Engineering Design Process — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A plan shows the materials and steps engineers will follow.
Grade 3 design: plans list the materials and the building steps.
2. Before building, engineers make a sketch or drawing of the idea.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-5-ETS1: sketches help visualize plans.
3. A model shows how a real object might look or work.
Grade 3 science: models are tools for testing and explaining ideas.
4. When engineers test, they try the design to see if it works.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-5-ETS1: testing gives data to compare designs.
5. Grade 3 engineers write down data during a test.
Grade 3 science: data helps engineers see what worked and what did not.
6. A design that fails gives useful information about what to fix.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-5-ETS1: failure teaches engineers how to improve.
7. When engineers improve a design, they change parts to make it better.
Grade 3 science: improving means making changes based on test results.
8. Going back through the steps to try again is called an iteration.
Grade 3 NGSS 3-5-ETS1: each iteration helps the design get better.
9. Grade 3 teams share their results so other engineers can learn.
Grade 3 science: sharing lets others learn and build on the work.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Imagine step
→ Think of many possible ideas
Try the prototype and record what happens
Plan step
→ List materials and draw a sketch
List materials and draw a sketch
Test step
→ Try the prototype and record what happens
Think of many possible ideas
Improve step
→ Fix weak parts and try again
Fix weak parts and try again
Grade 3 NGSS 3-5-ETS1: the cycle pairs each step with clear actions.