Grade 3 · Science · Engineering

3rd Grade Compare Engineering Solutions worksheets

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Compare Engineering Solutions

Grade 3 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
Design A meets every criterion but breaks the material limit. Design B meets the limit but misses one criterion. What should engineers do next?
- choose A and ignore the limit
- build both again without changes
- improve the designs so one meets both
- choose B and ignore the missing goal
2.
A wind-powered car goes farther with bigger sails but tips over more easily. What tradeoff does this show?
- speed versus distance
- speed versus wheel size
- sail size versus stability
- sail size versus cost
3.
Two solutions both meet the criteria and constraints. What is a reasonable next step before choosing one?
- assume they perform the same
- test both again to see which works more reliably
- pick the one built first
- choose one without more testing
4.
A class has three ramp designs and time to test only two. Which two should they test first?
- the two with the most parts
- the two most likely to meet the distance goal
- the two finished last
- the two made of the same material
5.
Two gliders are launched the same way. Glider A flies straight across the room. Glider B spins and drops. The goal is to fly straight and far. Which meets the goal?
- neither glider
- Glider A
- both gliders
- Glider B
6.
The goal is a bridge that holds at least 20 washers using as little paper as possible. Design B uses 4 sheets and Design C uses 8 sheets. Use the graph. Which is the best choice?
- Design C
- Designs A and C
- Design A
- Design B
7.
The goal is a parachute that takes at least 4 seconds to fall. Use the graph. Which parachutes meet the goal?
- B and C
- all three
- A and C
- B only
8.
Design A held 10, 12 and 11 washers in three tests. Design B held 15, 4 and 14. The goal is a bridge that holds at least 10 washers every time. Which is better?
- both, because each held 10 once
- Design B, because it held the most once
- Design A, because every test met the goal
- Design B, because its total is higher
9.
Slide A is faster, but children bump at the end. Slide B is slower, and children stop safely. If safety is the most important criterion, which is better?
- Slide A
- both slides
- neither slide
- Slide B
10.
Why might engineers combine the best parts of two designs?
- to make sure neither design is used
- to avoid testing either design
- to make a new design that meets more criteria
- to use more materials than allowed

3rd Grade Compare Engineering Solutions worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Comparing engineering solutions helps third graders connect observations with scientific explanations instead of memorizing isolated facts. Students may pick the design with the biggest result even when it breaks a limit, or forget that both or neither design can meet a goal. This worksheet uses short evidence-based situations so students must read the setup, identify the pattern, and choose the answer that fits the science idea named in the title. Students compare test data with a goal, set up fair tests, weigh tradeoffs such as cost and strength, and decide whether one, both or neither design works.

Support versions use familiar examples and direct wording. Standard and challenge versions add closer distractors and require more comparison. Encourage your child to point to the evidence in the prompt before choosing an answer. If the answer does not explain the observation or solve the stated problem, it is probably a distractor. That habit builds careful science reasoning and prepares students for longer investigations.

What your child will learn

Compare test data with a goal
Set up a fair test
Weigh tradeoffs
Decide when to redesign

NGSS standard: 3-5-ETS1-2

Worked example

The goal is 18 washers. Design A holds 12 and Design B holds 20, so only Design B meets the goal.

Common mistake

Choosing the biggest result without checking the goal and the limits.

Helpful hint

Compare every result with the goal.

Earlier: Define Engineering Problems

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with compare engineering solutions?

Choosing the biggest result without checking the goal and the limits.

How can I help my child with compare engineering solutions?

Compare every result with the goal.

Are these 3rd grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 3rd grade engineering

See all engineering

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