Elementary School Science Quiz: Comparing Solutions
20 questions · exam conditions
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Comparing SolutionsQuestion 1 of 20

Students tested 3 containers for growing beans. Clay pot: $4, plants grew 8 inches, water drained well. Plastic cup: $0, plants grew 6 inches, water pooled. Milk carton: $0, plants grew 9 inches, water drained well. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. Which solution best meets the criteria?

Plastic cup because it is free and uses no money.
Clay pot because the plants grew 8 inches and it drains well.
Milk carton because it is $0, grew 9 inches, and drains well.
Clay pot because it costs more, so it must work best.
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Elementary School Science Quiz

Elementary School Science Quiz: Comparing Solutions

Practice Comparing Solutions in Elementary School Science with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Comparing Solutions, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Elementary School Science.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

Students tested 3 containers for growing beans. Clay pot: $4, plants grew 8 inches, water drained well. Plastic cup: $0, plants grew 6 inches, water pooled. Milk carton: $0, plants grew 9 inches, water drained well. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. Which solution best meets the criteria?

  1. Plastic cup because it is free and uses no money.
  2. Clay pot because the plants grew 8 inches and it drains well.
  3. Milk carton because it is $0, grew 9 inches, and drains well. (correct answer)
  4. Clay pot because it costs more, so it must work best.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist (like cost, performance, and drainage), the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just one. In this scenario, students must compare 3 container solutions: Clay pot (4,8inches,drainswell),Plasticcup(4, 8 inches, drains well), Plastic cup (0, 6 inches, water pools), and Milk carton ($0, 9 inches, drains well). The criteria for success are costs 2orless,plantsgrow7+inches,anddrainswater.Lookingatthedata:Claypotfailscost(2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. Looking at the data: Clay pot fails cost (4 > 2),Plasticcupfailsgrowth(6inches<7)anddrainage,Milkcartonmeetsallthreecriteria(2), Plastic cup fails growth (6 inches < 7) and drainage, Milk carton meets all three criteria (0 ≤ $2, 9 inches ≥ 7, drains well). Choice C is correct because the milk carton meets all three criteria: it costs $0 (under $2 limit), plants grew 9 inches (more than 7-inch minimum), and water drains well. Choice B represents focusing on performance while ignoring cost constraints - students who choose this may think good results justify exceeding the budget without realizing that meeting ALL criteria is required. To help students: Create a comparison table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no or scores for each. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another (trade-offs). Use sentence frame: "Milk carton is best because it meets cost, growth, and drainage criteria by costing $0, growing 9 inches, and draining well."

Question 2

Read about the different designs tested. A class needs hamster bedding that absorbs smell 7+ out of 10, costs under $7, and is comfortable. Wood shavings absorb 9/10 and cost $8. Paper bedding absorbs 6/10 and costs $6. Shredded paper absorbs 3/10 and costs $0. Which solution meets all the criteria for success?

  1. Wood shavings because 9 out of 10 is the best smell rating.
  2. Paper bedding because it costs $6 and is very soft.
  3. Shredded paper because it is free and easy to get.
  4. None of the bedding choices because each fails at least 1 rule. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers use data and evidence to compare solutions systematically rather than just picking their favorite. When multiple criteria exist (like cost, performance, and time), the best solution meets ALL or MOST criteria, not just one. Sometimes comparing solutions reveals trade-offs - one solution is faster but more expensive, another is cheaper but slower - and engineers must decide which factors matter most. In this scenario, students must compare three solutions: wood shavings, paper bedding, and shredded paper. The criteria for success are absorbs smell 7+ out of 10, costs under $7, and is comfortable. Looking at the data: wood shavings absorb 9/10 but cost $8; paper bedding absorbs 6/10, costs $6; shredded paper absorbs 3/10, costs $0. To find the best solution, check which option meets all criteria or performs best overall. Choice D is correct because none meet all criteria: each fails at least one, such as wood shavings cost too much, paper bedding absorbs too little, and shredded paper absorbs too little. For example: no solution satisfies all three while others fail key aspects like absorption or cost. This solution best meets the stated criteria based on the evidence provided. Choice A represents focusing on one criterion while ignoring others. Students who choose this may look at one impressive number without checking if ALL criteria are met. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no or scores for each. Ask "Does Solution A meet Criterion 1? Criterion 2? Criterion 3?" for each solution. Emphasize that "best" means meeting the most criteria or all criteria, not just being good at one thing. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another (trade-offs). Use sentence frame: "[Solution X] is best because it meets [criteria Y and Z] by [evidence]."

