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Lifecycle and Sustainability: Enrichment Lesson

Lifecycle and Sustainability: Enrichment Lesson
Contributors
Beyond Benign
Beyond Benign, Inc.
Learning Objets
Summary
This high school lesson introduces students to lifecycle analysis (LCA) and sustainability evaluation tools to critically assess whether products or processes are truly “green.” Students examine the sustainability triangle (environment, economy, and equity) and conduct a lifecycle analysis of a selected product to identify inputs, outputs, impacts, and tradeoffs. The lesson emphasizes systems thinking, critical evaluation of greenwashing, and application of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry in decision-making.
Keyword Tags
Life Cycle Analysis
Sustainability Triangle
Systems Thinking
Greenwashing
Product Evaluation
File (PDF, PPT, image, etc)
lifecycle_and_sustainability_analysis_updated-feb-25-2026.docx
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.59877/GQCN5155
Learning Goals/Student Objectives
Students will:
-Define sustainability using the three pillars (Environment, Economy, Equity)
-Explain the concept of lifecycle analysis (LCA)
-Construct a lifecycle flow diagram for a product or material
-Identify inputs and outputs at each stage of a product’s lifecycle
-Evaluate tradeoffs across environmental, economic, and social factors
-Apply sustainability metrics to assess whether a product is “green”
-Recognize and critically evaluate greenwashing claims
Object Type
Activities/Technology (e.g., in-class activities, online games, hands-on activities/manipulatives, outreach, virtual tools, etc.)
Audience
High School (Secondary School)
Green Chemistry Principles
Waste Prevention
Design for Energy Efficiency
Use of Renewable Feedstocks
Design for Degradation
Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Good Health and Well-Being
Quality Education
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Responsible Consumption and Production
Climate Action
Safety Precautions, Hazards, and Risk Assessment
No laboratory chemicals required.

Consider:
-Ensuring responsible discussion of social equity topics.
-Avoiding oversimplification of global labor issues.
-Encouraging evidence-based research when students evaluate products.
-Internet access required for research components.
NGSS Standards, if applicable
HS-ETS1-3: Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on tradeoffs.
HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine technological solutions that reduce impacts of human activities.
Science & Engineering Practice: Engaging in argument from evidence.
Crosscutting Concept: Systems and system models.

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Submitted by

Tyler Schisler
Published on
Moderation state
Published
Collection
Math & Engineering