What are the requirements for our project?

Student Sheet 

Teacher Answers 

Estimated class Time:

One 40-minute class period

Question:

What are the requirements for our project?

Materials:

• *8.5 X 11 White Paper
• *Matchbox car
• *Large chart paper

Lesson Level Learning Objectives:

• 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.

Phenomenon:

• Students build a paper airplane without the criteria and constraints being revealed beforehand.  They then evaluate how the airplane withstands a classroom test and how it would need to be changed to be more successful.  
• Students take scientific principles into account and develop a list of criteria and constraints in order to optimize their incubator design and guide the building process.

What we Figured Out: 

Criteria - The goals of the desired solution

Constraint - Limits based on available materials and resources

Criteria: Possible ideas:

• Fit a pre-term infant
• Keep 36.6 to 37 degree Celsius temperature for 5 minutes
• Be mobile
• Be safe for the infant and family
• Provide easy access to meet infant needs of food and diaper changing

Constraints: Possible Ideas:

• Budget
• Materials available
• No electricity
• 2 days building time in class
• required purchase order/building plan

Questions we still have:

• When can we build?
• How do we meet the criteria and constraints?
• How will the criteria and constraints impact our incubator?

Infant Incubator Homepage