Question 3

Maya grew bean plants in 3 containers. Clay pot: $4, plants grew 8 inches, drains well. Plastic cup: $0, plants grew 6 inches, water pools. Milk carton: $0, plants grew 9 inches, drains well. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. Which solution best meets the criteria?

  1. Clay pot because it drains well and plants grew 8 inches.
  2. Plastic cup because it is free and easy to find.
  3. Milk carton because it is $0, grew 9 inches, and drains well. (correct answer)
  4. Clay pot because it costs the most, so it must work best.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist (like cost, performance, and drainage), the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just one or two. In this scenario, students must compare 3 container options for growing bean plants. The criteria for success are: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, AND drains water well. Looking at the data: Clay pot costs $4 (fails), grows 8 inches (meets), drains well (meets); Plastic cup costs $0 (meets), grows 6 inches (fails), water pools (fails); Milk carton costs $0 (meets), grows 9 inches (meets), drains well (meets). Choice C is correct because the milk carton meets all three criteria: it's free (under $2), plants grew 9 inches (more than 7), and it drains well, making it the only solution that satisfies every requirement. Choice B represents focusing on partial success while ignoring failures. Students who choose this may see that the clay pot performs well in two areas (growth and drainage) without recognizing that failing the cost criterion disqualifies it. To help students: Create a comparison table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking pass/fail for each. Practice identifying when a solution excels in some areas but fails in others (trade-offs). Use sentence frame: "The milk carton is best because it meets all criteria: costs $0, grew 9 inches, and drains well."

Question 4

Marcus needs a book holder that holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and does not tip. Design 1 holds 5 books, costs $4, and is stable. Design 2 holds 7 books, costs $3, and tips sometimes. Design 3 holds 6 books, costs $2, and is stable. Which design best meets the criteria?

  1. Design 1 because it holds 5 books and is stable
  2. Design 2 because it holds 7 books and costs $3
  3. Design 3 because it holds 6 books, costs $2, and is stable (correct answer)
  4. Design 2 because it holds the most books, so it must be best
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers understand that reliability (like not tipping) is often as important as capacity or cost. In this scenario, students must compare 3 book holder designs: Design 1, Design 2, and Design 3. The criteria for success are holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and does not tip. Looking at the data: Design 1 holds 5 books (meets criteria), costs $4 (fails criteria - not under $4), is stable (meets criteria); Design 2 holds 7 books (meets criteria), costs $3 (meets criteria), tips sometimes (fails criteria); Design 3 holds 6 books (meets criteria), costs $2 (meets criteria), is stable (meets criteria). Choice C is correct because Design 3 is the only design that meets all three criteria: it holds 6 books (more than 5 minimum), costs $2 (under $4 limit), and is stable (doesn't tip). Choice D represents focusing on maximum capacity while ignoring stability issues. Students who choose this may think holding the most books (7) makes Design 2 best without considering that tipping sometimes makes it unreliable and fails a criterion. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does Design 1 meet the book capacity criterion? Cost criterion? Stability criterion?" for each design. Discuss why stability matters - a holder that tips defeats its purpose. Use sentence frame: "Design 3 is best because it meets all criteria by holding 6 books, costing $2, and staying stable."

Question 5

Sofia tested 3 containers for growing beans. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and water drains well. Clay pot: $4, 8 inches, drains well. Plastic cup: $0, 6 inches, water pools. Milk carton: $0, 9 inches, drains well. Which container best meets the criteria?

  1. Clay pot because plants grew 8 inches and it drains well
  2. Milk carton because it costs $0, grew 9 inches, and drains well (correct answer)
  3. Plastic cup because it is free and uses no money
  4. Clay pot because it costs more, so it must work best
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist (like cost, performance, and drainage), the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just one. In this scenario, students must compare 3 containers: Clay pot, Plastic cup, and Milk carton. The criteria for success are costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and water drains well. Looking at the data: Clay pot costs $4 (fails criteria), grew 8 inches (meets criteria), drains well (meets criteria); Plastic cup costs $0 (meets criteria), grew 6 inches (fails criteria), water pools (fails criteria); Milk carton costs $0 (meets criteria), grew 9 inches (meets criteria), drains well (meets criteria). Choice B is correct because the milk carton is the only container that meets all three criteria: it costs $0 (under $2 limit), plants grew 9 inches (more than 7-inch minimum), and it drains well. Choice A represents focusing on performance while ignoring cost constraints. Students who choose this may think good plant growth justifies exceeding the budget, not realizing that ALL criteria must be met. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does the clay pot meet the cost criterion? Growth criterion? Drainage criterion?" for each container. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another (trade-offs). Use sentence frame: "The milk carton is best because it meets all criteria by costing $0, growing 9 inches, and draining well."

