Comparing Solutions
Aligned to 3-5-ETS1-2 — Next Generation Science Standards.
What this lesson teaches
There is usually more than one way to solve a problem. Engineers think up several possible solutions and compare how well each one meets the criteria and stays within the constraints before choosing.
Worked examples
Example 1
To keep an egg from cracking when dropped, one idea is a bubble-wrap wrap and another is a paper parachute. Comparing them, you check which is lighter, cheaper, and protects the egg best.
Example 2
Two ways to keep a lunch cold: an ice pack or a vacuum flask. The flask works longer but costs more and holds less.
Example 3
Combining designs often beats picking one. A parachute to slow the fall plus padding to absorb the landing protects the egg better than either alone.
Practice questions
- Think of two different ways to keep your lunch cold until noon.
- Make a chart rating each idea on cost, effort, and how well it works.
- Use your chart to choose the better solution and explain why.
Watch the lesson
Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.
▶ Watch this lessonEn español
Comparar Soluciones
Casi siempre hay más de una manera de resolver un problema. Los ingenieros piensan en varias soluciones posibles y comparan qué tan bien cumple cada una con los criterios y se mantiene dentro de las restricciones antes de elegir.
Ejemplo 1: Para que un huevo no se rompa al caer, una idea es envolverlo en plástico de burbujas y otra es un paracaídas de papel. Al compararlas, revisas cuál es más ligera, más barata y protege mejor el huevo.
Ejemplo 2: Dos formas de mantener fría la comida: una bolsa de hielo o un termo. El termo dura más pero cuesta más y le cabe menos.
Ejemplo 3: Combinar diseños muchas veces gana a elegir solo uno. Un paracaídas que frene la caída más relleno que absorba el aterrizaje protege mejor el huevo que cualquiera por separado.
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