Teach Engineering: It's All in the Package

In this activity, students explore the concept of "reducing" solid waste and how it relates to product packaging and engineering advancements in packaging materials. Students read about and evaluate the highly publicized packaging decisions of two major U.S. corporations. They will evaluate different ways to package items in order to minimize the environmental impact, while considering issues such as cost, availability, product attractiveness, etc. Students will explore "hydrapulping" and consider its use as a recycling process.