Grade 4 engineers solve multi-step scenarios where constraints shift mid-project. Four multiple-choice questions cover sinking boats, weak catapults, shrinking time limits, and stalled marble runs, asking learners to predict the best fix. Five fill-in-the-blanks reinforce recycled materials, essential steps, claims, wider bases, and constraint changes. This worksheet builds Grade 4 critical thinking by showing how real engineers analyze evidence, weigh new limits, and choose the smartest next move every time.
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Engineering Design Challenges
Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A boat sank because it was too heavy. What should the team change first?
A) Use lighter materials
B) Add more weight
C) Make boat smaller
D) Test in a smaller pool
2. A catapult only flings 1 meter. The constraint says any rubber bands. Best fix?
A) Switch to string
B) Add stronger rubber bands
C) Remove the bands
D) Make it heavier
3. Time limit drops from 30 to 15 minutes. Which step might the team skip?
A) Brainstorming
B) Building
C) Detailed sketching
D) Testing
4. After 3 trials, a marble run keeps stopping. What is most likely wrong?
A) Marble is too heavy
B) Track is too steep
C) Marble has wings
D) Track slope is too low
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1. When the budget drops, engineers must use cheaper or recycled materials instead.
2. If a team runs out of time, they should focus first on the essential steps only.
3. When a design fails, engineers ask why and use evidence to make a claim.
4. If wind keeps knocking a tower, adding a wider base makes it more stable.
5. Adding a new rule mid-project is called a constraint change that shifts the plan.
Engineering Design Challenges
★ Part A: Multiple Choice
Circle the best answer for each question.
1. A boat sank because it was too heavy. What should the team change first?
A) Use lighter materials
B) Add more weight
C) Make boat smaller
D) Test in a smaller pool
2. A catapult only flings 1 meter. The constraint says any rubber bands. Best fix?
A) Switch to string
B) Add stronger rubber bands
C) Remove the bands
D) Make it heavier
3. Time limit drops from 30 to 15 minutes. Which step might the team skip?
A) Brainstorming
B) Building
C) Detailed sketching
D) Testing
4. After 3 trials, a marble run keeps stopping. What is most likely wrong?
A) Marble is too heavy
B) Track is too steep
C) Marble has wings
D) Track slope is too low
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the correct answer on each line.
1) When the budget drops, engineers must use cheaper or recycled materials instead.
2) If a team runs out of time, they should focus first on the essential steps only.
3) When a design fails, engineers ask why and use evidence to make a claim.
4) If wind keeps knocking a tower, adding a wider base makes it more stable.
5) Adding a new rule mid-project is called a constraint change that shifts the plan.
Ready to Practice?
Complete each section carefully.
9 Questions
12-18 minutes
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