Engineering Design Challenges — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
First, engineers builded a model before asking questions.
Corrected: First, engineers ask questions before building a model.
The Ask step always comes first, and built is the correct past tense of build.
2. Fix the sentence:
After testing, the team don't change their design.
Corrected: After testing, the team improves their design.
Engineers always improve designs after testing, and team takes a singular verb here.
3. Fix the sentence:
A constraint are something the design must do well.
Corrected: A criterion is something the design must do well.
Criteria describe success goals, while constraints describe limits, and singular subjects need is.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. The first step of the engineering design process is Ask.
Ask means defining the problem, criteria, and constraints clearly.
2. Limits like time, money, or materials are called constraints.
Constraints set the boundaries that any working solution must respect.
3. Goals that show success, like holding 10 books, are called criteria.
Criteria are measurable targets used to judge whether a design works.
4. Drawing your idea on paper happens during the Plan step.
Plan turns brainstormed ideas into clear sketches and material lists.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Name the five steps of the engineering design process in order.
Sample answer: Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Improve are the five steps engineers follow when solving a design problem.
These five steps repeat in cycles until the design meets every criterion.
2. How is a criterion different from a constraint?
Sample answer: A criterion is a goal the design must reach, while a constraint is a limit like time, cost, or available materials.
Knowing both helps engineers judge success and respect real-world boundaries.