Question 6

A class tested 3 bedding materials for a hamster. Wood shavings: smell rating 9/10, costs $8, soft. Paper bedding: smell rating 6/10, costs $6, very soft. Shredded paper: smell rating 3/10, costs $0, somewhat soft. Criteria: smell rating 7+ and costs under $7, and comfortable. Which bedding best meets the criteria?

  1. Wood shavings because it has a 9/10 smell rating.
  2. Paper bedding because it costs $6 and is very soft.
  3. Shredded paper because it is free and easy to get.
  4. No bedding because none costs under $7 and has 7+ rating. (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Sometimes when comparing solutions, engineers discover that none of the available options meet all the required criteria, which means they need to either modify existing solutions or develop new ones. In this scenario, students must compare 3 bedding materials: Wood shavings (9/10 smell, $8, soft), Paper bedding (6/10 smell, $6, very soft), and Shredded paper (3/10 smell, $0, somewhat soft). The criteria for success are smell rating 7+, costs under 7,andcomfortable.Lookingatthedata:Woodshavingsmeetssmell(9≥7)butfailscost(7, and comfortable. Looking at the data: Wood shavings meets smell (9 ≥ 7) but fails cost (8 > 7),Paperbeddingmeetscost(7), Paper bedding meets cost (6 < 7)butfailssmell(6<7),Shreddedpapermeetscost(7) but fails smell (6 < 7), Shredded paper meets cost (0 < $7) but fails smell (3 < 7). Choice D is correct because none of the bedding options meet both the smell rating requirement (7+) AND the cost requirement (under $7) - wood shavings has good smell but costs too much, while the cheaper options don't meet the smell standard. Choice A represents focusing on one criterion while ignoring others - students who choose this may see the high smell rating without checking if the cost constraint is also met. To help students: Create a comparison table clearly showing which criteria each solution meets or fails. Practice recognizing when NO solution meets all requirements. Use sentence frame: "No bedding works because each fails at least one criterion - wood shavings cost too much and the others smell too bad."

Question 7

Amir is choosing bedding for a class hamster. Criteria: smell rating 7+ out of 10, costs under $7 per month, and is comfortable. Wood shavings: 9/10, $8, soft. Paper bedding: 6/10, $6, very soft. Shredded paper: 3/10, $0, somewhat soft. Which bedding best meets the criteria?

  1. Wood shavings because 9/10 is high, even though it costs $8
  2. Paper bedding because it costs $6 and feels very soft
  3. Shredded paper because it is free and easy to get
  4. None of them because no option is 7+ and under $7 (correct answer)
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist, the best solution meets ALL criteria, and sometimes no solution meets all requirements. In this scenario, students must compare 3 hamster bedding options: Wood shavings, Paper bedding, and Shredded paper. The criteria for success are smell rating 7+ out of 10, costs under $7 per month, and is comfortable. Looking at the data: Wood shavings rate 9/10 (meets criteria), cost $8 (fails criteria), soft (meets criteria); Paper bedding rates 6/10 (fails criteria), costs $6 (meets criteria), very soft (meets criteria); Shredded paper rates 3/10 (fails criteria), costs 0(meetscriteria),somewhatsoft(meetscriteria).ChoiceDiscorrectbecausenoneoftheoptionsmeetallthreecriteria:Woodshavingsfailthecostrequirement(0 (meets criteria), somewhat soft (meets criteria). Choice D is correct because none of the options meet all three criteria: Wood shavings fail the cost requirement (8 exceeds $7 limit), Paper bedding fails the smell rating (6/10 is below 7+ requirement), and Shredded paper fails the smell rating (3/10 is well below 7+ requirement). Choice A represents focusing on one high-performing criterion while ignoring a failure. Students who choose this may think the excellent smell rating of wood shavings justifies exceeding the budget constraint. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does each bedding option meet ALL three criteria?" Teach students that sometimes the answer is "none of the above" when no solution fully works. Use sentence frame: "None of the options work because each fails at least one criterion."

