Activity number 3

Name of the activity

Upcycled Wearables

Introduction of the topic

Have students view local design artists (e.g. the jewelry of Yuma Fujimaki here). Ask learners to describe the materials that the artist uses and to describe what makes the work unique. Learners could then identify the items that we can upcycle in our school and how can we create something new, useful or innovative out of these items?

Discuss the difference between recycling and upcycling. Consider that upcycling happens with materials which can’t traditionally be recycled (like computer parts or old machine parts). Share that engineers and designers both identify problems and then seek out new ways to solve that problem.

Materials

Non-recyclable materials: circuit boards, machine parts, nuts, bolts, etc.
Sketch paper and pencils.
Nails, screws, straight edge,
Hammers, hand saws, power tools (for age appropriate groups)
Cutting mats, tape measure, screwdrivers, knives

Grouping and interaction

Individual

Description of the activity

Encourage learners to look for materials or in some cases you could provide students with a variety of old “non-recyclable” materials such as circuit boards, machine parts, and other so-called “junk”.
Students should each brainstorm ways to take these parts and upcycle them into a piece of wearable art. Students will need to investigate how to create their wearable art through various building/adhesion techniques. Create a sketch and journal building steps.
Students create their wearable art using the materials and techniques they explored. Students must make adjustments as necessary through their design process.
Students present their finished upcycled wearable art as a gallery presentation to their peers. Provide a written statement that describes the process, materials used and how the parts were transformed for a new purpose.

Upcycling

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