Engineering Design Process — Answer Key
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A Grade 3 paper bridge held only 2 coins before breaking. Which change most likely makes it stronger?
A) Fold the paper into a thicker beam shape
B) Use a single thin flat sheet with no folds
C) Make the bridge twice as long with no supports
D) Remove the supports to save materials
In Grade 3, folding paper into a beam shape adds strength without adding weight.
2. A Grade 3 straw tower fell at 20 cm. What is the best next iteration?
A) Build the same tower exactly the same way
B) Widen the base with extra straws for support
C) Make the base narrower to use fewer straws
D) Skip the test step next time to save time
In Grade 3 engineering, a wide base lowers the tower's chance of tipping.
3. A Grade 3 rainproof cover let water through the seams. Which improvement helps most?
A) Add tape along every seam to seal gaps
B) Remove the cover to check the rain
C) Use more seams with no tape at all
D) Make the cover out of thinner paper
Sealing seams in Grade 3 stops water from leaking through weak points.
4. In Grade 3, why do engineers repeat the design steps instead of stopping after one test?
A) Because the first try is always perfect
B) Because each iteration makes the design better
C) Because testing wastes all their materials
D) Because rules say stop after exactly one try
In Grade 3, iterating lets engineers use test results to keep improving the design.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Repeating the design steps to make a Grade 3 design better each time is called iteration.
Iteration in Grade 3 is the loop of test, improve, and test again.
2. After a Grade 3 bridge breaks, engineers look at results to find weak spots.
Test results in Grade 3 show engineers exactly where the design failed.
3. Adding folds to a Grade 3 paper beam makes it stronger without adding weight.
Folds in Grade 3 engineering use shape to add strength efficiently.
4. A Grade 3 engineer who quits after one failed test misses the chance to improve the design.
Improving in Grade 3 only happens when engineers keep trying after failure.
5. Each Grade 3 iteration is a chance to learn from failure and make a better prototype.
Failure teaches Grade 3 engineers what needs to change in the next design.