- Read about the design challenge: In science, students must filter dirt out of dirty water. They can use only coffee filters, sand, gravel, and plastic bottles, they must finish during a 40-minute class, and they cannot shop for supplies. According to the passage, what limits how students can solve this problem?
Answer: Use only coffee filters, sand, gravel, and plastic bottles, finish in 40 minutes, and use teacher supplies only.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: use only coffee filters, sand, gravel, and plastic bottles, must finish during a 40-minute class, and cannot shop for supplies (implying $0 cost). These are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice A is correct because it accurately lists all the constraints from the passage: specific materials allowed, time limit of 40 minutes, and restriction on obtaining new supplies. Choice B represents confusing criteria with constraints - making the cleanest water possible is a performance goal rather than a resource limitation. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the water filter project. Students must filter dirty water to remove dirt. Limits: only coffee filters, sand, gravel, and plastic bottles; no other materials; finish in a 40-minute science period; no shopping ($0). According to the description, what limits how students can solve this problem?
Answer: Only use coffee filters, sand, gravel, and bottles, finish in 40 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only coffee filters, sand, gravel, and plastic bottles; no other materials; finish in a 40-minute science period; no shopping ($0): these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: only use coffee filters, sand, gravel, and bottles, finish in 40 minutes, and spend $0. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "finish in," "spend $0") rather than goals or criteria. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the plant marker project description. Garden club must make 20 plant markers in 45 minutes. Students can use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape from the art closet, and they cannot buy anything new. What rules must students follow about materials, time, or money?
Answer: Only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape, make 20 in 45 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape from the art closet; 45 minutes to complete; and $0 budget (cannot buy anything new). These are limits because they restrict what materials are available, set a time deadline, and prevent any spending. Choice A is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: specific materials allowed (popsicle sticks, markers, clear tape), time limit (45 minutes), and cost restriction ($0). Choice B represents confusing criteria with constraints - it describes what the markers should look like (colorful, neat) rather than the limits on materials, time, or cost. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the classroom library display challenge. You must display this week's featured books. You can use only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, and it must cost $0. You must set it up in under 15 minutes, and you cannot use any other materials. Which describes the limits on this design project?
Answer: Only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, set up in under 15 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors allowed; must set up in under 15 minutes; $0 cost; and no other materials permitted. These are limits because they restrict what materials students can use, how much time they have to set up, and prevent any spending. Choice C is correct because it accurately lists all the constraints from the passage: specific materials only, time limit under 15 minutes, and zero cost. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints - it describes what the display must achieve (hold 10 books, look exciting) rather than the limits on resources. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the paper bridge challenge. Limits: only 10 sheets of paper and tape; no glue; finish in 20 minutes; teacher provides materials. What rules must students follow about materials, time, or money?
Answer: Use tape, glue, and cardboard to make the bridge extra strong.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only 10 sheets of paper and tape; no glue; finish in 20 minutes; teacher provides materials: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice A is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: use only paper and tape from the teacher, and finish building in 20 minutes. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "finish in") rather than goals or criteria. Choice B represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the balloon car race. Build a car powered by a balloon that travels at least 6 feet. You may use only 1 balloon, 4 plastic bottle caps, 2 straws, and tape, and you cannot spend money. You have 25 minutes before recess. Which statement lists the constraints on materials, time, or cost?
Answer: Use only 1 balloon, 4 caps, 2 straws, and tape, finish in 25 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: use only 1 balloon, 4 plastic bottle caps, 2 straws, and tape (materials constraint with specific quantities), complete in 25 minutes before recess (time constraint), and cannot spend money/spend $0 (cost constraint). These are limits because they restrict the exact materials and quantities available, set a deadline, and prohibit purchasing supplies. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: 'Use only 1 balloon, 4 caps, 2 straws, and tape, finish in 25 minutes, and spend $0.' These include specific material limits with quantities, time restriction, and cost constraint. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think the success criterion (car must travel at least 6 feet) is the same as the limits on building the car. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking 'What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?' Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like 'only,' 'must not,' 'cannot,' or 'no more than.'
- Look at the classroom library display task: show featured books before school starts. You may use only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, and must set up in under 15 minutes with $0. What restrictions must students follow when designing their solution?
Answer: Use only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, set up in under 15 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are using only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, setting up in under 15 minutes, and costing $0: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time students have to set up, and prohibit spending money. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: using only specific materials, setting up in under 15 minutes, and spending $0. Choice C represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must achieve is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the design challenge: For an egg drop from 6 feet, students must use only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin. They have 30 minutes, must spend $0, and the design must fit in a shoebox. Which describes what students CANNOT use or do?
