Quick Look
- Grade Level:
- 7 (6-8)
- Time Required:
- 45 minutes
- Expendable Cost/Grp
:
Although no charge or fee is required for using TeachEngineering curricular materials in your classroom, the lessons and activities often require material supplies.
The expendable cost is the estimated cost of supplies needed for each group of students involved in the activity.
Any reusable equipment that is necessary to teach the activity is not included in this estimate; see the Materials List/Supplies for details.
- US $2.00
- Group Size:
- 3
- Activity Dependency
Activity dependency indicates that this activity relies upon the contents of the TeachEngineering document(s) listed.:
- Subject Areas:
- Chemistry
- Science and Technology
Summary
Student groups are challenged to create food packages for specific foods. They focus on three components in the design of their food packages; the packages must keep the food clean, protect or aid in the physical and chemical changes that can take place in the food, and present the food appealingly. They design their packaging to meet these requirements.Engineering Connection
An entire industry is devoted to packaging engineering and this industry is expanding as more and more products are created. Packaging engineers focus on the same components as students in this design challenge, which includes research, design, production, marketing and analysis.
Learning Objectives
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Identify three key functions of a typical food package.
- Explain how each food package design works.
- Identify the chemical and physical changes different types of materials prevent or facilitate.
- Explain what a food packaging engineer does.
Educational Standards
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
NGSS: Next Generation Science Standards - Science
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Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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This Performance Expectation focuses on the following Three Dimensional Learning aspects of NGSS:Science & Engineering Practices Disciplinary Core Ideas Crosscutting Concepts Define a design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions. Alignment agreement:
The more precisely a design task's criteria and constraints can be defined, the more likely it is that the designed solution will be successful. Specification of constraints includes consideration of scientific principles and other relevant knowledge that is likely to limit possible solutions. Alignment agreement:
All human activity draws on natural resources and has both short and long-term consequences, positive as well as negative, for the health of people and the natural environment. Alignment agreement:
The uses of technologies and any limitations on their use are driven by individual or societal needs, desires, and values; by the findings of scientific research; and by differences in such factors as climate, natural resources, and economic conditions.Alignment agreement:
International Technology and Engineering Educators Association - Technology
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New products and systems can be developed to solve problems or to help do things that could not be done without the help of technology.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Throughout history, new technologies have resulted from the demands, values, and interests of individuals, businesses, industries, and societies.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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There is no perfect design.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Requirements for design are made up of criteria and constraints.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Brainstorming is a group problem-solving design process in which each person in the group presents his or her ideas in an open forum.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Modeling, testing, evaluating, and modifying are used to transform ideas into practical solutions.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Specify criteria and constraints for the design.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Test and evaluate the design in relation to pre-established requirements, such as criteria and constraints, and refine as needed.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Make a product or system and document the solution.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Technological advances in agriculture directly affect the time and number of people required to produce food for a large population.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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A wide range of specialized equipment and practices is used to improve the production of food, fiber, fuel, and other useful products and in the care of animals.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Biotechnology applies the principles of biology to create commercial products or processes.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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Artificial ecosystems are human-made complexes that replicate some aspects of the natural environment.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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The development of refrigeration, freezing, dehydration, preservation, and irradiation provide long-term storage of food and reduce the health risks caused by tainted food.
(Grades 6 - 8 )
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State Standards
North Carolina - Science
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Explain how the properties of some materials change as a result of heating and cooling.
(Grade
5 )
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Illustrate the transfer of heat energy from warmer objects to cooler ones using examples of conduction, radiation and convection and the effects that may result.
(Grade
6 )
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Understand characteristics of energy transfer and interactions of matter and energy.
(Grade
6 )
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Explain the suitability of materials for use in technological design based on a response to heat (to include conduction, expansion, and contraction) and electrical energy (conductors and insulators).
(Grade
6 )
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Materials List
Each group needs:
- The materials that the group chooses for its project and brings from home.
- The food assigned to the group.
To share with the entire class:
- scissors
- tape
- glue
- markers
- string
- stapler and staples
Worksheets and Attachments
More Curriculum Like This
Students learn how food packages are designed and made, including three main functions. Then, in the associated activity, students act as if they are packaging engineers by designing and creating their own food packages for particular food types.
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Students explore the concept of "reducing" solid waste and how it relates to product packaging and engineering advancements in packaging materials. They read about and evaluate the highly publicized packaging decisions of two major U.S. corporations. Then they evaluate different ways to package item...
Students explore the basic characteristics of polymers through the introduction of two polymer categories: thermoplastics and thermosets. During teacher demos, students observe the unique behaviors of thermoplastics.
Pre-Req Knowledge
Prior to this activity, students should have a basic understanding of the following:
- Physical properties of matter: mass, volume, melting point, boiling point and texture.
