Compare Engineering Solutions

Grade 3 Science Worksheet - Challenge Me

Circle the answer.

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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