Question 8

Carlos tested 3 hamster beddings. Wood shavings: smell rating 9/10, costs $8, soft. Paper bedding: smell rating 6/10, costs $6, very soft. Shredded paper: smell rating 3/10, costs $0, somewhat soft. Criteria: smell rating 7+ and cost under $7 and comfortable. Which solution meets all the criteria for success?

  1. None of them because no bedding is under $7 and rated 7+. (correct answer)
  2. Wood shavings because the smell rating is 9 out of 10.
  3. Paper bedding because it costs $6 and is very soft.
  4. Shredded paper because it is free and easy to make.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers must recognize when NO solution meets all criteria, which happens in real-world problems. In this scenario, students must compare 3 hamster bedding options. The criteria for success are: smell rating 7+ AND cost under $7 AND comfortable. Looking at the data: Wood shavings have smell rating 9/10 (meets), cost $8 (fails), soft (meets); Paper bedding has smell rating 6/10 (fails), costs $6 (meets), very soft (meets); Shredded paper has smell rating 3/10 (fails), costs 0(meets),somewhatsoft(meets).ChoiceDiscorrectbecausenoneofthethreeoptionsmeetallcriteria:woodshavingsfailoncost(0 (meets), somewhat soft (meets). Choice D is correct because none of the three options meet all criteria: wood shavings fail on cost (8 exceeds $7), paper bedding fails on smell (6 is less than 7), and shredded paper fails on smell (3 is less than 7), so no solution satisfies every requirement. Choice A represents focusing on one excellent feature while ignoring failures. Students who choose this may see the high smell rating (9/10) without checking that wood shavings fail the cost criterion at $8. To help students: Create a comparison checklist systematically checking each criterion for each solution. Practice recognizing when no solution works perfectly, which leads to either modifying solutions or adjusting criteria. Use sentence frame: "No solution meets all criteria because each one fails at least one requirement."

Question 9

Carlos wants a paper airplane that flies at least 15 feet and folds in under 10 minutes. Plane A flew 16 feet and took 9 minutes. Plane B flew 20 feet and took 11 minutes. Plane C flew 14 feet and took 4 minutes. Which plane should he choose?

  1. Plane B because 20 feet is the farthest distance
  2. Plane A because it flies 16 feet and folds in 9 minutes (correct answer)
  3. Plane C because it folds in 4 minutes and is fastest
  4. Plane B because it took longer to fold, so it is stronger
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist, the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just one impressive measurement. In this scenario, students must compare 3 paper airplane designs: Plane A, Plane B, and Plane C. The criteria for success are flies at least 15 feet and folds in under 10 minutes. Looking at the data: Plane A flew 16 feet (meets criteria) and took 9 minutes (meets criteria); Plane B flew 20 feet (meets criteria) and took 11 minutes (fails criteria); Plane C flew 14 feet (fails criteria) and took 4 minutes (meets criteria). Choice B is correct because Plane A is the only design that meets both criteria: it flies 16 feet (more than 15-foot minimum) and folds in 9 minutes (under 10-minute limit). Choice A represents focusing on the best performance in one criterion while ignoring others. Students who choose this may think the farthest-flying plane (20 feet) is automatically best without checking that it fails the time requirement (11 minutes exceeds 10-minute limit). To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does Plane A meet the distance criterion? The time criterion?" for each plane. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another. Use sentence frame: "Plane A is best because it meets both criteria by flying 16 feet and folding in 9 minutes."

Question 10

Jamal made 3 paper airplanes. A flew 18 feet in 8 minutes, B flew 14 feet in 3 minutes, and C flew 22 feet in 12 minutes. Criteria: fly 15+ feet and fold in under 10 minutes. Which plane meets all criteria?

  1. Plane C because it flew 22 feet, the farthest distance.
  2. Plane A because it flew 18 feet and took 8 minutes to fold. (correct answer)
  3. Plane B because it took only 3 minutes to fold.
  4. Plane C because it flew over 15 feet and took 12 minutes.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist, the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just one. Sometimes comparing solutions reveals trade-offs - one solution performs better but takes longer. In this scenario, students must compare 3 paper airplanes: Plane A, Plane B, and Plane C. The criteria for success are fly 15+ feet and fold in under 10 minutes. Looking at the data: Plane A (18 feet, 8 minutes), Plane B (14 feet, 3 minutes), Plane C (22 feet, 12 minutes). Choice B is correct because Plane A is the only one that meets both criteria: it flew 18 feet (more than 15 minimum) and took 8 minutes to fold (under 10 minute limit), while Plane B fails the distance requirement and Plane C fails the time requirement. Choice A represents focusing on one criterion while ignoring others. Students who choose this may think the farthest flying plane is automatically best without checking that 12 minutes exceeds the 10 minute time limit. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no or scores for each. Ask "Does Plane A meet the distance criterion? The time criterion?" for each solution. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another (trade-offs). Use sentence frame: "Plane A is best because it meets both criteria by flying 18 feet and folding in 8 minutes."

