3-5-ETS1-2
The standard
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.
Next Generation Science Standards
What this standard means
Students need to come up with more than one possible design solution, not just pick the first idea. They also need to use the problem’s goals and limits to judge each option. Goals might include strength, speed, cost, safety, or ease of use. Limits might include time, materials, size, or budget.
Mastery looks like students explaining why one solution fits the criteria and constraints better than another. They should use evidence from sketches, tests, measurements, or a simple scoring chart. Students often get stuck choosing their favorite idea instead of comparing fairly, or they ignore constraints once building begins.
Ways to teach it
- Give teams straws, tape, and index cards to design two bridge options, then score each for span, strength, and material use.
- Ask students to write: Which design would you choose, and what evidence shows it best meets the goals and limits?
- Show three simple design sketches and have students rank them using a criteria-and-constraints checklist before explaining one choice.
- Compare playground shade solutions, such as trees, sails, and umbrellas, using cost, coverage, safety, and maintenance as constraints.
Plan a lesson for 3-5-ETS1-2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related standards
- HS-ETS1-4
Use a computer simulation to model the impact of proposed solutions to a complex real-world problem with numerous criteria and constraints on interactions withi...
- MS-ETS1-3
Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combin...
- MS-ETS1-2
Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
- 4-PS4-3
Generate and compare multiple solutions that use patterns to transfer information.