The Circular Learning Economy: Transforming Waste into Wonder in Science Education
Nov 19, 2025 — 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Join the upcoming International Symposium titled “The Circular Learning Economy: Transforming Waste into Wonder in Science Education”, happening on November 19, at 10:00 AM, via Zoom. The symposium aims to highlight innovative and sustainable approaches to science education by reimagining waste as a learning resource. It will feature keynote presentations and a panel discussion by distinguished scholars from Canada, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco.
Description
Environmental degradation and the rising volume of waste remain pressing global challenges. At the same time, there is an urgent need to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and creativity to address sustainability issues.
The Circular Learning Economy (CLE) framework reimagines waste not as a problem but as a resource for meaningful, hands-on science learning. By transforming discarded materials into educational tools, students and teachers can explore scientific concepts, spark creativity, and build a sense of environmental responsibility.
This approach aligns with global sustainability priorities, particularly:
- Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education
- Sustainable Development Goal 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- Sustainable Development Goal 13 – Climate Action
Program
| Time | Session | Speaker / Facilitator |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 to 10:05 | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
|
| 10:05 to 10:35 | Key Presentations (10 min each) |
|
| 10:35 to 10:55 | Panel Discussion | Xavier Fazio (Brock University, Canada) |
| 10:55 to 11 | Q&A and Closing Remarks | All |
Participants are encouraged to:
- Share practical examples of transforming waste into learning resources
- Collaborate on designing adaptable, low-cost curricular strategies
- Contribute to the development of a global circular learning framework
- Commit to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and innovative science education practices
Norris Igbinosa Erhabor, PhD
Speaker
Topic: Educational Materials as a Catalyst for Positive Recycling Behaviors
Norris Igbinosa Erhabor, PhD is an environmental education scholar and lecturer in the Department of Health Safety and Environmental Education at University of Benin, Nigeria. Currently a Visiting Researcher at the University of Ottawa, his work focuses on developing and integrating low-cost educational materials to foster inclusive, interdisciplinary, and sustainability-oriented learning in low-resource settings. His work supports SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Shimaa Mohamed Fahem, PhD
Speaker
Topic: Empowering Elementary Students through Locally Recycled Materials
Professor Fahem is a lecturer in Curriculum and Science Teaching Methods at Tanta University, Egypt, and a Visiting Researcher at the University of Ottawa. Her teaching and research center on Argument-Based Inquiry approaches to enhance elementary science education. She has extensive international experience, including collaborations with the late Prof. Robert Yager.
Afaf El Yaakoubi
Speaker
Topic: From Matter to Memory: Identity Circularity in Quebec Migrant Literature
Afaf is a doctoral candidate in Education, Culture, Art, and Didactics of Languages and French Literature at Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco. Her research explores cultural appropriation, migrant literature in Quebec, and the intersection of sociological and literary fields. She is currently a research and training intern at Université de Montréal.
Xavier Fazio, PhD
Panelist
Xavier Fazio is a Professor of Science Education and Environmental Sustainability Education in the Department of Educational Studies at Brock University, Canada. He is affiliated with the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre. His research focuses on science education, curricular innovation, and place-based learning. He currently leads a multi-year SSHRC Insight Grant exploring how to connect school science with local communities for meaningful engagement.