An Animated Explanation of a Circular Economy
Provided by: The Kid Should See This|Published on: February 9, 2026
Grades: 6, 7, 8
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Economics
Authors: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Kid Should See This
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article from The Kid Should See This features a video from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation explaining the concept of a circular economy.
- Students will understand how goods used to be produced more sustainably, how production has changed, and how we can move towards a more sustainable way of producing.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The video uses a chair as a simple example that students can understand and have experience with.
- The article uses images from the video for reference, which helps students understand the article's text.
Prerequisites
- Students should be familiar with our current economic system and the waste it generates.
Differentiation & Implementation
- While watching the video, students may benefit from having the text on the screen read aloud to them.
- After watching the video and reading the article, students can design a product that reflects the ideas of a circular economy.
- Teachers can use this resource as a hook for a lesson that compares the linear economy to a circular one. Teachers can check out this resource for a ready-made lesson on the topic.
- Teachers can use this resource to make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 12, Responsible Consumption and Production.
This resource from The Kid Should See This (TKSST) features a short animated video (~2.5 minutes) that introduces students to the concept of the circular economy through the simple example of a chair. The video is visually engaging and easy to understand, showing how designing for reuse, repair, and recycling can reduce waste and conserve resources. While it doesn’t include original datasets, the video effectively connects everyday objects to big-picture ideas about sustainability and climate change. This resource would be a great addition to a classroom discussion about consumption, design, and environmental impact.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
