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.