Designing the Optimal Soda Can

Welcome: Designing the Optimal Soda Can
Description: Students will research a variety of beverage cans and comment on their dimensions and capacity. Using their knowledge of functions, rates of change and maximization/ minimization techniques they will mathematically calculate the dimensions that minimize the amount of metal used to make the can and describe the can shape that relates to the mathematical ideal. Students will use online resources to create graphs, tables or charts of their data to support their findings. The final project must include written explanations, charts/ graphs, and documented evidence that supports their conclusions about the best soda can design from the perspective of a manufacturer, a consumer and a mathematician.
Grade Level: 9-12
Curriculum: Math
Keywords: calculus, derivative, minimization, dimensions, volume, surface area, capacity, soda can, cylinder
Author(s): Amy Nichols