Educator Resources

MS-ETS1-1: 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. 

• SEP: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
• DCI: ETS1.A: Defining and Delimiting Engineering Problems 

Evidence: 

• Describe a problem that can be solved with an object, tool, process or system.
• Identify the system in which the problem is embedded. 
• Identify individuals or groups affected, their needs and the impact of the problem/solution. 
• Define criteria that enable quantitative comparisons among different solutions. 
• Define constraints including time, materials, and costs, safety, environmental impact, etc.  

MS-ETS1-2: Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. 

• SEP: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
• DCI: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions 

Evidence: 

• Identify science knowledge related to the problem.
• Look at similar problems that have been solved in the past. 
• Identify possible solutions. 
• Consider social/environmental issues. 
• Use a systematic method (e.g., a decision matrix) to support claims, evidence, reasoning and conclusions. 

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 combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria.

• SEP: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
• DCI: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions, and ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design Solution 

Evidence: 

• Organize data into tables, charts or graphs to assess the effectiveness of possible solutions. 
• Use the analyzed data to identify evidence of similarities and differences in solutions.
• Make a claim for which characteristics of each design best meet the criteria and constraints. 
• Compile best features into an improved, redesigned solution. 

MS-ETS1-4: Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool or process such that an optimal design can be achieved. 

• SEP: Developing and Using Models
• DCI: ETS1.B: Developing Possible Solutions, and ETS1.C: Optimizing the Design 

Evidence: 

• Identify the limitations of the final model. 
• Describe how the data generated by the model, along with criteria and constraints that the proposed solution must meet, were used to optimize the design. 
• Use an iterative cycle of modeling, testing, analyzing, refining and retesting to complete the process.