Technology for the Future: Small Is… Challenge

Starter activity In small groups, mind map as many new inventions/products that you can think of from the past 5 years. You might want to think in areas such as: food transport communication technology clothes toys

Guess which year was I invented? Apple iPad MonopolyWorld web Zip 3 D computer game Pop up toaster

Which dates did you guess correctly?

Technology timeline Select any invention from the technology timeline in your classroom or visit the website below. Find an invention that interests you. Activity Complete worksheet 2 and 3 for your homework and present your findings back to your class. imelines_of_Invention_and_Technology.htm imelines_of_Invention_and_Technology.htm

In 1966 E.F. Schumacher set up an international development charity, now called Practical Action. Since then, Practical Action has grown a lot and works in Africa, Asia and South America, supporting people to develop and use suitable technologies in areas such as renewable energy, transport and housing. You can find out lots more about our projects at, What is Practical Action? In Nepal, these children are enjoying energy in their homes, produced by a small wind turbine.

What is the Small is Challenge? E.F.Schumacher wrote a book which is called Small is Beautiful… which set out his ideas about a future that protects the environment. To celebrate Schumachers centenary year, wed like to set you this creative Small Is…Challenge. Invent a product that will help us to lead more sustainable lives over the next 100 years.

What are the big environmental issues to think about? In the UK, our lifestyles have a massive impact on the environment. In fact if everyone in the world lived the way we do, wed need three planets to keep us going.

What are we doing that we need to change? We use too much stuff - so much in fact that we waste lots! Each year £20 billion of unused food is thrown away! We use a lot of energy– mobile phone charging alone cost £60 million per year in energy. We use a lot of water –the average person uses litres of water each day and this figure is rising yearly. We design things that dont last very long – In Europe the average computer is replaced every two years.

Recap: Your Small Is Challenge… Invent a product that will help us to lead more sustainable lives over the next 100 years. You can choose who it will designed for and at what time period in the next 100 years you think it will be used. You may want to link it to your theme of Future: food, clothes, homes, transport, communication, or choose a theme of your own. Use the design sheets 4 and 5 that your teacher gives you to set out your ideas. Good luck !