The Life of a Soccer Ball

Intended End User: Teacher

Age Group: Lower Primary; Upper Primary; Lower Secondary

School Curriculum: Science; Social, Physical & Health Education; Social & Environment Science

Themes and Topics: Energy Use and Production; Behaviour & Lifestyle; Collective Action; Environmental Change; Economics; Futures Thinking; Information & Knowledge; Citizenship; Pedagogy Approaches

Duration: Approximately 1 school hour.

Type of Resource: Case Study, Lesson Plans, Project, Reference Document

Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment; Environmental Impact; Sustainable Consumption

Languages: English

Description

The Life of a Soccer Ball is an educational resource developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that explores the environmental impacts associated with the lifecycle of a soccer ball. It traces the journey from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transportation, usage, and disposal, highlighting how each stage affects natural resources and contributes to issues like climate change. The document also offers practical tips for extending the life of a soccer ball and encourages sustainable practices among students. This resource serves as a valuable tool for educators aiming to integrate concepts of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and life cycle assessment into their curriculum, fostering a deeper understanding of how everyday products impact the planet..

How to use this resource

Educators can use this resource to introduce students to the concept of life cycle assessment and the environmental impacts of consumer products. The document can serve as a basis for classroom discussions, projects, or case studies on sustainability, encouraging students to think critically about product consumption, resource use, and environmental stewardship. Teachers can guide students through each stage of the soccer ball’s life cycle, fostering an understanding of how everyday items affect the environment and inspiring more sustainable choices.

The resources

Link to the Resource

Here is an interactive Storymap for the Lifecycle Of A Soccer Ball

Learning Outcomes (Teachers)

Elicit prior knowledge and further develop knowledge and comprehension of key Sustainability Citizenship key concepts, challenging established worldviews and values.

Green Competencies