Design and Modeling

Engineering Design

Science and Engineering Practices

Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.

Asking Questions and Defining Problems

Developing and Using Models

Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Asking questions and defining problems in 6-8 builds on K-5 experiences and progresses to specifying relationships between variables, and clarifying arguments and models.

Asking questions and defining problems to clarify and/or refine a model, an explanation, or an engineering problem.

Asking questions and defining problems that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process or system and includes multiple criteria and constraints, including scientific knowledge that may limit possible solutions.

Modeling in 6-8 builds on K-5 experiences and progresses to developing, using, and revising models to describe, test, and predict more abstract phenomena and design systems.

Evaluate limitations of a model for a proposed object or tool.

Develop or modify a model - based on evidence - to match what happens if a variable or component of a system is changed.

Use mathematical representations to describe and/or support scientific conclusions and design solutions.

Constructing explanations and designing solutions in 6-8 builds on K-5 experiences and progresses to include constructing explanations and designing solutions supported by multiple sources of evidence consistent with scientific ideas, principles, and theories.

Undertake a design project, engaging in the design cycle, to construct and/or implement a solution that meets specific design criteria and constraints.

Optimize performance of a design by prioritizing criteria, making tradeoffs, testing, revising, and retesting.

Evaluate competing design solutions based on jointly developed and agreed-upon design criteria.

Communicate scientific and/or technical information (e.g. about a proposed object, tool, process, system) in writing and/or through oral presentations.