CirKuS: Circular Kunststoffe machen Schule
The ‘CirKuS - Circular Kunststoffe machen Schule’ project is made possible by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) as part of the Talente-Regional funding programme. Together with the Vienna University of Technology and other partners, Thinkubator is bringing research on the circular economy and plastics directly into schools.
From 2023 to 2025, 13 classes from seven Viennese educational institutions will work on the challenges and solutions of the circular economy. The aim of the project is to raise students' awareness of the importance of sustainable behaviour, show them innovative solutions and motivate them to develop and implement their own creative ideas.
Our contribution as a scientific member
As a scientific member of the CirKuS project, Thinkubator contributes its expertise in the field of plastics, waste prevention and circular economy. Together with other partners, we contribute to knowledge transfer and research, support the project organisation and accompany students in developing solutions through mentoring and hackathons.
Project Partners:
The three phases of the project:
1
Problem analysis - a close look at plastics:
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What are plastics and how do they affect the environment and society?
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Students research the environmental and social challenges of using plastics.
2
Learning about solutions:
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Through field trips and workshops, students learn about existing recycling and upcycling solutions.
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Depending on the school level, the focus is on different types of plastics:
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Primary schools: Packaging
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Secondary schools: Consumer goods
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HBLA for Fashion and Art: Textiles
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3
Develop your own solutions:
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In hackathons and with the support of mentors, students develop their own creative ideas to promote the circular economy.
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Projects and solutions are put into practice and presented.
From waste collection campaigns and interactive lectures to workshops and peer-to-peer events! Together, we have researched the challenges surrounding plastics and developed sustainable solutions. The project is currently in the implementation phase, in which the ideas developed are being put into practice.