Question 11

Emma tested 3 book holders. Design A holds 5 books, costs $3, and doesn’t tip. Design B holds 7 books, costs $4, and doesn't tip. Design C holds 6 books, costs $2, but tips sometimes. Criteria: holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Which design meets all the criteria?

  1. Design B because it holds 7 books and doesn't tip over
  2. Design C because it costs $2 and holds 6 books
  3. Design A because it holds 5 books, costs $3, and doesn't tip (correct answer)
  4. Design B because it costs $4, which is under $4
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers must carefully check that solutions meet ALL criteria, including cost constraints. In this scenario, students must compare 3 book holder designs: Design A, Design B, and Design C. The criteria for success are holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Looking at the data: Design A holds 5 books for $3 without tipping, Design B holds 7 books for $4 without tipping, Design C holds 6 books for $2 but tips sometimes. Choice C is correct because Design A meets all three criteria: it holds 5 books (meets 5-book minimum), costs $3 (under $4 limit), and doesn't tip (stable), making it the only design satisfying all requirements. Choice D represents misunderstanding cost criteria. Students who choose this may incorrectly think "under $4" includes $4, when actually Design B's $4 cost equals but doesn't go under the limit, failing the criterion. To help students: Create a comparison table and carefully check each criterion. Clarify that "under $4" means less than $4, not equal to $4. Practice identifying when solutions barely miss criteria versus clearly meeting them. Use sentence frame: "Design A is best because it meets all criteria by holding 5 books, costing $3, and staying stable."

Question 12

Three book holder designs were tested on a desk. Design A holds 5 books, costs $2, and doesn't tip. Design B holds 7 books, costs $4, and doesn't tip. Design C holds 6 books, costs $1, but tips sometimes. Criteria: holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Which solution meets all the criteria for success?

  1. Design B because it holds 7 books, the most books.
  2. Design C because it costs $1 and holds 6 books.
  3. Design A because it holds 5 books, costs $2, and doesn't tip. (correct answer)
  4. Design B because it costs $4, and $4 is under $4.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers must carefully check numerical constraints - "under $4" means less than $4, not equal to $4. In this scenario, students must compare 3 book holder designs: Design A (5 books, $2, doesn't tip), Design B (7 books, $4, doesn't tip), and Design C (6 books, $1, tips sometimes). The criteria for success are holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Looking at the data: Design A meets all criteria (5 ≥ 5, $2 < 4,stable),DesignBfailscostconstraint(4, stable), Design B fails cost constraint (4 is not under $4), Design C fails stability (tips sometimes). Choice C is correct because Design A meets all three criteria: it holds 5 books (meets the minimum), costs $2 (under 4limit),anddoesn′ttip(meetsstabilityrequirement).ChoiceDrepresentsamisunderstandingofmathematicalconstraints−studentswhochoosethismaythink"4 limit), and doesn't tip (meets stability requirement). Choice D represents a misunderstanding of mathematical constraints - students who choose this may think "4 is under $4" without realizing that "under" means less than, not equal to. To help students: Create a comparison table clearly marking which criteria each solution meets. Practice understanding constraint language: "under" means less than, "at least" means equal to or greater than. Use sentence frame: "Design A is best because it meets book capacity, cost, and stability criteria."

Question 13

Students tested 3 containers to grow beans. Tin can: $1, plants grew 7 inches, water drained well. Glass jar: $2, plants grew 8 inches, water pooled. Paper cup: $0, plants grew 6 inches, water drained well. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. According to the results, which container should students choose?

