S.M.A.R.T. Learning Objectives

The primary learning objective of the project is to explore the environmental issue of kitchen waste, focusing on cooking oil, with recycling and reduction of waste as a central theme. The course is completed via an inquiry-based approach consisting of research, group work, presentations, community-based tasks, and the design of promotional material such as posters. It culminates in a practical, productive task of designing and creating posters or flyers, a bar of soap, and a subsequent presentation.

Students will be evaluated by their peers with the intention of providing formative, supportive feedback. Moreover, students will be evaluated according to specific criteria based on the task being completed. The final showcase is an important evaluative step, giving students the chance to show what they have done, learn from others, and spot gaps in knowledge.

Research based tasks can be challenging, and so will be supported through the use of pre-selected tasks. Overall attainment of the project is not so much focused on the quality of the end product, in this case a bar of soap, but more so in the presentation of the processes involved and the findings that students are able to share.

Environmental issues such as the one explored in this project are globally relevant, and the specific focus on cooking oil waste is particularly relevant to my demographic in Asia. Moreover, the project also aims to provide practical knowledge that students will be able to make use of in their day to day life. Academic skills such as inquiry and research are useful skills for future projects at school and beyond.

The project extends over two months. In each week there is a commitment of 3-4 hours. The first week is an orientation to the project so will take less time. There are periods that will involve development of resources, such as presentations, so extra time will be given for students to adequately prepare.