In this project-based unit of study, students consider their roles as consumers and producers through the lens of the triple bottom line of sustainability. In the first half of the unit, students are introduced to factors that are essential to consumer decision-making and explore how these factors impact the environment, economy, and people. In the second half of the unit, students apply prior learning to brainstorm a product, conduct market research, develop a business plan, and then carry their plan into production.

Source: Developed by Aziza Malik of Champlain Elementary School and Kellie Smith of the Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes, both in Burlington, VT, and Emily Hoyler and Sarah Kadden of Shelburne Farms’ Sustainable Schools Project.