Sketching Problem Solutions
Help Questions
1st Grade Science › Sketching Problem Solutions
Maya’s books and bins have no place to go in the reading corner. She draws a sketch of a shelf with three flat levels, like three long rectangles stacked. She draws straight sides holding the shelves up. She labels each level “shelf.” The shape shows levels on top of each other. Which shape feature is important for solving the problem?
The round wheels make the shelf pour water.
The bright colors make books lighter to carry.
The stacked shelves make more places to store items.
The shelf is a ball so it can bounce.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, no place to store items. Maya sketched a solution showing rectangular shelves stacked with levels. The key shape features shown are flat levels stacked on top of each other. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the stacked shelves make more places to store items. Choice C represents error type: decorative focus. This error typically occurs when students focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Carlos keeps spilling juice when he pours into a small cup. He draws a funnel with a big wide opening at the top and a small narrow opening at the bottom. He draws arrows showing the juice going down. The funnel shape is wide then skinny. The narrow bottom points to the cup. Which part of the shape helps solve the problem?
The pretty pattern helps the juice not spill.
The narrow bottom helps the juice go into the cup.
The raised edges help crayons stay in one place.
The flat steps help Carlos climb to a shelf.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, spilling when pouring. Carlos sketched a solution showing funnel with wide top and narrow bottom. The key shape features shown are narrow bottom to fit small opening. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the narrow bottom helps the juice go into the cup without spilling. Choice D represents error type: decorative focus. This error typically occurs when students focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, confuse what shape does. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Marcus’s scissors, glue, and tape keep getting mixed together in one bin. He sketches a square box with two straight dividers, making three sections. He draws a glue stick in one section and scissors in another. He writes “dividers” next to the lines. The box has straight sides and corners. Why did Marcus draw the dividers?
Because dividers make separate spaces for each supply.
Because dividers are just for decoration and color.
Because dividers make the box roll across the floor.
Because dividers help him pour water into a cup.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, supplies getting mixed up. Marcus sketched a solution showing square box with dividers inside. The key shape features shown are dividers that create separate sections. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, dividers make separate spaces for each supply preventing mixing. Choice C represents error type: decorative focus. This error typically occurs when students focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Keisha drops crayons when she carries them to her table. She sketches a tray that is a wide rectangle with raised edges on all sides. She draws the edges as taller lines around the tray and labels them “edges.” She draws crayons inside the tray. The tray looks flat in the middle with walls around it. What does the sketch show about the solution?
It shows raised edges to keep crayons from falling out.
It shows a round ball that will bounce the crayons.
It shows colors that make carrying easier by magic.
It shows the real tray already built and finished.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, things falling off when carrying. Keisha sketched a solution showing tray with raised edges all around. The key shape features shown are raised edges that form barriers. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, raised edges to keep crayons from falling out. Choice C represents error type: decorative focus. This error typically occurs when students focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Maya says there is no place to store math tools in class. She draws a rack with 3 shelves, like three long flat lines stacked, and labels “shelves.” How does the shelf shape help solve the problem?
The shelves make levels to hold items in different spots.
The shelves make a ramp so balls roll faster.
The shelves help Maya reach a high shelf by standing on them.
The shelves are for pretty colors, not for holding things.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Maya says there is no place to store math tools in class. She draws a rack with 3 shelves, like three long flat lines stacked, and labels “shelves.” The key shape features shown are flat surfaces stacked to create levels. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the shelves make levels to hold items in different spots. Choice C represents decorative focus: focuses on non-functional aspects like pretty colors, not for holding things. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem, confuse what shape does, describe general shape without explaining how it helps, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Jamal cannot reach the top shelf for books at school. In his sketch, he draws a short step stool with a wide base and a flat top labeled “flat top.” How will the flat top help?
The flat top is for drawing hearts and stars on it.
The flat top gives a place to stand so Jamal can reach.
The flat top helps markers stop rolling off the table.
The flat top makes the stool pour water into a bottle.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Jamal cannot reach the top shelf for books at school. In his sketch, he draws a short step stool with a wide base and a flat top labeled “flat top.” The key shape features shown are flat top surface to stand on. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the flat top gives a place to stand so Jamal can reach. Choice B represents wrong function: explains how shape feature solves problem incorrectly, like making the stool pour water. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem, confuse what shape does, describe general shape without explaining how it helps, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Yuki cannot reach the sink soap on a tall counter. In her sketch, she draws a step stool with a wide bottom and labels “wide base.” Which shape feature is important for solving the problem?
The wide base is only to make it look like a rainbow.