Answer: They cannot use new store-bought supplies, and they cannot build bigger than a shoebox.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints include: cannot use new store-bought supplies (must use recycling bin materials only), cannot spend money ($0), and cannot build bigger than a shoebox. These are limits because they restrict what materials can be used and the size of the design. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies what students CANNOT do: they cannot use new store-bought supplies and cannot exceed the shoebox size limit. Choice B misinterprets the design challenge - dropping from 6 feet is part of the test, not something they cannot do. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the egg drop design challenge. Students must protect an egg dropped from 6 feet. They can use only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin, and it must cost $0. They have 30 minutes, and the design must fit in a shoebox. Which describes what students CANNOT use or do?
Answer: They cannot buy new supplies or use materials not in the recycling bin.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints include: only recycling bin materials allowed (cardboard, plastic bottles, newspaper), $0 cost, 30-minute time limit, and must fit in a shoebox. These are limits because they restrict what materials students can use and prevent them from buying new supplies. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies what students CANNOT do: they cannot buy new supplies or use materials not in the recycling bin, which directly addresses the material and cost constraints. Choice C represents misunderstanding the problem - dropping from 6 feet is the test condition, not something students cannot do. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the classroom library display. You must display this week's featured books before school starts. You can use only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors, and it must cost $0. The display must be set up in under 15 minutes. What are the constraints for this design?
Answer: Set up in under 15 minutes, use only boxes, paper, tape, and scissors, and spend no money.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: use only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors (materials constraint), set up in under 15 minutes (time constraint), and must cost $0 (cost constraint). These are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how quickly the display must be assembled, and prohibit spending money. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: 'Set up in under 15 minutes, use only boxes, paper, tape, and scissors, and spend no money.' These are all restrictions using limiting words like 'only,' 'under,' and 'no money.' Choice D represents the opposite of constraints - it suggests taking unlimited time and buying new materials. Students who choose this may not understand that constraints limit what you can do rather than expand options. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking 'What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?' Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like 'only,' 'must not,' 'cannot,' or 'no more than.'
- Look at the classroom library display. Limits: only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors; set up in under 15 minutes; cost $0. What restrictions must students follow when designing their solution?
Answer: Only use classroom materials, set up under 15 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only cardboard boxes, construction paper, tape, and scissors; set up in under 15 minutes; cost $0: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: only use classroom materials, set up under 15 minutes, and spend $0. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "under," "spend $0") rather than goals or criteria. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the project description: Garden club must make 20 plant markers in 45 minutes. Students may use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape from the art closet, and they cannot buy anything new. Which statement lists the constraints?
Answer: Make 20 markers, use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape, finish in 45 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: make 20 markers (quantity constraint), use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape, finish in 45 minutes, and spend $0. These are limits because they restrict the number to make, what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice A is correct because it accurately lists all the constraints from the passage: the quantity requirement (20 markers), specific materials allowed, time limit of 45 minutes, and zero cost. Choice B represents confusing criteria with constraints - writing neatly is a quality goal rather than a limitation on resources. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the egg drop project. Limits: only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin; must fit in a shoebox; finish in 30 minutes; spend $0. Which describes what students CANNOT use or do?
Answer: They cannot buy new materials or use anything outside the recycling bin.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin; must fit in a shoebox; finish in 30 minutes; spend $0: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice A is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: cannot buy new materials or use anything outside the recycling bin. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "cannot") rather than goals or criteria. Choice B represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the paper bridge challenge: build a paper bridge that holds pennies. Students can use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue and no cardboard, and must finish in 20 minutes. According to the project, what limits how students can solve this problem?
Answer: Use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue or cardboard, and finish building in 20 minutes.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are using only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue or cardboard, and finishing in 20 minutes: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, prohibit certain items, and limit how much time students have to build. Choice C is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: using only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue or cardboard, and finishing in 20 minutes. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must achieve is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the paper bridge challenge. Students may use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, and they must finish in 20 minutes. No glue, no cardboard, and no extra materials are allowed. What restrictions must students follow when designing their solution?
