Culminating Activity Outline
You are a System Designer!
The Idea:
Physical and social systems are designed to meet the needs of the people that
use them. Staplers, bicycles, sports leagues, and the health system are all
designed to meet specific needs.
The waste management system at your school is designed to keep the school
clean and tidy as well as to protect the environment and to make good use of
resources. The design requires people to do their part, as well. There is a place
for everything, but students and staff still produce litter or waste materials at
various times.
You are learning about systems and systems design. You will have some skills
that will help you become a system designer. Why not put your knowledge and
skills into action?
Your school probably has a good waste management system. However, it can be
improved. How can the system at your school be changed so that recycling,
garbage, and reusable items go to the right place or into the proper container
more often? Here are some ideas to get you thinking:
1. Maybe you could design a physical system that encourages people to use
the garbage and recycling bins more often. It could be an original
container whose appearance is entertaining. It could be a more accessible
or more visible container system. How about a device that picks up litter
from under desks or out in the yard without the user having to bend down?
You could use your skills and knowledge to design a better bin system or
a better litter pickup system.
2. You could also create a social system. There could be a reward or
recognition system for people who are “caught” doing something right.
Tasks could be reassigned or created so the containers are put out in
good locations, collected regularly, and sorted. In this way, the waste can
be disposed of properly or salvaged. What about a composting system
that uses animal communities to turn waste into a rich soil enhancer?
Could you design an effective “litter-less” or “boomerang” lunch program?
You could use what you are learning to design a better system that
involves people or other organisms by allowing them to take action.
The Task:
This is what you will need to do:
1. Choose an area you wish to improve (either the recycling, garbage,
salvage, student leadership, or the staff leadership system).
2. Keep notes that will help you complete this project as the unit progresses.
3. Complete a Consequence Map.
4. Dream up and design your idea.
5. Sketch and label a diagram of your component or system.
6. Draw or actually build a model of your component or system.
7. Write an effective user manual.
8. Analyse the benefits, potential problems, cost, efficiency, and expected
results of your design and prepare a report.
Assessment and Evaluation:
This task will allow you to show what you know. As the unit continues, look for
information and skills that might help you complete this project.
You will be assessed and evaluated on:
A. the plan and design of your system;
 planning notes
 Consequence Map
 sketch
 collecting the required materials
B. the actual model you draw or build;
C. the user manual you write;
D. your analysis of the component or system you designed; and
E. the final presentation of your product.
Planning Checklist:
You or your teacher may attach due dates to these activities in order to assist in planning
and completion.
Decide on the subsystem you wish to improve.





recycling
garbage
salvage
student leadership
staff leadership
 Keep notes and organize them as the unit progresses.
 Decide on your idea for a better physical or social system.
________________________________________________________
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 Complete a Consequence Map based on your idea.
 Sketch your idea (include labels and notes) – it can be changed or added to later.
 Collect the materials you will need.
 Build or draw a model of the final product.
 Write an effective user manual.
 Write an analysis of your idea (benefits, potential problems, cost, efficiency,
expected results).
 Be ready to present or “sell” your idea to the class...and maybe to the
school...and maybe to the Board of Education!
 Assess your own work and your learning skills on the rubric.
The Waste Management System at your school may look like this:
Garbage taken away
by a company.
Salvage stored or
distributed.
Recycling taken away by a
company.
Lost and Found that is not
claimed can be donated to
an organization.
The caretakers at our school.
Students on the school’s
“Green Team” check, sort, and
collect recyclables.
Garbage bins are put out in the
classrooms, offices, common
areas, and in the schoolyard.
Students, staff, and visitors put
garbage in bins.
Lost and Found items
are collected.
Unused equipment is
stored or sent to
appropriate depot for
reuse.
Students, staff, and visitors put
recyclables in bins.
Some garbage, recyclables, and
salvage are dropped on the
floor or in the yard.
The principal and teachers set
standards and volunteer to
organize the “Green Team” and
events.
The school participates in
community garbage pickup
events.
NOTES:
Waste management companies and
systems are contracted to handle the
final waste output of the school.
School supplies found on the
floor are saved by caretakers.
Recycling bins are put out in
the classrooms, offices, and
common areas.
Information, attitudes, and
habits are shared and used at
home and the whole
community is impacted.
The Board has depots for
various salvaged items that
can be reused.
Students on the “Green Team”
clean up the yard.
The caretakers pick up in the
school.
Some classrooms re-use paper
(good on one side) and other
supplies.
“Salvage” refers to equipment,
supplies, personal belongings, and
other material that can be reused or
returned. It includes lost and found
items.
The school board system sets policy
for waste, recyclables, and salvage.
The school creates good attitudes and
behaviours through communication
and by forming a “Green Team”.
Waste is reduced if the school or
classrooms use a litterless lunch
program.