In pairs/small groups they investigated a range of different ready salted crisps, to decide which of the products they would most want to buy.
The children had to decide how they would test and rank the products in order to reach a unanimous decision as a group. In doing so, they thought carefully about how they were working together, and discussed, reviewed and refined their ideas.
Great fun was had carefully investigating the aesthetics (look, feel, smell and taste) of the crisps, as well as making observations about the packaging, brand logos, brand slogans, prices, ingredients, nutritional information, recycling information etc.
Overall, 6L voted Walkers Ready Salted as their favourite crisp, based on taste, specifically the level of salt, as well as freshness of the potato crisp. While in 6B, Original Pringles hit the top spot, based on originality of shape and packaging as well as taste and crunch.
Year 6 were interested to find out that it was actually the own brand crisps that were the healthiest crisp though – with only 3 ingredients and the skins left on the potatoes. They observed that many of the smaller crisp brands purposely made their packaging and logos similar to the bigger named brands and collectively they felt that that was quite a clever move to entice consumers to look for similiar better value for money options. They also admitted that the unique shapes of some of the crisps (hula hoops) and packaging (pringles tubes) would sway their spending choices if they were buying crisps for a party or special occasion.
Well done Year 6 on a fantastic investigation. Let’s hope you’re super savvy consumers when shopping from now on!
