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 example
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.
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: 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.
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