Compare Engineering Solutions
Grade 4 - Science - Challenge Me
Problem: a seed package must keep seeds dry. Which solution best fits the criteria and constraints?
- place sticks close together across the windy side
- slope the sheet toward a side channel
- coat the envelope with wax paper
- assign a different short-long flash pattern to each message
Which criterion should be used to compare solutions for this problem: a paper bridge must hold 20 washers?
- each message has a different pattern
- keeps most sand in the tray
- holds at least 20 washers
- no water reaches the seeds
Which constraint must the design team consider for "a paper bridge must hold 20 washers"?
- uses one envelope and one coating material
- uses only short and long flashes
- uses only two sheets of paper and tape
- uses ten craft sticks
Evidence: light fabric lowered the reading by 7 degrees. Which solution comparison is best supported?
- tilt the fabric to block afternoon Sun too
- make the side channel deeper
- add longer pauses between messages
- reduce gaps between the sticks
Why compare more than one solution for "a warning code must send three messages with light"?
- different designs may meet the criteria and constraints with different tradeoffs
- constraints should be ignored
- criteria do not matter after testing
- the first design is always best
Problem: a shade cover must cool a playground thermometer. Which solution best fits the criteria and constraints?
- stretch light-colored fabric over the thermometer area
- place sticks close together across the windy side
- coat the envelope with wax paper
- slope the sheet toward a side channel
Which criterion should be used to compare solutions for this problem: a shade cover must cool a playground thermometer?
- holds at least 20 washers
- lowers the temperature by at least 5 degrees
- uses one square meter of fabric
- each message has a different pattern
Which constraint must the design team consider for "a wind barrier must stop soil from blowing away"?
- uses only short and long flashes
- uses one plastic sheet and four straws
- uses ten craft sticks
- keeps most sand in the tray
Evidence: wax paper kept seeds dry while plain paper became damp. Which solution comparison is best supported?
- seal the envelope edges with tape
- tilt the fabric to block afternoon Sun too
- keep the folded beams and strengthen the center span
- add longer pauses between messages
Why compare more than one solution for "a model roof must drain rainwater away from a doorway"?
- the first design is always best
- criteria do not matter after testing
- different designs may meet the criteria and constraints with different tradeoffs
- constraints should be ignored