Egg Shells Packaging Project
Purpose:
This activity teaches students that packaging performs two major functions: promotion and protection.
It is a fun way to examine both aspects of product packaging!
Items needed:
1 raw egg for each team
Packaging materials (students supply)
Prizes
Steps to Complete:
1.
Divide class into teams, with 3-5 people per team.
2. Explain that students will be constructing a package for their product. The package must promote
the product and protect it. I usually give the kids 30 minutes to discuss and design their packaging ideas.
Have students bring the necessary materials for their product package the next day.
3. Give students the first half of the period to put the package together with the product.
4. After the students have completed their package, have each team present their idea. Rate each on
the promotion element on a scale from 1-5, with 5 being the best. The teacher can do the rating, or the
class can vote, but not for their own team.
5.
Next, test how well the package protects the product. I
try to do this outside, or include our custodial engineer. I use steps outside the building.
Drop the packages from a low height, one or two steps. Gradually increase the height from which
the package is dropped, checking the product after each drop. Once the product is damaged (a broken egg!),
the team is out of the competition. Give points based on how well the packaging protected the egg, giving
the winning team the highest number of points. Combine the scores of the promotion aspect and the protection
aspect, and award prizes to the team with the highest score!
Discussion questions:
- Is
just having a pretty package enough? Why or why not?
- What would happen if your product was not
protected by the package?
- Why do you think promoting on the package is just as important as protecting the
product?
- Can packaging serve other functions than just promoting or protecting? (info utility,
etc.)
Points to make:
- The promotional value of the package is essential to
the success of many products.
- The attractiveness of the package often sells the product.
- The function
of protecting the product is also extremely necessary.
- Customers will count on packaging and having the product
in the expected condition to be satisfied completely.