  1. Tin can because it costs $1, grew 7 inches, and drains well. (correct answer)
  2. Glass jar because it grew 8 inches, the tallest plant.
  3. Paper cup because it is free and drains well.
  4. Glass jar because it costs $2, so it meets all rules.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers use data to systematically check each criterion rather than making assumptions based on single factors like price. In this scenario, students must compare 3 container solutions: Tin can (1,7inches,drainswell),Glassjar(1, 7 inches, drains well), Glass jar (2, 8 inches, water pools), and Paper cup ($0, 6 inches, drains well). The criteria for success are costs 2orless,plantsgrow7+inches,anddrainswater.Lookingatthedata:Tincanmeetsallcriteria(2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and drains water. Looking at the data: Tin can meets all criteria (1 ≤ 2,7≥7,drains),Glassjarmeetscostandgrowthbutfailsdrainage(2, 7 ≥ 7, drains), Glass jar meets cost and growth but fails drainage (2 ≤ 2,8≥7,butpools),Papercupmeetscostanddrainagebutfailsgrowth(2, 8 ≥ 7, but pools), Paper cup meets cost and drainage but fails growth (0 ≤ $2, drains, but 6 < 7). Choice A is correct because the tin can meets all three criteria: it costs $1 (under $2 limit), plants grew 7 inches (meets 7-inch minimum), and water drains well (meets drainage requirement). Choice B represents focusing on one impressive result while ignoring a critical failure - students who choose this may see the tallest plant growth without realizing that poor drainage disqualifies this solution. To help students: Create a comparison checklist marking yes/no for each criterion. Practice identifying when a solution excels in one area but fails in another. Use sentence frame: "Tin can is best because it meets cost, growth, and drainage criteria by costing $1, growing 7 inches, and draining well."

Question 14

Marcus compared 3 snack packing methods. A: 12 minutes, 10 bags, snacks separate. B: 8 minutes, 1 container with dividers, snacks separate. C: 3 minutes, 1 bag, snacks mixed. Criteria: keeps snacks separate, uses few containers, and takes under 12 minutes. Which method is best?

  1. Method A because it keeps snacks separate and uses 10 bags
  2. Method C because it takes 3 minutes and uses only 1 bag
  3. Method B because it keeps snacks separate, uses 1 container, and takes 8 minutes (correct answer)
  4. Method A because it takes 12 minutes, so it is under 12 minutes
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers seek solutions that balance multiple requirements rather than excelling at just one. In this scenario, students must compare 3 snack packing methods: Method A, Method B, and Method C. The criteria for success are keeps snacks separate, uses few containers, and takes under 12 minutes. Looking at the data: Method A takes 12 minutes with 10 bags keeping snacks separate, Method B takes 8 minutes with 1 container with dividers keeping snacks separate, Method C takes 3 minutes with 1 bag but snacks mix. Choice C is correct because Method B meets all three criteria: it keeps snacks separate (using dividers), uses few containers (only 1 versus 10), and takes 8 minutes (under 12-minute limit), making it the optimal solution. Choice B represents prioritizing speed while ignoring quality requirements. Students who choose this may think fastest is always best without recognizing that mixed snacks fail the separation criterion, which was specified as important. To help students: Create a comparison checklist and evaluate each method against all criteria. Clarify that "few containers" means 1 is much better than 10, and that keeping snacks separate is a requirement, not optional. Use sentence frame: "Method B is best because it meets all criteria by separating snacks with dividers, using just 1 container, and taking only 8 minutes."

Question 15

Carlos designed 3 paper airplanes. A flew 16 feet and took 9 minutes. B flew 20 feet and took 11 minutes. C flew 14 feet and took 4 minutes. Criteria: at least 15 feet and under 10 minutes. Which plane should Carlos choose?

  1. Plane B because it flew 20 feet, the farthest distance
  2. Plane A because it flew 16 feet and took 9 minutes (correct answer)
  3. Plane C because it took 4 minutes, the fastest folding time
  4. Plane B because it flew 20 feet and took more than 10 minutes
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. When multiple criteria exist, the best solution meets ALL criteria, not just excelling at one. In this scenario, students must compare 3 paper airplanes: Plane A, Plane B, and Plane C. The criteria for success are flying at least 15 feet and taking under 10 minutes to fold. Looking at the data: Plane A flew 16 feet in 9 minutes, Plane B flew 20 feet in 11 minutes, Plane C flew 14 feet in 4 minutes. Choice B is correct because Plane A meets both criteria: it flew 16 feet (more than 15-foot minimum) and took 9 minutes (under 10-minute limit), making it the only plane that satisfies all requirements. Choice A represents focusing on best performance in one area while ignoring other criteria. Students who choose this may think the farthest-flying plane is automatically best without checking that Plane B's 11-minute folding time exceeds the 10-minute limit. To help students: Create a comparison checklist with planes as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does each plane meet the distance criterion? Time criterion?" Emphasize that meeting all criteria is more important than excelling at just one. Use sentence frame: "Plane A is best because it meets both criteria by flying 16 feet and taking only 9 minutes."

