Defining a Design Problem
Aligned to 3-5-ETS1-1 — Next Generation Science Standards.
What this lesson teaches
Engineers start by naming the problem clearly. A good problem statement lists the criteria (what success looks like) and the constraints (limits on materials, time, or money) before any building begins.
Worked example
Your backpack strap keeps slipping off your shoulder. The criteria: it must stay put while you walk. The constraints: you can only use things from a junk drawer and finish in 20 minutes.
Practice questions
- Pick a small annoyance at home and write it as a clear problem to solve.
- List two criteria for success and two constraints for your problem.
- Explain why knowing the constraints before building saves time and materials.
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
Definir un Problema de Diseño
Los ingenieros empiezan por nombrar el problema con claridad. Un buen planteamiento del problema enumera los criterios (cómo se ve el éxito) y las restricciones (límites de materiales, tiempo o dinero) antes de empezar a construir.
Ejemplo: La correa de tu mochila se te resbala del hombro. Los criterios: debe quedarse en su lugar mientras caminas. Las restricciones: solo puedes usar cosas de un cajón de trastos y terminar en 20 minutos.
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