Theme
Sustainability Principles, Regenerative Design, Action Learning
Activity Duration
1.5–2 hours
Group Size
4–25 participants (teams of 2–5)
Objectives
- Deepen understanding of the 12 permaculture principles
- Practise real-life problem solving through a regenerative lens
- Encourage teamwork and creative application of sustainability thinking
Description
Permaculture is guided by a series of timeless principles that help us design
for sustainability, resilience, and regeneration. These principles aren’t just
ideas — they are tools for problem-solving, rooted in observation and
action. This activity brings the 12 permaculture principles to life through
hands-on challenges, discussion, and real-world application.
Whether working in a garden, redesigning a community space, or
thinking about personal habits, the principles help youth see the world
differently — as a web of relationships where thoughtful design can solve
complex problems.
This activity is structured as an interactive principles challenge. Youth
explore the meaning of each principle, then respond to mini-challenges that
prompt them to apply that principle in their context. Some challenges are
creative, others practical or strategic. The key is to connect thought to
action.
No prior design knowledge is needed. Facilitators simply guide the
process, invite reflection, and encourage group sharing. This is a great
capstone activity, especially when paired with a project, garden design, or
local action plan.
Description:
Participants explore the ethics of permaculture through
stories and art. Each person creates a Mandala of personal values,
identifying how Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share show up in their
lives. The process is guided with discussion prompts and ethics cards. The
session ends with sharing and reflection in a circle.
Description:
Participants go outside to observe natural patterns (spirals,
branches, waves, etc.). Using pattern cards and observation sheets, they
identify and draw patterns found in nature. These are then applied to
create design sketches for imaginary or real projects inspired by nature’s
forms.
Description:
Participants reflect on their personal lifestyle habits and how
they connect to environmental systems. Using a visual mapping template,
they track the ripple effects of daily actions and identify positive changes
they can make. It builds systems awareness and empowerment.
Description:
Participants conduct a waste audit of a space, sort the
materials, and gather data. They reflect on consumption patterns, consider
waste reduction strategies, and design practical solutions for local impact.
It combines tactile experience with systemic thinking.
Description:
Teams dig, touch, smell, and observe soil using eld-tested
techniques. They complete worksheets on texture, life forms, smell, and
moisture. The session deepens understanding of soil health and links to
regenerative gardening and food resilience.
Description:
Participants learn about the seven layers of a food forest and
plan their own design using a template. They consider plant relationships,
climate, and site conditions. Designs can be real or imagined and may
include edible, medicinal, and habitat plants.
Description:
Each participant receives a living or non-living ecosystem role
and acts out connections in a web-of-life game. Scenarios introduce
disruptions and participants reflect on cause-e ect in ecological systems.
It builds empathy and systems awareness.
Description:
Each team receives a principle and completes a challenge
prompt that embodies that principle. They present back with creative
interpretation, discussion, or prototype. It encourages deep understanding
and playful learning of permaculture foundations.
Materials/Tools
– WS8.1 Permaculture Principles Cards + Challenge Prompts (1 set per team)
– Flipchart paper or large poster paper (1 per team)
– Colour markers, scissors, tape
– Optional: recycled materials or natural items for physical prototypes
– Tables or floor space for team collaboration
RESOURCE WS8.1: Permaculture Principles Cards + Challenge Prompts
Set of 12 printable cards — one per principle (based on Holmgren’s
principles). Each card includes:
Principle Name (e.g., “Observe and Interact”)
Explanation in youth-friendly language
Real-world examples
One creative prompt (e.g., “Act it out”, “Design a system”, “Tell a story”,
“Draw a symbol”, “Create a poster”, “Map a local example”)
Examples:
Catch and Store Energy → Challenge: Design a tool or method to capture
energy (solar, food, community energy)
Use and Value Diversity → Challenge: Create a biodiversity mural or web
of strengths in the group
Produce No Waste → Challenge: Redesign a classroom, kitchen, or street
to eliminate waste
Can be used as:
Icebreakers
Workshop stations
Project idea starters
Presentation themes
Printed cards should be shuffled and drawn randomly, or selected based on
interest.
Optional Extension:
Teams choose a favourite principle and build a prototype or proposal
Design a group manifesto or mural integrating all 12 principles
Space (indoor, outdoor,
settings…)
Indoor classroom or covered outdoor area with group workspace
-
Circle or wall space for presenting and displaying posters or prototypes
Structures/steps (timing)
1. Introduction – Define what principles are and why they matter in design.
(10 mins)
2. Review Principles – Distribute WS8.1 cards and do a quick group read-
through. (10 mins)
3. Form Teams & Begin Challenge – Each team draws a principle and
receives their task. (5 mins)
4. Challenge Time – Teams brainstorm and complete the activity using
poster or model. (45 mins)
5. Presentations – Each group shares their interpretation and how they
applied the principle. (15 mins)
6. Closing Reflection – Ask: “Which principle speaks to you most right now,
and how might you use it?” (10 mins)
Evaluation System/Tools
– Completion of principle-based challenge (creativity, relevance, effort)
– Team engagement and collaboration during activity
– Presentation quality: clarity, link to principle, originality
– Reflection depth: evidence of principle understanding and potential real-
world application
This activity can connect to:
Permaculture Activities