Question 16

Read about 3 book holder designs tested in class. Design 1 holds 6 books, costs $0, and doesn't tip. Design 2 holds 4 books, costs $3, and is very stable. Design 3 holds 8 books, costs $5, but tips easily. Criteria: holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Which design works best for this problem?

  1. Design 3 because it holds 8 books, the most books.
  2. Design 2 because it is very stable and costs $3.
  3. Design 1 because it holds 6 books, costs $0, and doesn't tip. (correct answer)
  4. Design 3 because it uses wire, and wire is strong.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers use data and evidence to compare solutions systematically, checking each criterion rather than focusing on single impressive features. In this scenario, students must compare 3 book holder designs: Design 1 (6 books, $0, doesn't tip), Design 2 (4 books, $3, very stable), and Design 3 (8 books, $5, tips easily). The criteria for success are holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Looking at the data: Design 1 meets all criteria (6 ≥ 5, $0 < 4,stable),Design2failsbookcapacity(4<5),Design3failsbothcost(4, stable), Design 2 fails book capacity (4 < 5), Design 3 fails both cost (5 > $4) and stability (tips). Choice C is correct because Design 1 meets all three criteria: it holds 6 books (more than 5 minimum), costs $0 (under $4 limit), and doesn't tip (meets stability requirement). Choice A represents focusing on one criterion while ignoring others - students who choose this may think the design holding the most books is automatically best without checking cost or stability requirements. To help students: Create a comparison checklist with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does Design 1 meet the book capacity? Cost limit? Stability requirement?" Emphasize that "best" means meeting ALL criteria, not just being impressive in one area.

Question 17

Chen compared 3 snack packing methods for a field trip. A uses 20 bags and takes 15 minutes, but snacks stay separate. B uses 1 container with dividers and takes 10 minutes, and snacks stay separate. C uses 1 bag and takes 2 minutes, but snacks mix. Criteria: keeps snacks separate, uses few containers, and takes under 12 minutes. Which method is best?

  1. Method B because it keeps snacks separate, uses 1 container, and takes 10 minutes (correct answer)
  2. Method A because it keeps snacks separate and uses many bags
  3. Method C because it takes 2 minutes and uses only 1 bag
  4. Method A because it takes 15 minutes and uses 20 bags
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Sometimes comparing solutions reveals trade-offs, and engineers must find the option that satisfies all requirements. In this scenario, students must compare 3 snack packing methods: Method A, Method B, and Method C. The criteria for success are keeps snacks separate, uses few containers, and takes under 12 minutes. Looking at the data: Method A uses 20 bags in 15 minutes with separation, Method B uses 1 container with dividers in 10 minutes with separation, Method C uses 1 bag in 2 minutes but snacks mix. Choice A is correct because Method B meets all three criteria: it keeps snacks separate (using dividers), uses few containers (only 1), and takes 10 minutes (under 12-minute limit), making it the best solution. Choice C represents prioritizing speed and simplicity while ignoring quality criteria. Students who choose this may think fastest is best without checking that Method C fails the separation requirement when snacks mix together. To help students: Create a comparison table with methods as rows and criteria as columns. Emphasize that "few containers" means 1 is better than 20, and that all criteria must be met. Use sentence frame: "Method B is best because it meets all criteria by keeping snacks separate, using only 1 container, and taking 10 minutes."

Question 18

Sofia tried 3 book holder designs. Design 1 holds 6 books, costs $0, and doesn’t tip. Design 2 holds 4 books, costs $3, and doesn't tip. Design 3 holds 8 books, costs $5, but tips easily. Criteria: holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Which design meets all the criteria?

