Design and Build a Better Candy Bag

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In this activity, learners explore how product design differences can affect the success of a final product -- in this case a bag for holding candy. Learners work in pairs to evaluate, design, and build a better candy bag. Learners will predict the volume and strength of their original design, sketch the design, create a model candy bag, and then test their bag using weight. After testing, learners redesign their bag to improve it, and then retest. Pairs make predictions, compare results, and discuss their findings.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Student Resource Sheets
  • Student Worksheets
  • Sketch paper and pencil
  • 8 in x 12 in pieces of thin, plastic material (cut plastic painters drop cloth or plastic sheeting)
  • Masking tape
  • Twine
  • Rulers
  • Scissors
  • Crayons
  • Scale, such as a spring scale
  • Measuring cups
  • Books, various sizes of small bottles filled with water, bags of candy, blocks, or other objects to be used as weights
  • Items to check for weight, such as rice or candy

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Manufacturing Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
    • Technology
      • Manufacturing
      • Construction
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Research and Development
      • Invention and Innovation
      • Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Physical Sciences
    • Motion and Forces
      • Gravity
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
      • Volume and Density
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Informal Categories

  • Food and Cooking

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, IEEE,