Grade 5 · Science

Use test results to improve a prototype

Decide whether a tested design revision meets a stated performance target.

6 authored questions + worked example

Worked example

A paper bridge should hold at least 6 counters. The original holds [4, 5, 4] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [7, 8, 7]. What do these trials support?

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 6; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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All questions

All 6 authored questions for this skill.

Question 1

A paper bridge should hold at least 5 counters. The original holds [3, 4, 3] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [6, 7, 6]. What do these trials support?

  1. The original met the target in all three trials.
  2. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
  3. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
  4. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 5; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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Question 2

A paper bridge should hold at least 7 counters. The original holds [5, 6, 5] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [9, 8, 9]. What do these trials support?

  1. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
  2. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
  3. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
  4. The original met the target in all three trials.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 7; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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Question 3

A paper bridge should hold at least 8 counters. The original holds [7, 6, 7] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [10, 9, 10]. What do these trials support?

  1. The original met the target in all three trials.
  2. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
  3. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
  4. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 8; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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Question 4

A paper bridge should hold at least 4 counters. The original holds [2, 3, 2] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [5, 6, 5]. What do these trials support?

  1. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
  2. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
  3. The original met the target in all three trials.
  4. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 4; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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Question 5

A paper bridge should hold at least 6 counters. The original holds [4, 5, 4] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [7, 8, 7]. What do these trials support?

  1. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
  2. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
  3. The original met the target in all three trials.
  4. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 6; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

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Question 6

A paper bridge should hold at least 7 counters. The original holds [6, 5, 6] counters in three trials; after folding a side rail it holds [8, 9, 8]. What do these trials support?

  1. The revision is guaranteed never to fail.
  2. The original met the target in all three trials.
  3. The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.
  4. The results prove every possible side rail is best.
A hint

Compare every recorded trial with the success target; keep the conclusion within the evidence.

Answer & why

Answer: The revised model met the load target in all three recorded trials.

All revised results are at least 7; all original results are below it. The evidence supports this tested revision under these conditions, not an unlimited guarantee.

Add to plan