unit 1 lesson 3-5

What is the first step in the Engineering Design Process?

• Build a prototype

• Identify the problem

• Test the solution

• Communicate results

Which of the following is a constraint you might have when designing a new backpack?

• The color of the backpack

• The amount of money you can spend

• The name of the designer

• The number of pockets

How many variables should be changed at one time in a fair test?

• None

• One

• Two

• All of them

What is a constant variable in an experiment?

• The variable you change on purpose

• The variable you measure

• The variable that stays the same

• The variable that changes by itself

Which of these is an example of a design problem that includes criteria and constraints?

• Build a bridge using only 20 popsicle sticks that can hold at least 2 kg.

• Draw a picture of a bridge.

• Watch a video about bridges.

• Name three types of bridges.

A group of students wants to design a water filter. They come up with three ideas: using sand, using charcoal, and using cloth. What should they do next to decide which idea is best?

• Build all three filters at once

• Compare how well each filter cleans the water

• Pick the one that looks the nicest

• Use the first idea only

Which of the following is the best material to use for building a model boat that needs to float and carry small objects?

• Metal

• Wood

• Plastic foam

• Glass

A student is testing different shapes of paper airplanes to see which flies the farthest. What should the student do to make sure the test is fair?

• Throw each airplane with a different amount of force

• Use different sizes of paper for each airplane

• Throw each airplane the same way and from the same spot

• Test only one airplane

You are designing a lunchbox that keeps food cold for the longest time. Describe how you would plan and carry out a fair test to compare two different lunchbox designs.

• Put the same type and amount of food in each lunchbox, place them in the same environment, and measure the temperature after a set time.

• Use different foods in each lunchbox and check them at different times.

• Only test one lunchbox.

• Ask your friends which lunchbox they like best.

A team is building a model bridge. After testing, the bridge breaks when too much weight is added. What should the team do to improve their design?

• Ignore the results and keep the same design

• Identify where the bridge broke and strengthen that part in the next model

• Use fewer materials to save time

• Make the bridge shorter without changing anything else