Shell structures
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how packaging designs are structured.
Key learning points
- Packaging designs can be disassembled to see how the folded out net has been made.
- Critiquing one product design provides detail about future designs.
- Packaging designs consider how to stack multiple units on shelves.
- Design specifications include new product design, such as a sustainable packaging prototype for biscuits.
Keywords
Net - a flat or opened up shape of a 3D object
Design specification - a list of things a product must have or do
Sustainable - using what we need while protecting the environment, so there's enough for the future
Materials - what things are made from
Common misconception
Packaging is constructed from lots of separate pieces.
Packaging is often one piece of material constructed as a net.
Teacher tip
It is recommeneded that an adult models or demonstrates how to disassemble cardboard packaging correctly, locating the glued seams and gently prising them apart, in order to retain the 2D net shape.
Equipment
Biscuits in different styles of packaging. A range of cardboard and paper packaging products including boxes, sleeves and trays.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not a type of packaging?
Q2.Which material is most likely to be used to package shoes?
Q3.Which is not an example of sustainable packaging?
Q4.Match the packaging materials to the descriptions.
long-lasting, reusable but breakable
not all types can be recycled, takes a very long time to break down
can be recycled easily
very strong but heavy, can be recycled
Q5.Which 3D shape is this the net of?
Q6.What do we call the list of things a new product must do or have, which is written at the start of the design process?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which 3D shape would have a net like this?
Q2.What does the word 'stackable' mean?
Q3.What is a 'sustainable' material?
Q4.Which material is Jun describing?
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Shell structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 design and technology lesson on: Shell structures, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 design and technology lessons from the Shell structures: packaging unit, dive into the full primary design and technology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.