Free learning resources from arts, cultural and heritage organisations.

Teachers' Notes

Resource created by M&S Archive.

This resource is intended to provide an overview of the use of sell by and use by dates on M&S food, using selected images from the M&S Archive collection. The overall aim of the resource is to show changes in approaches to food freshness and safety, and how this might link to wider social history.

Curriculum Links

  • KS2 & 3 Design & Technology

Learning Objectives

  • Learn about the innovation of food 'sell by dates'
  • Learn about food safety issues
  • Be able to read and understand food labels
  • Understand current approaches to sell by dates to reduce food waste.

Discussion and Activity Ideas

  • KS2 & 3 Design & Technology: Food and Nutrition
    • What different kinds of foods are made available by the cold chain?
    • What are the advantages of food labelling? Are there any negatives to food labelling?
    • What do you understand by these different label terms - Sell By, Use By, Best Before and Display Until? 
    • Which ones are designed mainly for the retailer and which ones for the customer?
    • What information related to food safety do you think should be on food packaging?
    • Carry out some research at home, looking in the fridge and cupboards. How many different foods have a Use By date on them?
       
  • KS2 & 3 Design & Technology
    • Design and make packaging for a food product of your choice.
    • Think about the information you will have to include by law, but also think about the way that design and persuasive language will encourage people to choose your product.
    • Reducing packaging is becoming increasingly important to customers today. Re-design your packaging from the task above to use 30% less materials.