Summary
Why are most cereal boxes the same basic shape and size? Who decided that the rectangle was the most efficient use of surface area? Is it the best or just what we are all used to seeing on the shelves? Students used their knowledge of surface area and volume to determine the best type of packaging for cereal. Their goal was to determine if there is packaging with a smaller surface area than the current packaging on the shelves but that would yield the same volume. The students posted their results on the General Mills website, proposing a new type of packaging or agreeing with their current package.
TIPC Ratings
Research and Information Fluency were not a focus of this class-period-sized lesson.
Approaching: The students are working together via a Google Presentation to address an authentic task and are then sharing their results with the cereal company through the comments section on their website.
Ideal/Target–This is the main focus of this lesson. The students had to evaluate the different packaging options using their knowledge of surface area and then craft a well-spoken argument to the cereal company to support and justify their decision, based on their mathematical calculations. Reflection was a major component.
Creativity and Innovation were not a focus of this class-period-sized lesson.
Student Artifact
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Folder of Resources
Contents:
- Lesson Plan with Rubric
- Student Work and Reflection
- Other Teacher Resources
