An Outlook on the Future of Packaging: An engineering project based method for STEM education

The results of an experiential learning project in the field of solid waste and resource management are presented, as these relate to material recovery, recycling and reuse. A project-based learning method was employed in a course titled “Packaging Research” which was part of the school’s Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP). The goal of this project was to introduce twenty-five (25) high school students in 9 and 10 grades, who met eligibility criteria coming from low income households in New York State, to the concepts of scientific discovery. The students, who selfselected to enroll in the course, had mathematical and scientific study deficits. The focus of the six Saturday class sessions was on issues associated with the accuracy and precision of measurements, using weights of packaging and materials in a variety of household products. Most of the products were chosen to parallel those used in a prior report published 25 years ago by the Office of Technology Assessment (OTA, 1989).