Discover Engineering in Central Texas

Build a Box

Grade Level:  Middle School, 5^th-8^th

Related classroom topics:  Problem Solving, General Engineering, Mathematics

Supplies Needed: 

Divide Students into groups of 3-5 or allow them to work as individuals.  Each group/individual will need:

·        Paper

·        Tape

·        Rulers

·        Rice or beans

Procedure: 

1.      Challenge students to make the largest open box they can form from a single sheet of paper.

2.      Determine volume of the box made mathematically.  (V = s³)

Extensions:  Allow students to use scissors. Do not specify the shape of the container.  Challenge students to design a container with the largest volume and the smallest surface area. 

Related topics you could discuss:  Problem Solving, Mathematics

Hints/Tips:  Test out this experiment on your own before asking the class to do it.  Tailor the experiment based on the grade level, the higher the grade level the more extensions can be used.