  1. Design 2 because it costs $3 and doesn't tip over
  2. Design 3 because it holds 8 books, the most books
  3. Design 1 because it holds 6 books, costs $0, and is stable (correct answer)
  4. Design 3 because it uses less desk space than the others
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers must check that solutions meet ALL criteria, not just perform well in one area. In this scenario, students must compare 3 book holder designs. The criteria for success are holds 5+ books, costs under $4, and doesn't tip. Looking at the data: Design 1 holds 6 books, costs $0, doesn't tip; Design 2 holds 4 books, costs $3, doesn't tip; Design 3 holds 8 books, costs $5, tips easily. Choice C is correct because Design 1 meets all three criteria: it holds 6 books (more than 5 minimum), costs $0 (under 4limit),anddoesn′ttip(stable),makingitthebestsolutionbasedontheevidence.ChoiceBrepresentsfocusingononeimpressivefeaturewhileignoringfailures.StudentswhochoosethismaythinkholdingthemostbooksisbestwithoutcheckingthatDesign3coststoomuch(4 limit), and doesn't tip (stable), making it the best solution based on the evidence. Choice B represents focusing on one impressive feature while ignoring failures. Students who choose this may think holding the most books is best without checking that Design 3 costs too much (5 exceeds $4 limit) and tips over (fails stability criterion). To help students: Create a comparison checklist with designs as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does Design 3 meet the book criterion? Cost criterion? Stability criterion?" Emphasize checking ALL criteria before deciding. Use sentence frame: "Design 1 is best because it meets all criteria by holding 6 books, costing $0, and staying stable."

Question 19

Yuki tested 3 containers for growing beans. Criteria: costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and water drains well. Paper cup: $1, 7 inches, drains well. Glass jar: $2, 8 inches, water pools. Tin can: $0, 6 inches, drains well. Which container best meets the criteria?

  1. Paper cup because it costs $1, grew 7 inches, and drains well (correct answer)
  2. Glass jar because it grew 8 inches and costs $2
  3. Tin can because it is free and drains well
  4. Glass jar because the plants grew the tallest
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers check all criteria systematically, understanding that meeting the minimum requirements for all criteria is better than exceeding one while failing another. In this scenario, students must compare 3 containers for growing beans: Paper cup, Glass jar, and Tin can. The criteria for success are costs $2 or less, plants grow 7+ inches, and water drains well. Looking at the data: Paper cup costs $1 (meets criteria), grew 7 inches (meets criteria), drains well (meets criteria); Glass jar costs $2 (meets criteria), grew 8 inches (meets criteria), water pools (fails criteria); Tin can costs $0 (meets criteria), grew 6 inches (fails criteria), drains well (meets criteria). Choice A is correct because the paper cup is the only container that meets all three criteria: it costs $1 (under $2 limit), plants grew 7 inches (meets 7+ minimum), and it drains well. Choice D represents focusing on the best single result while ignoring a critical failure. Students who choose this may be impressed by the 8-inch growth in the glass jar without noticing that pooling water fails the drainage requirement. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no for each. Ask "Does the paper cup meet the cost criterion? Growth criterion? Drainage criterion?" for each container. Emphasize that proper drainage is essential for plant health, making this a critical requirement. Use sentence frame: "The paper cup is best because it meets all criteria by costing $1, growing 7 inches, and draining well."

Question 20

Chen tested 3 water bottle holders for a bike ride. Holder 1 is secure, fits in a backpack, and costs $0. Holder 2 is secure, does not fit, and costs $8. Holder 3 fits and costs $2, but the bottle slides out sometimes. Criteria: secure, fits in backpack, and costs under $5. Which holder meets all criteria?

  1. Holder 2 because it holds securely and was purchased.
  2. Holder 3 because it costs $2 and fits in the backpack.
  3. Holder 1 because it is secure, fits, and costs $0. (correct answer)
  4. Holder 2 because it is secure and costs the most money.
Explanation: This question tests comparing solutions using criteria (NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2: Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem). Comparing solutions means evaluating how well each option meets the criteria for success. Engineers use data and evidence to compare solutions systematically rather than just picking their favorite. In this scenario, students must compare 3 water bottle holders: Holder 1, Holder 2, and Holder 3. The criteria for success are secure, fits in backpack, and costs under $5. Looking at the data: Holder 1 (secure, fits, $0), Holder 2 (secure, doesn't fit, $8), Holder 3 (slides out sometimes, fits, $2). Choice C is correct because Holder 1 meets all three criteria: it is secure, fits in a backpack, and costs $0 (under $5 limit), making it the only solution that satisfies all requirements. Choice B represents focusing on partial criteria while ignoring security issues. Students who choose this may see that it fits and costs $2 without recognizing that "slides out sometimes" fails the security requirement. To help students: Create a comparison checklist or table with solutions as rows and criteria as columns, marking yes/no or scores for each. Ask "Does Holder 1 meet the security criterion? The fit criterion? The cost criterion?" for each solution. Emphasize that "best" means meeting ALL criteria, not just being good at one or two things. Use sentence frame: "Holder 1 is best because it meets all criteria by being secure, fitting in the backpack, and costing $0."