This Grade 4 hard sheet pushes evidence-based design with catapults, boats, parachutes, and straw rockets. Students answer four multiple-choice items about choosing the best next change to meet a stated goal, then complete five fill-ins on iteration, fairness, and best solutions. Each scenario asks Grade 4 learners to use test data, change only one variable, and explain why their improvement should work before any new prototype is actually built.
Style:
Engineering Design Challenges
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Jay's catapult shoots 20 cm. He wants more distance. Which change fits the goal first?
A) Pull the spoon back farther before release.
B) Use a much heavier marble than before.
C) Set the catapult on softer carpet flooring.
D) Block the spoon so it moves less now.
2. Lily's boat sinks under 10 pennies. She raises the sides. Best fair test next?
A) Try heavier coins to push the limit higher.
B) Use the same pennies and same tub of water.
C) Move the boat to a faster, deeper river nearby.
D) Test it on dry land with no water around.
3. Noah's parachute drops too fast. Which change fits his goal of slower drops?
A) Use a smaller, much tighter canopy.
B) Add many heavy washers under the chute.
C) Make the canopy wider with more air drag.
D) Cut several large holes through the middle.
4. Eva's straw rocket flies crooked. Which improvement most likely fixes the flight path?
A) Use much shorter and softer straws each time.
B) Push less air through the launcher straw.
C) Launch it from a higher, tilted starting spot.
D) Add small balanced fins near the rocket base.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. Using test data to guide changes is called evidence-based design.
2. Two tests with one variable changed produce a fair comparison.
3. An idea that fails a test still gives the team useful information.
4. Each trip through the design loop is called one iteration.
5. A design that meets every criterion within all limits is the best solution.
Engineering Design Challenges
★ Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. Jay's catapult shoots 20 cm. He wants more distance. Which change fits the goal first?
A) Pull the spoon back farther before release.
B) Use a much heavier marble than before.
C) Set the catapult on softer carpet flooring.
D) Block the spoon so it moves less now.
2. Lily's boat sinks under 10 pennies. She raises the sides. Best fair test next?
A) Try heavier coins to push the limit higher.
B) Use the same pennies and same tub of water.
C) Move the boat to a faster, deeper river nearby.
D) Test it on dry land with no water around.
3. Noah's parachute drops too fast. Which change fits his goal of slower drops?
A) Use a smaller, much tighter canopy.
B) Add many heavy washers under the chute.
C) Make the canopy wider with more air drag.
D) Cut several large holes through the middle.
4. Eva's straw rocket flies crooked. Which improvement most likely fixes the flight path?
A) Use much shorter and softer straws each time.
B) Push less air through the launcher straw.
C) Launch it from a higher, tilted starting spot.
D) Add small balanced fins near the rocket base.
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1) Using test data to guide changes is called evidence-based design.
2) Two tests with one variable changed produce a fair comparison.
3) An idea that fails a test still gives the team useful information.
4) Each trip through the design loop is called one iteration.
5) A design that meets every criterion within all limits is the best solution.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
12-18 minutes
Auto-graded
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