Business Studies · 3rd Year

Active learning ideas

Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development focuses on the 'Triple Bottom Line': People, Planet, and Profit. In this topic, students explore how the Irish economy can grow without depleting natural resources or harming the environment. This is a key part of the NCCA specification, reflecting Ireland's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students look at practical ways businesses can become more sustainable, such as reducing packaging, using renewable energy, and adopting a 'circular economy' model.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand 3: Our Economy, LO 3.8
• Strand 2: Enterprise, LO 2.8

• 20–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Inquiry Circle
• 45 min · Small Groups

Inquiry Circle: The Circular Economy Challenge

Groups are given a common waste item (e.g., an old school uniform or a plastic bottle) and must design a business model that keeps that item in use for as long as possible, rather than throwing it away.

What is sustainable development?

• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Self-Management
• Self-Awareness

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 40 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: The SDG Circuit

Set up stations for different Sustainable Development Goals (e.g., Climate Action, Responsible Consumption). At each station, students identify one way a local business could contribute to that specific goal.

How can businesses reduce their carbon footprint?

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Cost of Green

Pairs discuss why sustainable products (like organic food or electric cars) are often more expensive than traditional ones. They brainstorm ways the government or businesses could make these choices more affordable for everyone.

Why is sustainability important for long-term economic growth?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• Students often think sustainability is only about recycling.

  Explain that recycling is the last resort; 'Reduce' and 'Reuse' are much more impactful. A 'waste hierarchy' sorting activity can help students prioritize different environmental actions.

• There is a belief that one small business can't make a difference to the global climate.

  Discuss the 'multiplier effect' where many small changes lead to a large collective impact. Using a 'success stories' gallery walk of local green businesses can inspire students and prove that small actions matter.

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Methods used in this brief

• Inquiry Circle
• Stations Rotation
• Think-Pair-Share