Grade 3 · Science
Use a design’s purpose and limits
Distinguish what a design must achieve from a limit it must respect.
6 authored questions + worked example
Worked example
A class designs a bridge. It must hold a 200 g toy and at most two sheets of card. Which test checks both requirements?
Answer & why
Answer: Hold the toy using two or fewer sheets.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
All questions
All 6 authored questions for this skill.
Question 1
A class designs a carrier. It must move three blocks without dropping them and use one paper sheet. Which test checks both requirements?
- Use as many sheets as possible.
- Carry no blocks.
- Test only whether the paper looks smooth.
- Carry all three blocks using one sheet.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Carry all three blocks using one sheet.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
Question 2
A class designs a ramp. It must roll a toy car into a marked area and stay inside a tray. Which test checks both requirements?
- Make the ramp extend off the tray.
- Ignore where the car stops.
- Judge only the ramp’s name.
- Reach the marked area with the ramp inside the tray.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Reach the marked area with the ramp inside the tray.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
Question 3
A class designs a tower. It must stand for 30 seconds and use at most six blocks. Which test checks both requirements?
- Use every block in the room.
- Stop checking after one second.
- Count color instead of time.
- Stand for 30 seconds with six or fewer blocks.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Stand for 30 seconds with six or fewer blocks.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
Question 4
A class designs a container. It must hold eight counters and fit inside a 10 cm cube. Which test checks both requirements?
- Hold eight counters while fitting inside the 10 cm cube.
- Count only the container’s color.
- Choose a container larger than the permitted cube.
- Require no space for counters.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Hold eight counters while fitting inside the 10 cm cube.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
Question 5
A class designs a bridge. It must hold a 200 g toy and at most two sheets of card. Which test checks both requirements?
- Choose only by color.
- Use any number of sheets.
- Ignore how much the toy weighs.
- Hold the toy using two or fewer sheets.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Hold the toy using two or fewer sheets.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
Question 6
A class designs a shade. It must keep a model figure out of direct light and fit on a 10 cm square base. Which test checks both requirements?
- Leave the figure in direct light.
- Make the largest possible base.
- Block the light while fitting on the base.
- Measure only the paint color.
A hint
A successful design must meet its purpose and its limits.
Answer & why
Answer: Block the light while fitting on the base.
The test checks the desired result and the stated limit together.
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