Cereal Box Project

We’re going to explore surface area and volume by investigating cereal

box designs. How does the surface area relate to the volume? What does
this relationship mean for cereal companies?

Measure each cereal box and record the dimensions:

length, width, and height

Box 1: Box 2: Box 3:

l: w: h: l: w: h: l: w: h:
Volume= lwh
Volume= lwh
Volume= lwh

Surface area=
Surface area=
Surface area=

top + bottom + front + top + bottom + front + top + bottom + front +

back + 2 sides
back + 2 sides
back + 2 sides

What is the ratio of What is the ratio of What is the ratio of

volume to surface volume to surface volume to surface
area?
area?
area?

What does the ratio of Volume to Surface Area mean for Cereal
Companies?

How does the capacity of the box compare to the volume of cereal in it?

 Cereal Box Re-Design

Your job is to design a box for your favorite cereal that is the best deal
for customers.

Design Goal: How will you design a cereal box differently than cereal
companies do? What is the goal for the relationship between the volume
of your box and the surface area?

First, you’ll want to experiment with different dimensions to create the

best length, width, and height to meet your design goal. Show your work
here:

Next, you’ll need to create a rectangular prism net indicating the

dimensions of your cereal box. This will be your “blueprint” for building
your cereal box. Draw your final net here:

Finally, as soon as you have your net design approved by me, you can
begin constructing your cereal box using poster paper. You will only have
one sheet to do this, so double check your work to avoid making
mistakes!

 Labeling Your Cereal Box

Create a label for your re-designed cereal box! You can give your cereal
a name, draw characters to be the mascots of your cereal, and use
plenty of color and creativity!

Your label must also tell consumers:

1) The capacity of your box (in cubed inches)

2) The volume of cereal in your box (in ounces)

3) The surface area of your box (in square inches)

4) A Mathematical Slogan explaining why your cereal is the best deal

on the market for consumers!