Grade 4 · Science · Engineering

4th Grade Compare Engineering Solutions worksheets

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Compare Engineering Solutions

Grade 4 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
A class must choose one balloon car for a 4 m race. Car A: 4.2 m, 4.1 m, 4.3 m. Car B: 6 m, 3 m, 5 m. Which should they race, and why?
- either, because both passed 4 m once
- Car B, because it is faster on average
- Car A, because it passes 4 m every time
- Car B, because it once went 6 m
2.
A team compares towers by asking friends which looks coolest. Why is this a weak comparison?
- looks are the main criterion
- it does not test the towers against the criteria
- friends cannot see towers
- towers should never be compared
3.
A school must pick a sunshade. Shade 1 cools 8 degrees, costs $40. Shade 2 cools 6 degrees, costs $15. The goal is at least 5 degrees cooler for under $20. Which is best?
- both shades
- Shade 1
- Shade 2
- neither shade
4.
Goal: hold at least 6 books. Limit: 25 straws. Tower A: 8 books, 30 straws. Tower B: 7 books, 24 straws. Tower C: 4 books, 15 straws. Which tower is the best solution?
- Tower C
- Tower A
- Tower B
- none of them

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

About this worksheet

Comparing engineering solutions asks students to decide which design best solves a problem under given limits asks fourth graders to connect observations with an explanation, model, or design decision instead of choosing a fact from memory. Students may pick the solution that sounds creative without checking criteria, constraints, and test evidence. This worksheet uses short investigations and evidence-based situations so students must read what happened, decide which science idea is being tested, and choose the answer that fits the title.

Students compare solution evidence, match designs to criteria, identify tradeoffs, and choose improvements that fit the problem. Support versions use familiar objects and direct wording. Standard and challenge versions add closer distractors, fair-test language, and multi-step evidence. Ask your child to point to the measurement, diagram, map, or observation before answering. If the choice does not explain the evidence in the prompt, it is probably a distractor. That habit keeps science reasoning tied to data rather than guesswork.

What your child will learn

Compare solutions
Use criteria
Use constraints
Read design evidence
Explain tradeoffs

NGSS standard: 3-5-ETS1-2

Worked example

If a tower must hold 6 books using at most 25 straws, a tower that holds 7 books with 24 straws beats one that holds 8 books with 30 straws.

Common mistake

Choosing the most interesting design even when the data show it does not meet the criterion.

Helpful hint

Compare each solution with the same criteria and constraints.

Next skill: Plan Fair Tests Earlier: Design and Test a Solution

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with compare engineering solutions?

Choosing the most interesting design even when the data show it does not meet the criterion.

How can I help my child with compare engineering solutions?

Compare each solution with the same criteria and constraints.

Are these 4th 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 4th grade engineering

See all engineering

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