All grades  Project 3 weeks

Sustainable T-Shirt: From Cotton to Closet!

John M
D2.Eco.2.6-8
D2.Eco.3.9-12
D2.Eco.7.6-8
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
+ 1 more
1-pager

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted impacts of production decisions, using the example of a T-shirt. Students will critically analyze economic, social, political, and environmental factors throughout the production process, fostering a deeper understanding of global interconnections. By collaborating in teams, participating in hands-on activities, and creating public service announcements, students will develop essential skills in critical thinking, self-directed learning, and socio-emotional growth. This project aims to inspire thoughtful consumer and producer choices that consider the well-being of global communities and ecosystems.

Learning goals

Students will investigate the comprehensive impacts of production decisions, focusing on a T-shirt as a case study, to understand economic, social, political, and environmental consequences. They will collaborate to research and analyze each production phase, considering sustainable development practices and their future applications. Through creating public service announcements, students will develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills, while fostering an academic mindset that emphasizes community impact and responsible consumerism.
Standards
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.2.6-8 - Evaluate alternative approaches or solutions to current economic issues in terms of benefits and costs for different groups and society as a whole.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.3.9-12 - Analyze the ways in which incentives influence what is produced and distributed in a market system.
  • [National Council for the Social Studies] D2.Eco.7.6-8 - Analyze the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in a market economy.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Students will collaboratively produce a multimedia public service announcement that highlights the economic, social, political, and environmental impacts of consumer choices, particularly focusing on the lifecycle of a T-shirt. They will also design and present a sustainable production plan for a chosen product, incorporating innovative solutions to reduce negative impacts. Additionally, students will conduct and document a mini-experiment on water pollution, showcasing their findings in a visual display for the exhibition.

Launch

Begin with a dynamic entry event where students bring in a T-shirt from home and participate in a guided discussion about its journey from production to purchase. Facilitate an interactive mapping activity where students trace the global path of their T-shirts, identifying the countries involved in each production phase. Introduce the essential questions and encourage students to brainstorm initial thoughts and predictions about the impacts of these production processes. Conclude the session with a short video showcasing the lifecycle of a T-shirt, setting the stage for deeper exploration in the coming weeks.

Exhibition

Students will host an interactive exhibition for the school community and parents, showcasing their public service announcements. The event will feature stations where students present their research findings on the economic, social, political, and environmental impacts of T-shirt production. Attendees can engage in hands-on activities, such as a mini-experiment on water pollution, led by students with guidance from a local environmental scientist. This exhibition allows students to share their insights, encourage community reflection on consumer choices, and demonstrate their learning journey through creative displays and discussions.