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Criteria & Constraints
Connections:
As you move through the S205 Online Course, you will plan for ways to help students answer the following questions:
What is the problem?
What are the criteria and constraints for my client(s)?
How do I know if the solution is good?
What are possible solutions?
What are my types of data?
How do I collect the data?
How do I make sense of the data?
How do I use the data?
How do I test solutions?
How can I display the data?
In this section: Bite-Sized Experience Planning, you will start thinking about the problem, criteria and constraints, and possible solutions.
Objectives:
- Develop an understanding of engineering.
- Decide what interdisciplinary bite-sized engineering experience their students will take part in.
- Identify probable criteria and constraints students will use to develop a solution for the client/stakeholder the problem involves.
- Refine and revise the problem statements based on criteria and constraints they identify.
Introduction
Criteria are requirements to make a design successful, while constraints are limitations on the design process.
If you would like a refresher example of criteria and constraints, review the examples here.
The NGSS includes a variety of outcomes related to criteria & constraints:
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.
MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
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 for success.
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.
Reflection:
How might you utilize one of the NGSS outcomes in your classroom to incorporate criteria and constraints?
Additional Resources:
If you would like to learn more about criteria & constraints, consider reading:
The Basics of Data Literacy: Helping Your Students (and You!) by Anthony Bartley & Michael Bowen
Uncovering Student Ideas About Engineering and Technology by Page Keeley, Cary Sneider, Mihir Ravel
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