Volume & Data: Build the Biggest Box Using One Piece of Paper
Student pairs are given 10 minutes to create the biggest box possible using one piece of construction paper. Teams use only scissors and tape to each construct a box and determine how much puffed rice it can hold. Then, to meet the challenge, they improve their designs to create bigger boxes. They plot the class data, comparing measured to calculated volumes for each box, seeing the mathematical relationship. They discuss how the concepts of volume and design iteration are important for engineers. Making 3-D shapes also supports the development of spatial visualization skills. This activity and its associated lesson and activity all employ volume and geometry to cultivate seeing patterns and understanding scale models, practices used in engineering design to analyze the effectiveness of proposed design solutions.
Build the biggest box from a sheet of paper.
Engineers need to understand the concept of volume in their designs—everything from product packaging and fuel tank sizing to inventory organization and sports arena layouts. In many of these cases, the objective is to maximize volume with a minimum of materials. In addition, design iteration is essential to engineering. During the prototyping and testing phases, is important to learn what works and what doesn’t work, making improvements to achieve an acceptable final solution. This activity also supports the development of spatial visualization skills, which are linked to success in engineering.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain how to create the biggest box.
- Improve on their first designs and create better second boxes.
- Discuss how volume is used in engineering.