ACTDEK031: Investigate the ways in which products, services and environments evolve locally, regionally and globally and how competing factors including social, ethical and sustainability considerations are prioritised in the development of technologies and designed solutions for preferred futures.
ACTDEK032: Analyse how people in design and technologies occupations consider ethical and sustainability factors to design and produce products, services and environments.
ACTDEP038: Independently develop criteria for success to assess design ideas, processes and solutions and their sustainability.
Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework: Cultural Responsiveness Standard - Staff embed Aboriginal cultural knowledge, such as sustainable resource use in metal, to demonstrate respect for community values and environmental care.
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures - Students explore Indigenous sustainable practices in metal sourcing to understand environmental stewardship.
Sustainability in metal sourcing and reuse is crucial for minimizing environmental impact and conserving resources. Metal sourcing primarily involves mining, which can lead to habitat destruction, water pollution, and high energy consumption. To promote sustainability, ethical mining practices are adopted, such as reducing carbon emissions and restoring mined lands. Recycling metals like aluminum, copper, and steel saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary production, decreasing reliance on virgin ores and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Reuse extends the life cycle of metals by repurposing scrap into new products, reducing waste and landfill use. Upcycling transforms old metal items into higher-value goods, like turning scrap into art or furniture, fostering creativity and economy. Indigenous Australians exemplified sustainable practices by repurposing introduced metals from trade with Macassans and Europeans, using them for tools and decoration without overexploitation, aligning with cultural values of environmental stewardship.
Modern industries implement circular economy models, where metals are continuously recycled, such as in automotive and electronics sectors. Governments and organizations promote certifications like Fairmined for ethical sourcing, ensuring fair labor and minimal ecological damage. Challenges include contaminated scrap and high recycling costs, but advances in technology improve efficiency. In education, Year 8 students explore these concepts through design projects, learning to select recycled metals and assess sustainability, fostering responsible practices.
By prioritizing sustainable sourcing and reuse, society can mitigate climate change and preserve biodiversity, honoring Indigenous wisdom and ensuring resources for future generations. (Word count: 468)
Here are 20 words from the reading for spelling practice (click to hear the word and a sentence):