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Packaging has become a huge industry in the modern world. Everything from food to furniture can come in a package which might be made from materials such as metal foil or plastic film – materials that didn’t exist even a few decades ago. Packages need to protect and preserve contents while being economical, attractive for marketing purposes and preferably having minimal environmental impact. Little wonder that they are often the product of imaginative design and rigorous testing.
The Package it better unit links science and technology with literacy in the classroom. It provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of the design of packages and the choice of appropriate materials to use. They design and test a package that will safely deliver a fragile gift. Through investigations students observe and gather information about what makes a successful package. |
Unit at a glance (PDF)
Unit outcomes (PDF)
Unit overview (PDF) (DOC)
Equipment lists (PDF)
Assessment resources
Resource sheets
Factual and narrative texts
Useful websites
Assessment resources
In Primary Connections units, assessment is an ongoing and embedded process which enhances learning.
Recording and reporting tools included are:
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Assessment checklists (PDF) (DOC)
Assessment rubrics (PDF) (DOC)
Science journal/work sample tags (PDF) (DOC)
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These tools provide only a snapshot of the variety of assessment and reporting methods that can be used in conjunction with Primary Connections.
Resource sheets
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Observation record: Exploring materials (PDF) (DOC)
Impact investigation planner (PDF) (DOC)
Procedure: Package plan (PDF) (DOC)
Product evaluation planner (PDF) (DOC)
Assessment check (PDF) (DOC)
Role badges (PDF) (DOC)
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Factual and narrative texts
Factual texts:
Science and technology
Byrde, Fern (Australian invention and discoveries series, Heinemann Library 2003, 32pp)
ISBN 1740701070
Invention
Bender, Lionel (Eyewitness series, Dorling Kindersley Ltd, 2004, 72pp)
ISBN 0 7513 6489 4
The little book of design classics
McDermott, Catherine (Carlton, London 2002, 112pp)
ISBN 1 84222 537 5
Materials technology
Snedden, Robert (Materials all around us series, Heinemann Library, 2001, 32pp)
ISBN 0431 12093 5
I wonder why zippers have teeth: and other questions about inventions
Taylor, Barbara (I wonder why series, Kingfisher, 2003)
ISBN 0 75345 665 6
Narrative texts:
The afternoon treehouse
Ingpen, Robert (Thomas C Lothian Pty Ltd, 1996, 28pp)
ISBN 0 85091 806 5
Through the discovery of a hidden treehouse in a park, a child explores construction, materials and design.
Useful websites
Packaging Council of Australia
The Education section has useful tips and activities for educators.
Packaging awards
The Packaging Council runs the Packaging Design Competition for upper primary school classes, with requirements that fit well with the Package it better unit.
CSIRO Packaging
An overview of the efforts CSIRO is making to improve packaging.
CSIRO Australia Advances
A site about a new 'wood' material made of wood pulp and plastic.
Department of the Environment and Heritage
An education site about sustainability.
Clean Up Australia
A site about the Plastic bag campaign in schools.
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