle stages before student research
- Allow time for warm-up or orientation activities on the topic
- Integrate familiar, local products to increase relevance and understanding
Both schools found the Life Cycle Analysis lesson to be an effective and engaging experience. It successfully introduced students to the environmental impact of products, supported collaborative learning, and laid the groundwork for future sustainability education through inquiry-based and critical thinking activities.
View our lesson plans through the Canva link below: Open Canva Slides
