Check out the student work submitted for real-world industry feedback! Learn more about submitting student work to receive real-world feedback here!

Grade: High School

PLTW Course: IED

Submission type:Unit 1 Clean Energy Overlay (Innovative Eats)

Project overview: Students will design and prototype an innovative packaging solution for carnival treats such as fried cookies, churros, and candy apples. The packaging must securely hold the treats during transport and serve as a reusable or repurposable keepsake, reflecting sustainability and versatility.

Select student submission materials:

Link to full project: click here

Select Judge Feedback: “I am a scientist studying the brain at Boston University. While my work focuses on neuroscience rather than engineering, problem-solving, testing designs, and refining ideas, just like you did in this project, are essential in all areas of science and innovation!

Strong Problem Identification & Design Process
Your team identified a real-world issue, the need for versatile, eco-friendly, and reusable food containers at the Big E. Addressing waste reduction and sustainability in product design is an important challenge, and I love how your solution tackles both environmental and practical concerns!

Your decision matrix approach helped you weigh different factors like functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability, which is exactly what professionals do when optimizing product designs.  Your team followed a clear progression of design improvements, from fixing issues with the lid mechanism to adjusting the stackable legs and candy apple depth. That’s exactly how engineers refine products!  Printing and testing multiple prototypes helped you identify weaknesses and improve functionality, which is key to real-world product development.

Material Optimization for Sustainability
You selected Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastic, which is widely used, but did you consider using biodegradable plastics or recycled materials? Since sustainability is a key part of your design, exploring alternative eco-friendly materials could make your product even more impactful.  What happens to the box after it’s used? Can it be easily recycled or repurposed beyond carnival use?

Durability & User Testing
While you focused on stackability and fit, how well does the container hold up after multiple uses? Could repeated washing or exposure to moisture affect its structure or safety?
If you had more time, conducting user testing, having real customers try your product at an event, could provide valuable feedback on how easy it is to use and carry.

Your project reminds me of how scientists and engineers balance innovation with practicality. In neuroscience research, I have to find cost-effective, efficient materials for experiments, just like you had to consider affordability, functionality, and sustainability in your packaging design.  Your project is an excellent example of engineering and design thinking in action! By identifying a real-world problem, testing multiple prototypes, and improving the design, you’ve demonstrated valuable skills in problem-solving and innovation.  Keep up the fantastic work!”

-Graduate Student, Boston University

Industry Award: Top Engineering Award

School: Sutton High School

Teacher: Michael Bilica