Special Delivery
Why work on this activity?
This activity is a great way for pupils to practice their construction skills and practice other skills such as making nets. Pupils also need to think how mathematical nets are different to packaging nets – the use of tab, etc.
There are also opportunities to look at symmetry or transformations with the logo design element.
Possible approach
Organisation
Group size: Pupils can work in groups of 3 or 4 for this activity.
Time
15 minutes – planning time.
45 minutes – to produce the packaging.
15 minutes for discussion.
Equipment Per group:
- 2 sheets of plain A4 paper
- 1 pair of scissors
- 1 glue stick
- 6 felt tip pens of assorted colours
- Computer disk
Key questions
- How will I ensure my packaging is the right size?
- Were the specifications met?
- How were ideas communicated?
Possible extensions
Extensions could involve adding layers of challenge to the original problem. For example, there could be separate costs for paper, card and corrugated card; pupils would need to work out surface area and cost of materials.
Possible follow up investigations could be: how many boxes could be transported in a van? How many nets could I cut from a piece of card that is 4m x 5m? can you show how this could be achieved?
Possible support
Pupils may need help creating nets and putting tabs in the correct places