Defining Simple Problems - 1st Grade Science
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Identify the problem (not the tool): 'I cannot reach the top shelf without help.'
Identify the problem (not the tool): 'I cannot reach the top shelf without help.'
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Reaching the top shelf is difficult without help. This states the difficulty, not the solution.
Reaching the top shelf is difficult without help. This states the difficulty, not the solution.
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What is a simple problem in science and engineering, in one sentence?
What is a simple problem in science and engineering, in one sentence?
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A need or difficulty that a new or improved object or tool can fix. Problems create opportunities for invention and improvement.
A need or difficulty that a new or improved object or tool can fix. Problems create opportunities for invention and improvement.
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Which option is a problem statement (not a solution): 'Backpacks are too heavy' or 'Use a rolling backpack'?
Which option is a problem statement (not a solution): 'Backpacks are too heavy' or 'Use a rolling backpack'?
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Backpacks are too heavy. Problems describe what's wrong; solutions describe fixes.
Backpacks are too heavy. Problems describe what's wrong; solutions describe fixes.
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What does it mean to improve an object or tool?
What does it mean to improve an object or tool?
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Make it work better for the same job. Improvement means enhancing how well something works.
Make it work better for the same job. Improvement means enhancing how well something works.
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Identify the problem (not the tool): 'My pencil keeps breaking when I sharpen it.'
Identify the problem (not the tool): 'My pencil keeps breaking when I sharpen it.'
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The pencil breaks during sharpening. This identifies what goes wrong during use.
The pencil breaks during sharpening. This identifies what goes wrong during use.
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Identify the problem (not the tool): 'My lunch gets warm before lunchtime.'
Identify the problem (not the tool): 'My lunch gets warm before lunchtime.'
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Lunch does not stay cold until lunchtime. This describes the undesired outcome.
Lunch does not stay cold until lunchtime. This describes the undesired outcome.
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What word means an object made to help people do a task more easily?
What word means an object made to help people do a task more easily?
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Tool. Tools are designed objects that make tasks easier.
Tool. Tools are designed objects that make tasks easier.
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Identify the problem (not the tool): 'It is hard to carry many books at once.'
Identify the problem (not the tool): 'It is hard to carry many books at once.'
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Carrying many books at once is difficult. This states the challenge without suggesting a fix.
Carrying many books at once is difficult. This states the challenge without suggesting a fix.
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What two parts must a well-defined simple problem include?
What two parts must a well-defined simple problem include?
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Who has the problem and what needs to be improved or fixed. These parts make the problem specific and solvable.
Who has the problem and what needs to be improved or fixed. These parts make the problem specific and solvable.
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Which option is a criterion: 'Should be easy to carry' or 'Must cost under $5$ dollars'?
Which option is a criterion: 'Should be easy to carry' or 'Must cost under $5$ dollars'?
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Should be easy to carry. This is a desired quality, not a strict requirement.
Should be easy to carry. This is a desired quality, not a strict requirement.
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What is the best way to keep a problem simple for first grade?
What is the best way to keep a problem simple for first grade?
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Focus on one need that can be solved with one object or tool. Simple problems have one clear need and one solution type.
Focus on one need that can be solved with one object or tool. Simple problems have one clear need and one solution type.
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Which option is a constraint: 'Must be safe for kids' or 'Should be colorful'?
Which option is a constraint: 'Must be safe for kids' or 'Should be colorful'?
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Must be safe for kids. Safety is a requirement (must), not a preference.
Must be safe for kids. Safety is a requirement (must), not a preference.
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Which sentence is written as a problem, not a solution: 'The room is too dark' or 'Buy a brighter lamp'?
Which sentence is written as a problem, not a solution: 'The room is too dark' or 'Buy a brighter lamp'?
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The room is too dark. Problems state what's wrong; solutions state what to do.
The room is too dark. Problems state what's wrong; solutions state what to do.
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Which sentence is a problem statement: 'Water spills when I pour' or 'Use a funnel'?
Which sentence is a problem statement: 'Water spills when I pour' or 'Use a funnel'?
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Water spills when I pour. Problems describe difficulties; solutions offer remedies.
Water spills when I pour. Problems describe difficulties; solutions offer remedies.
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What is a constraint in a simple design problem?
What is a constraint in a simple design problem?
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A limit the solution must follow, such as size, cost, or safety. Constraints are rules that solutions must obey.
A limit the solution must follow, such as size, cost, or safety. Constraints are rules that solutions must obey.
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