Sustainable Packaging
Problem
The Healthy Oats company is looking to use less packaging materials for their cereal. However, they would like to fit the same amount of cereal in the box. The current size of their cereal box is 7.5" x 11" x 2.5" (This information can be given, or students can measure standard sized cereal boxes on their own). They would also like to ensure that they are shipping their product in the most sustainable manner.
Design a new box for the company and include with it a proposal to the company for why they should use the box you designed.
Implementation
Time Needed
1-2 Fifty minute class periods (one for just discovery, an additional for presentation).
Materials
- De-constructed cereal box
- Multiple cereal boxes of the same size (if size is not given in the initial problem)
Procedure
- Begin by asking students to determine what they know about the problem? Ask them what they think that they need to know in order to solve the problem?
- Try to encourage students to think about what quantities (surface area and volume) we have to use, but do not directly state them.
- See if students can come up with these formulas from their own memory or can determine a way to calculate these two quantities without a formula (ask students what a box is made of and/or show students the deconstructed cereal box.)
- Ask students to try out different sizes to determine what kind of box will meet the needs of the company. Allow students ample time to do such.
- When students have found a box that works, ask them to draw up a proposal including information that they have "discovered" about the different box sizes. Also have them include in their proposal if the box would be user-friendly.
- Have students present their proposals to the class. Have students argue for which one is most sustainable.
Extension
- Have students estimate the costs associated with the new package design.
- Have students redesign a cylindrical package, so that it is more efficient in both it's use of materials and also it's shipment.