Simple Design Problems

Question 1

Sam wants to build a bird feeder so the backyard birds have food during winter. Which statement best defines Sam's design problem, including a clear need, a success criterion, and at least one constraint?

Accepted Answer

Sam needs a bird feeder that will hold at least 2 cups of seed, keep the seed dry for at least 3 days, be made only from recycled plastic, and be built in less than 2 hours.

Answer

Sam needs a bird feeder that will hold at least 2 cups of seed and keep the seed dry for at least 3 days.

Answer

Sam wants a bird feeder that looks colorful, can be built with any materials, and can take any amount of time to make.

Answer

Sam needs a bird feeder that can be made only from recycled plastic and built in less than 2 hours.

Question 2

Which of the following best defines the design problem for Maya’s class project to build a bird feeder?

Accepted Answer

Maya needs to design a bird feeder that holds at least 200 grams of seed, can be hung from a tree branch without breaking, must be made only from recycled plastic bottles, and must be completed in one week.

Answer

Maya’s design must cost less than 5 and be made from wood, but there are no requirements for how much seed it can hold.

Answer

Maya needs to design a bird feeder that looks colorful and attracts many birds.

Answer

Maya must build a bird feeder using any materials she wants, as long as it is finished by the end of the month.

Question 3

A team of middle‑school students is designing a rain‑water collection system for their school garden. Which of the following options correctly lists two criteria (desired outcomes) and two constraints (limitations) for this design problem, showing enough precision and considering scientific principles and environmental impact?

Accepted Answer

Criteria: collect at least 500 L of rainwater each week; system must be easy for students to operate. Constraints: storage tank cannot exceed 1.5 m³ in volume; all materials must be non‑toxic and sourced locally.

Answer

Criteria: collect at least 500 L of rainwater each week; tank cannot exceed 1.5 m³ in volume. Constraints: system must be easy for students to operate; all materials must be non‑toxic.

Answer

Criteria: collect at least 500 L of rainwater each week; system must be easy for students to operate. Constraints: tank must be painted green; system must be installed before spring.

Answer

Criteria: use only recycled materials; system must be painted green. Constraints: collect at least 500 L of rainwater each week; tank size limited to 1.5 m³.

Try three questions

Sam wants to build a bird feeder so the backyard birds have food during winter. Which statement best defines Sam's design problem, including a clear need, a success criterion, and at least one constraint?

Which of the following best defines the design problem for Maya’s class project to build a bird feeder?

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