Answer: Use only paper and tape, with no more than 10 sheets, no glue or cardboard, and finish in 20 minutes.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: use only 10 sheets of paper and tape with no glue, no cardboard, and no extra materials (materials constraint), and finish in 20 minutes (time constraint). These are restrictions because they limit both the type and quantity of materials and set a strict time deadline. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: 'Use only paper and tape, with no more than 10 sheets, no glue or cardboard, and finish in 20 minutes.' These clearly state what students cannot use and the time limit they must work within. Choice D represents the opposite of the stated constraints - it adds forbidden materials (cardboard and glue). Students who choose this may not have carefully read which materials are NOT allowed. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking 'What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?' Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like 'only,' 'must not,' 'cannot,' or 'no more than.'
- Look at the paper bridge challenge. Students must build a bridge from paper that holds pennies. Limits: only 10 sheets of paper and tape; no glue or cardboard; finish in 20 minutes; use only materials the teacher gives. What are the constraints for this design?
Answer: Use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue, and finish in 20 minutes.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only 10 sheets of paper and tape; no glue or cardboard; finish in 20 minutes; use only materials the teacher gives: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue, and finish in 20 minutes. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "no," "finish in") rather than goals or criteria. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the egg drop project. Students must protect an egg dropped from 6 feet. The design has these limits: only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin; must fit in a shoebox; finish in 30 minutes; spend $0. What are the constraints for this design?
Answer: Only use recycling-bin materials, finish in 30 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper from the recycling bin; must fit in a shoebox; finish in 30 minutes; spend $0: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: only recycling-bin materials, finish in 30 minutes, and spend $0. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "finish in," "spend $0") rather than goals or criteria. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Look at the plant marker project. Limits: only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape; make 20 markers in 45 minutes; spend $0. Which statement lists the constraints for the project?
Answer: Use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape, finish in 45 minutes, and spend $0.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). For example, "must use only cardboard, finish in 20 minutes, and spend $0" lists all three constraint types. Constraints are different from success criteria - criteria say what the solution must ACHIEVE while constraints say what limits you must WORK WITHIN. In this scenario, the constraints are only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape; make 20 markers in 45 minutes; spend $0: these are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time they have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: use only popsicle sticks, markers, and clear tape, finish in 45 minutes, and spend $0. These are all restrictions or limits (using words like "only," "finish in," "spend $0") rather than goals or criteria. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints. Students who choose this may think what the solution must DO is the same as what limits exist. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the design challenge: Your class is doing an egg drop to protect an egg from 6 feet. Students must use only recycling-bin materials (cardboard, plastic bottles, newspaper), finish in 30 minutes, spend $0, and the design must fit in a shoebox. What rules must students follow about materials, time, or money?
Answer: Use only cardboard, plastic bottles, and newspaper, finish in 30 minutes, spend $0, and fit the design in a shoebox.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: use only recycling-bin materials (cardboard, plastic bottles, newspaper), finish in 30 minutes, spend $0, and the design must fit in a shoebox. These are limits because they restrict what materials are available, how much time students have to build, and whether they can buy materials. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists all the constraints from the passage: specific materials allowed, time limit of 30 minutes, zero cost, and size restriction. Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints - these are goals (egg must not crack, fall safely) rather than limitations on how to achieve those goals. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
- Read about the paper bridge challenge. Build a bridge from paper that holds the most pennies. You may use only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue and no cardboard. You must finish building in 20 minutes, and you cannot use any other materials. Which statement lists the constraints on materials, time, or cost?
Answer: Only 10 sheets of paper and tape, no glue or cardboard, and finish in 20 minutes.
This question tests identifying constraints in engineering design (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1: Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost). Constraints are limits or restrictions on a design solution - they define what you CANNOT do, use, or exceed. The three main types of constraints are: materials (what you can build with), time (how long you have), and cost (how much money you can spend). In this scenario, the constraints are: only 10 sheets of paper and tape allowed; no glue or cardboard permitted; 20-minute time limit; and no other materials allowed. These are limits because they restrict both what materials students can use and what they cannot use, plus set a strict time deadline. Choice B is correct because it accurately lists the constraints from the passage: limited materials (10 sheets of paper and tape), prohibited materials (no glue or cardboard), and time limit (20 minutes). Choice A represents confusing criteria with constraints - it describes what the bridge must achieve (hold pennies, be long, look neat) rather than the limits on resources. To help students: Create a three-column chart labeled Materials (what can you use?), Time (how long do you have?), and Cost (how much can you spend?). Practice identifying constraints by asking "What are you NOT allowed to use? How much time do you have? Can you spend money?" Emphasize that constraints use limiting words like "only," "must not," "cannot," or "no more than."
