Chip Challenge

What is the Potato Chip Challenge? (Click HERE to see some packages that made it to Illinois!)

A team of students will design and test a container for shipping a single “Pringles” potato chip, via the postal service. Upon arrival the packages will be evaluated and scored using the format in the scoring section. The goal is to design the package to have the smallest volume and smallest mass that will protect the chip so that it arrives at its destination undamaged.

1. Students will use 1 (regular) Pringles potato chip and materials of their choosing to create a device that will protect the chip on its journey through the postal system. Packages must be constructed using single-ply cardboard rather than 2-ply or reinforced cardboard materials. Students may choose a variety of materials for packing; however, the materials cannot be wood or glass and must not leave a wet or greasy spot on a paper towel.

2. No substance may be applied to the chip and the chip may not be altered in any way. The chip must be edible when received by the evaluating school.

3. An entry form must be completed for each package. Entry forms must be the sent in a separate envelope. If special unpacking instructions are needed they should be written on the entry form. Add “CODE P” to the outside of the package to indicate that special unpacking instructions have been provided on the entry form.

4. Package must be clearly labeled on the outside with the sending school and group. Teams are not allowed to write anything on the outside of the package except the To/From addresses, team number, and "CODE P" if needed. Teams cannot indicate any special handling requirements (“Fragile” or “Handle With Care”) or anything that would provide clues to the contents of the package on the outside of their package.

5. Packages must be mailed via U.S. Postal Service (Standard Service) or comparable postal system. Choose the cheapest option available. FeDEx, UPS, and other specialty services are not allowed.

Once the package is finished, the following measurements must be made by the sending team and recorded on their entry form:

Once the package has been received, receiving teams should find the entry form for that package. If "CODE P" is indicated on the outside of the package, they should review the unpacking instructions on the entry form. Receiving teams will need to determine the "Intactness Score" of the chip using the following scale and record that information on the entry form.

INTACTNESS SCORE (I.S.):

PERFECTLY INTACT - like it just left the factory = 100 Points
SLIGHTLY DAMAGED - cracked, but still in one piece = 50 Points
CHIPPED CHIP - chipped along the edges with 90% of chip intact = 40 Points
MODERATELY DAMAGED - cracked with < 5 pieces = 20 points
SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED - chipped and cracked <20 pieces = 10 Points
POTATO DUST - too many to count >20 pieces = 1 Point

Receiving teams should use the information on the entry form to calculate the final score. The highest overall score for a package will be the one used to determining the winners. In the case of a tie, the package with the smallest volume will be declared the winner.

Overall Score = Intactness Score (c) ÷ [Mass in kg (a) x Volume in cm3 (b)]

Scoring Examples

Example 1:
Mass = 145 g (or 0.145 kg)
Volume = 240 cu. cm
I.S. = 100 (perfect chip)

SCORE = 100 ÷ [0.145 x 240] = 2.87

Example 2:
Mass = 250 g (or 0.250 kg)
Volume = 320 cu. cm
I.S. = 100 (perfect chip)

Score: 100 ÷ [0.250 x 320] = 1.25

Are all the packages made out of single-ply cardboard not 2-ply or reinforced?
Are the materials acceptable?	No wood or glass materials	Materials do not leave a wet or greasy mark on a paper towel
Does each package contain only 1 Pringle’s potato chip?
Are all entry forms complete?	Team members have included the basic information (team name, team number, members, school, & grades)	Team members have written special unpacking instructions - if needed.	Team members have recorded mass and volume
Did you include the required information on the outside of the package?	Team number	To/From address	“CODE P” if special unpacking instructions are needed *

* NOTE: No other information is allowed on the outside of the package, such as “Fragile” or “Handle With Care”.“CODE P” if special unpacking instructions are needed

NOTE: No other information is allowed on the outside of the package, such as “Fragile” or “Handle With Care”.

Your Team Members : _____________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note for teachers:
Make copies of all entry forms for your records. Enclose all forms (entry forms and the school information page) in a separate envelope and mail with your packages. Receiving teams are not allowed to open your packages until they receive and review all entry forms!