http://www.teachengineering.org/view_activity.php?url=collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/wpi_packaging_materials.xmlactivitytext/xmlMaking the Connection, engineering design processenvironmentpackaging designpackaging engineeringsource reductionsource reductionrecycle

Students redesign and justify the packaging used in consumer products. Design criteria include reducing the amount of packaging material by 25%.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that one-third of America’s municipal solid waste comes from packaging. Given that, it is possible to make a significant impact on the environment by adopting packaging that is highly functional yet minimally wasteful. Some elements of this strategy, which is known as source reduction, include: lighter packaging, larger-sized packaging (bulk), flexible vs. rigid packing, and eliminating or reducing water (concentrated). Packaging engineers are faced with this challenge as more products are being developed. It is their job to engineer packaging that functions as needed, but with minimal environmental damage. Describe some decisions related to advantages and disadvantages of packaging and processes.Use resources (people, references, Internet) to gain knowledge.Consider the environmental impact of (re)designing products.485TeachEngineering.orgM. CyrK.M. Samuelsonfunded by Lucent Technologies Foundationhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_a.dochttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_a.pdfhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_a_solutions.dochttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_a_solutions.pdfhttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_b.dochttp://www.teachengineering.org/collection/wpi_/activities/wpi_packaging/packaging_worksheet_b.pdfS10206E0MassachusettsScience1.1 Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process, i.e., identify the problem, research the problem, develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s), construct a prototype, test and evaluate, communicate the solution(s), and redesign.912S100EC7CMassachusettsScience1.2 Demonstrate knowledge of pictorial and multi-view drawings (e.g., orthographic projection, isometric, oblique, perspective) using proper techniques.912United StatesCopyright 2012 - Making the Connection, Women in Engineering Programs and Advocates Network (WEPAN)http://www.teachengineering.org/policy_ipp.phphttp://www.teachengineering.org/2011-10-319Teacher