Special Delivery

8848 /www/nrich/html/content/id/8848/ 1 0000-00-00T00:00:00 <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <mdoxml version="1.0">You are a design team working for Research Machines Limited and have been asked to design a package that will enable a 3” disc to be transported safely and cheaply through the postal system. Task Produce a prototype package. You should develop a means of informing postal workers and the public, on the package, of the restrictions associated with the handling of the discs. The package should also display a company LOGO for Research Machines Limited and be colourful, well presented and signify that the company’s business is computing. Materials <ul> <li>1 sheet of A3 Manila Card 30cm ruler</li> <li>2 sheets of plain A4 paper 1 pair of scissors</li> <li>1 glue stick 6 felt tip pens of assorted colours</li> <li>Computer disc.</li> </ul> The following points will be considered when assessing your package: <ul> <li>Does it do the job?</li> <li>Is it cheap to produce?</li> <li>The design of the LOGO.</li> <li>How you informed people of the package content.</li> <li>Is the package easy to use?</li> </ul></mdoxml> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> <mdoxml version="1.0">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: <ul> <li>2 sheets of plain A4 paper </li> <li>1 pair of scissors</li> <li>1 glue stick </li> <li>6 felt tip pens of assorted colours</li> <li>Computer disk</li> </ul> Key questions <ul> <li>How will I ensure my packaging is the right size?</li> <li>Were the specifications met?</li> <li>How were ideas communicated?</li> </ul> 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</mdoxml> 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 Special Delivery Applications potential STEM problem Applications STEM - design technology