Structures: Product packaging
Exploring how 3D shell structures are created from nets and used in packaging.
The Curriculum and Assessment Review final report has been released. We’re reviewing the recommendations and planning for future updates. Learn more
- Subjects >
- Design and technology >
- Key stage 2 >
- Year 3 >
- Structures >
-
Structures: Product packaging
Unit outcomes
Pupils who are secure will be able to:
- Investigate and analyse a range of existing packaging products, identifying shapes, form and function.
- Evaluate what makes good packaging and what shapes suit which products.
- Design, make and evaluate product packaging, following a design criteria.
- Use CAD software (Sketchpad) to create 2D shapes that form the net of 3D shapes, including the tabs.
- Give and receive feedback and identify errors in nets to help suggest improvements.
- Cut, fold and stick the parts of a net together to make a 3D shape.
- Use ribbing to strengthen packaging.
- Decorate packaging with an intentional design that shows its function.
A range of product packaging is required for Lesson 1: Exploring product packaging. There needs to be a variety of packaging that requires different 3D shapes, sizes and styles, such as cartons, boxes, tubes, cylinders and prisms. Choose items that can be safely taken apart so the children can examine the nets.
Devices with internet access are used in Lesson 2: Using nets and Lesson 3: Reviewing designs but both lessons provide a full paper-based route in the Teacher knowledge sections. Decide in advance which route will be used and prepare the required printed resources if following the non-device pathway.
Suggested prior learning
Structures: Stable structures
Get startedLessons
Lesson 1: Exploring product packaging
- To evaluate how 3D shapes are used in product packaging.
Lesson 2: Using nets
- To design nets for 3D product packaging.
Lesson 3: Reviewing designs
- To review and improve net designs for packaging.
Lesson 4: Making 3D packaging
- To make 3D structures to package a healthy snack.
Lesson 5: Decorating and evaluating
- To use a design brief to finalise and evaluate packaging.
Key skills
Key knowledge
Related content
Unit resources
Knowledge organiser – D&T Y3: Structures: Product packaging
Aimed at pupils, two pages which give key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Structures: Product packaging’.
Vocabulary display – D&T Y3: Structures: Product packaging
A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Structures: Product packaging'.