IB MYP Level 4 Mathematics

PACKAGING ICE CREAM

This task will be graded against Criterion C – Communication in Mathematics and

Criterion D – Applying Mathematics in real-life contexts.

WHY DOES ICE CREAM COME IN SO MANY DIFFERENT

CONTAINERS?

Many things are taken into account during the process of package
development. One of them is working towards manufacturing a
container which utilises the least amount of packaging material but
still maximises the volume of the product contained in it. In this
way, companies are able to increase profit while decreasing
production cost.
The aim is therefore, to maximise volume but at the same time, minimise surface area.

A local ice cream manufacturer is launching a new range of ice cream flavours. They
want to be more environmentally responsible, so they have chosen to manufacture
their ice cream containers from recycled cardboard instead of plastic. To minimise the
cost of packaging but still maximise the profit, the container has to hold as much ice
cream as possible and produce as little cardboard waste as possible.
The volume of ice cream in each container should be 1 dm3.

Their packaging department has asked you to research the problem and design the
best-sized container. They expect a full report on how you came to your conclusion.

Choose 2-3 shapes and do an investigation to determine which one is the most viable
for the ice-cream company. State the dimensions needed for each container.

Obviously, there are other, more practical things that you also need to consider when
designing the container such as:
- What real-life factors might influence your design and your final recommendation
to the ice cream manufacturer?
- Whether the shape of the container you have chosen is the most appropriate one,
based on customer appeal and practical considerations?
- How accurate do you need to be in the design process?

Make sure you include a discussion of the above-mentioned issues in your report.
Your report must include all calculations and diagrams. You will be penalised for
using incorrect mathematical notation.

This task should be completed individually and uploaded onto Turnitin as a pdf file
by November 25, 2018.
DEADLINE – Sunday, November 25th

TASK SPECIFIC RUBRIC:

Criterion C: Communication in Mathematics

7-8 • Consistently use appropriate mathematical language

• Use appropriate forms of mathematical representation to consistently
present information correctly
• Move effectively between different forms of mathematical
representation
• Effective use of technology
• Communicate through lines of reasoning that are complete, coherent
and concise
• Present work that is consistently organised using a logical structure

5-6 • Usually use appropriate mathematical language

• Usually use appropriate forms of mathematical representation to
present information correctly
• Usually move between different forms of mathematical representation
• Appropriate use of technology
• Communicate through lines of reasoning that are complete and
coherent
• Present work that is usually organised using a logical structure

3-4 • Use some appropriate mathematical language

• Use appropriate forms of mathematical representation to present
information adequately
• Basic use of technology
• Communicate through lines of reasoning that are complete
• Adequately organise information using a logical structure

1-2 • Present your findings in an appropriate manner

• Limited forms of mathematical representation to present information
• Lines of reasoning are difficult to follow

0 • You do not reach the standards described by any of the descriptors

Criterion D: Applying Mathematics in real-life contexts

7-8 • Identify the relevant elements of this situation

• Able to set up and use the formulae for the shapes successfully
• Give the dimensions of all 3 shapes
• Justify your degree of accuracy of your solution
• Justify whether your solution makes sense in this context

5-6 • Identify the relevant elements of this situation

• Able to set up and use the formulae for the shapes successfully
• Give the dimensions of at least two shapes
• Explain the degree of accuracy of your solution
• Explain whether your solution makes sense in this context

3-4 • Identify the relevant elements of this situation

• Able to set up and use the formulae for the shapes with some
success
• Give the dimension of at least one shape
• Discuss whether your solution makes sense in this context

1-2 • Identify some of the elements of this situation

• Able to set up and use the formulae for the shapes with limited
success

0 • Nothing done