HOW TO BREED THE
OPTIMAL TIN OF BEANS
NAVIGATION
Just
how do you unfold a tin of beans - computer animation helps!
This activity is aimed at KS4 and looks at the design aspects of a humble tin of beans. The engineering, utility, design and cost implications of a packaged food product are considered using paper exercises and computer modelling. This activity brings together a number of subject areas and applies the knowledge to a practical problem. Items covered include
- Area and volume
- Geometry
- Graph plotting
- Design and engineering including manufacture, transport & storage, use
- Optimisation of design - what is optimal?
- Optimisation of several designs
Computer
modelling and characterisation
What happens if we consider a different shape?
In addition to traditional approaches to design study and optimisation this activity brings in a biological solution! Genetic algorithms mimic natural selection processes in nature and are used to "breed" an optimal tin of beans. Selection pressure and the passing on of genetic material are tracked over generations of bean tins and the results are surprisingly good!
Will it last - and what will the kids look like?
Contact:
Tel: 01663 749785
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