The wide base makes water go into a bottle without spilling.
The wide base helps mix pencils together in one spot.
The wide base helps the stool not tip when standing.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Yuki cannot reach the sink soap on a tall counter. In her sketch, she draws a step stool with a wide bottom and labels “wide base.” The key shape features shown are wide base for stability. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the wide base helps the stool not tip when standing. Choice C represents decorative focus: focuses on non-functional aspects like making it look like a rainbow. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem, confuse what shape does, describe general shape without explaining how it helps, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Carlos keeps losing erasers because they roll off his table. He draws a long stop-barrier with a tall straight wall along the table edge. How does the wall shape help solve the problem?
The tall wall is for stickers and decorations only.
The tall wall makes the erasers roll faster to the floor.
The tall wall blocks erasers so they stop before falling.
The tall wall helps Carlos reach the top shelf to get books.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Carlos keeps losing erasers because they roll off his table. He draws a long stop-barrier with a tall straight wall along the table edge. The key shape features shown are tall wall that forms a barrier. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, the tall wall blocks erasers so they stop before falling. Choice B represents wrong function: explains how shape feature solves problem incorrectly, like making erasers roll faster. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem, confuse what shape does, describe general shape without explaining how it helps, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
Marcus’s scissors, glue, and tape get mixed up in one bin. He sketches a box shape with 4 sections using straight divider lines. Why did Marcus draw the dividers?
He drew dividers because bright colors make it work better.
He drew dividers to help water pour out of a cup.
He drew dividers so the box can roll across the floor.
He drew dividers to separate tools so they stay organized.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Marcus’s scissors, glue, and tape get mixed up in one bin. He sketches a box shape with 4 sections using straight divider lines. The key shape features shown are dividers that create separate sections. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the shape shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how shape feature solves problem; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the shape element that makes solution work. For example, he drew dividers to separate tools so they stay organized. Choice B represents wrong function: explains how shape feature solves problem incorrectly, like making the box roll across the floor. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, focus on non-functional aspects of drawing, miss the key shape feature that solves problem, confuse what shape does, describe general shape without explaining how it helps, think any shape description is sufficient. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.
In class, Emma’s markers keep rolling off her desk. She sketches a long rectangle holder with three round holes on top and a flat bottom. She labels the holes “marker spots” and draws markers standing in them. The holder looks wide with straight sides. How will the round holes help?
The round holes hold markers so they do not roll away.
The round holes help Emma reach a high shelf.
The round holes make the holder look colorful and pretty.
The round holes mix all the markers together in one spot.
Explanation
This question tests the 1st grade skill of developing a simple sketch to show a solution to a problem, focusing on how the object's shape helps it function (K-2-ETS1-2: Develop a simple sketch to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem). When designing solutions to problems, we sketch or draw our ideas to show what we're thinking. An important part of any design sketch is showing the shape of the solution and how that shape helps solve the problem. Different shapes do different jobs: flat shapes provide surfaces to place or stand on; shapes with edges or walls hold things in and prevent spilling or falling; shapes with dividers separate items into sections; round shapes roll or don't have corners; narrow shapes fit in tight spaces; wide shapes are stable. A good sketch shows the shape features that are important for making the solution work. In this scenario, Emma's markers keep rolling off her desk. Emma sketched a solution showing a long rectangle holder with three round holes on top and a flat bottom. The key shape features shown are round holes that are sized to hold markers upright and a flat bottom that keeps the holder stable on the desk. Choice A is correct because it accurately identifies the shape: describes the round holes shown in sketch; correctly connects shape to function: explains how round holes prevent rolling; identifies key functional feature: focuses on the holes that hold markers in place. For example, the round holes create specific spots where markers can stand upright, preventing them from rolling away like they do when loose on the desk. Choice B represents decorative focus. This error typically occurs when students notice shape but don't connect it to function, thinking the holes are just for looks rather than understanding that the round shape fits around the markers to hold them steady. To help students understand sketching solutions: Practice 'shape does job' connections (flat top - stand on it, edges - hold things in, dividers - separate items, holes - hold specific things, wide base - stable); have students sketch simple solutions and explain 'how does this shape help?'; look at real objects and identify functional shape features; emphasize that sketch should show the shape features that make it work, not just be pretty. Watch for: students who draw but can't explain how shape helps, who focus on decorative elements instead of functional shape, who describe shape without connecting to problem-solving, who miss the key functional feature in their description, or who think any shape will work without thinking about what shapes do. Key concept: the SHAPE of an object determines what it can do - we sketch to show and communicate what shape we need to solve the problem.