- Chemical properties of matter: combustibility, solubility, flammability.
- Physical changes: phase change, shape change.
- Chemical changes: oxidization, evolution of gas.
Introduction/Motivation
One specialty in engineering focuses on the food packaging industry. Food packaging engineers produce packages for all types of food that are both marketable and functional in selling the food.
Today, you have been contracted by the biggest food company, Food Kings, to create a package for one of their food products. However, you only get paid if you create a package that makes Food Kings lots of money. So prepare for your first task as a food package engineer!
Procedure
Background
Three important functions of food packages, as taught in the Food Packaging lesson, are:
- To keep the food clean.
- To protect the food product from unwanted physical and chemical changes (such as oxidation and destruction from insects) and to facilitate in desired physical changes (such as heating or cooling).
- To identify the product and provide sales appeal.
The challenge is for groups to strive to have their packages fulfill these three functions.
Students must first choose what types of materials they want to use to make their packages. They can research this through the food packaging materials worksheet as well as the Internet, based on how extensive the teacher want the research to be. The materials must correspond to the physical and chemical changes that are involved in the group's food.
In addition to choosing package materials, students must also choose the structural designs of their packages. Following are a number of structures and their characteristics and purposes:
- Cartons are rigid and provide support for fluid foods.
- Boxes are usually used as a secondary package to store foods that are sold in quantities larger than one, but are individually wrapped and give structure and support.
- Bags are flexible so can be stored easily.
- Cans hold liquids and carbonation well and can be stacked well.
- Bottles hold liquids and carbonation well and are resealable.
- Wrappers are light and do not take up too much space.
Before the Activity
A day or two before the activity:
- After going through the Food Packaging lesson, divide the class into groups of two or three students each.
- Assign each group a food to create a package for and have them brainstorm the design and types of materials they will need, with help from the Food Packaging Materials Worksheet.
- Give the students the Food Packaging Rubric so that they know what is expected of their package.
- Assign students to bring from home the materials that they plan to use.
The day of the activity:
- Gather materials that you are providing (glue, tape, etc.). Make sure you have enough for every group of two to share.
- Gather the foods that you assigned to the groups.
With the Students
- Give each student or group of students the food that was assigned to them along with the Food Packaging Rubric.
- Check to make sure each of the students/groups brought their own unique materials with them, and pass out the materials you are providing (tape, scissors, etc.)
- Give students 20 to 30 minutes to create their packages.
- Once completed, ask each group to share their package with the class as a 2-3 minute presentation to Food Kings on why their package works.
Vocabulary/Definitions
boiling point: The temperature at which a substance changes from liquid to gas.
melting point: The temperature at which a substance changes from solid to liquid.
phase change: A transition between liquid and gas or liquid and solid.
solubility: The ability for a substance, the solute, to dissolve in a solvent.
Assessment
Pre-Activity Assessment
Food Analysis: Ask students to describe the physical properties of their foods and identify the chemical and physical changes that they need to pay attention to in the creation of their food packages.
Activity Embedded Assessment
Student Package Evaluations: Students use the attached Food Packaging Evaluation Worksheet to evaluate their food packages as well as the food packages of three other groups. Have groups each place their package on a desk with a brief description. Then, have all the students walk around individually to fill out their evaluations on different packages.
Post-Activity Assessment
Teacher Package Evaluations: Use the Food Packaging Rubric. to evaluate and grade the groups' designs.
Activity Extensions
Prior to this activity, have students create their own food that requires packaging. The creation can involve design, analysis of the nutritional content of the food, discussion of the genetic modification of foods, among other scientific aspects of food engineering.
Activity Scaling
- For lower grades, require fewer food package functions as design requirements. For example, students could focus more on shapes and aesthetic designs of the structure than the materials used to make it.
- For upper grades, require more food package functions be met. For example, students could engage a fourth function: for the package to be inexpensive, both in its materials and transportation. They could also look more thoroughly into the chemical changes and properties of the food and packaging materials. In some cases, they could test their designs.
References
American Management Association. Packaging Division. Packaging for Retail Impact, with Specific Applications to the Dairy, Meat, Candy and Baking Industries. New York, NY: American Management Association, 1965.
"Packaging Food in Glass." Packaging Materials for Food - Practical Answers. Published September 25, 2006. Practical Action. The Schumacher Centre for Technology & Development. Accessed April 26, 2007. https://www.teachengineering.org/collection/duk_/activities/duk_foodpackage_music_act/packaging_food_in_glass_reference.pdf
Contributors
Chloe MawerCopyright
© 2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2007 Duke UniversitySupporting Program
Engineering K-PhD Program, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke UniversityAcknowledgements
This content was developed by the MUSIC (Math Understanding through Science Integrated with Curriculum) Program in the Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University under National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. DGE 0338262. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the NSF, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: August 16, 2017
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