– FOR SCHOOLS & YOUTH
Circular economy learning to accelerate youth climate action
From curriculum-aligned school incursions to youth-led community programs — we bring circular economy concepts to life through hands-on learning, not lectures. Delivered by practitioners who do this work every day.
Place-based delivery
We come to your school
Curriculum-aligned
Pre-incursion teacher consult included
Subsidised places available
For govt schools with ICSEA < 1,000
Measurement outcomes
Impact data returned to your school
– THE PROGRAMS
Five ways to explore the circular economy
All programs include two skilled facilitators, travel within Melbourne, and a 30-min pre-incursion teacher consultation.
1. The Lifecycle of Everyday Objects
- 30 Students Max
- Stephen Mason & Jean Darling
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Students often see objects as things to be used and discarded. This program challenges that — exploring the full journey of everyday items like plastic bottles, clothing, electronics and food. Students discover how circular economy principles can extend the life of products through lifecycle thinking and consumer behaviour.
10 min - Introduction
Systems thinking & the lifecycle of common objects — linear vs circular economy using real-world case studies.
20 min - Interactive Activity
Groups map the lifecycle of a selected object, finding opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle at each stage.
10 min - Reflection & Discussion
How individual choices contribute to a circular economy — students propose ideas for a more sustainable future.
10 min - Wrap Up
Key concept recap, Q&A and student feedback survey.
BEST FOR
Science, Geography, Humanities. A strong entry-level program for schools new to circular economy concepts.
ADDITIONAL SESSIONS
$450 per additional session on the same day (max. 2 sessions/day).
2.Circular Economy in Action: Micro-Recycling
- 30 Students Max
- Stephen Mason & Jean Darling
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Students build their own classroom micro-recycling stations from local business waste, then compete in “Waste-ketball” — a high-energy game where they identify and deconstruct everyday products to direct each material to the right collection bin. Circular economy learning by doing, not just listening.
15 min - Introduction
Closed-loop systems, material flows, and why the Victorian 4-bin rollout is only part of the solution.
45 min - Upcycling Workshop
Using actual waste from local businesses (buckets, wire, plastic, paper) to build a classroom micro-recycling station — plus learning stewardship of the circular initiative.
20 min - Waste-ketball
High-energy classroom game: deconstruct everyday products and sort each material into the correct micro-collection bin.
10 min - Reflection & Discussion
Product design and packaging from a circular lens — what needs to change, and how students can drive it.
10 min - Wrap Up
Key concept recap, Q&A and student feedback survey.
BEST FOR
Science, Design, Sustainability programs. The micro-recycling station stays with the classroom — making this one of our highest impact incursions.
ADDITIONAL SESSIONS
$650 per additional session on the same day (max. 2 sessions/day)
3. Designing for the Future: Circular Innovation
- 30 - 50 Students Max
- Stephen Mason & Jean Darling
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This incursion puts students in the role of circular economy designers. Using a full design thinking framework (Empathise → Define → Ideate → Prototype → Test), student teams tackle real-world problems and build prototypes that balance functionality, sustainability, and creativity.
15 min - Introduction
The role of design in the circular economy — examples of innovative products and systems already reducing waste.
50 min - Upcycling Workshop
Teams work through the full design process to create a product that solves a real problem and adheres to CE principles. Sketch, prototype, iterate.
20 min - Resource Management Challenge
A timed challenge where students plan and execute a project using limited resources, mirroring real-world constraints.
10 min - Reflection & Discussion
Students share creations and discuss challenges and opportunities encountered.
10 min - Wrap Up
Key concept recap, Q&A and student feedback survey.
BEST FOR
Entrepreneurship, Design, STEM, VCE subjects. Excellent for schools with innovation or sustainability goals.
ADDITIONAL SESSIONS
$630 per additional session on the same day (max. 2 sessions/day).
4. Waste Not, Change a Lot: Gen Alpha & Gen Z Lead Climate Action
- 25-35 Students Max
- Stephen Mason & Jean Darling
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What if students could redesign waste out of their world? This action + legacy -focused session is about hearts and minds, by putting young people in the driver’s seat. We help them discover how the circular economy works through regenerative thinking, find their role in the movement, and walk away with their own DIY climate action plan for home, school, or community.
10 min - What's your waste IQ?
Welcome and icebreaker.
15 min - Future Changemakers
What's your 'why' — and where do you fit in the movement?
30 min - Circular Living Challenge
Designing a waste-free future — identifying the who, what, where, how, and when of local circular action.
20 min - Guerrilla Climate Action
How to create change where you live — each student creates their own DIY climate action plan.
10 min - Wrap Up
Q&A and student feedback survey.
BEST FOR
Humanities, Health & Wellbeing, Sustainability, SRC & youth leadership programs. Especially powerful alongside school sustainability campaigns.
THEMES
Youth leadership & empowerment, place-based action, community-driven climate solutions.
5. Circular Economy Champions: Building a Sustainable Community
- 30-50 Students Max
- Stephen Mason & Jean Darling
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Students step into the shoes of different community stakeholders — from business owners to government officials — and navigate the real trade-offs of transitioning to a circular economy. This simulation brings systems thinking to life and shows why collaboration between different perspectives is non-negotiable.
10 min - Introduction
Overview of the circular economy — the roles different stakeholders play in building sustainable communities.
30 min - Role-Playing Simulation
Students take assigned roles and make decisions balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and social wellbeing — experiencing the real complexity of the transition.
10 min - Group Discussion
Facilitated debrief on simulation outcomes — highlighting interdependence and the power of collaboration.
10 min - Wrap Up
Key concept recap, Q&A and student feedback survey.
BEST FOR
Humanities, Economics, Politics, Leadership programs. Works well as a capstone after other Circular Economy incursions.
THEMES
Six Thinking Hats, Systems Thinking, Leadership and stakeholder collaboration.
Our impact so far…
Students reached
Incursion programs offered
Schools and councils partnered
Students reported increased CE understanding
Book a school incursion
Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch within 2 business days to confirm your booking and schedule your free 30-minute curriculum alignment consultation.
Ready to bring circular economy learning to your school
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our education team. We’ll help you choose the right program, align it to your curriculum, and answer any questions — before you commit to anything.
