Balance Criteria and Constraints

Learn how engineers identify criteria and constraints, using trade-offs to balance competing factors.

Learning Blast

Learning Blast: Balance Criteria and Constraints

Engineers identify criteria and constraints, using trade-offs to balance competing factors.

Resources

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Real-World Modeling of the Engineering Process

Youth are guided through an engineering challenge with real engineers, modeling the engineering process. Watch as the lead engineer encourages the youth to work through the challenge by using engineering practices.

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Balance Criteria and Constraints that Require Trade-offs

Engineers make trade-offs to balance competing factors as they solve problems. As youth create enrichment toys for zoo animals, they balance the animals’ safety with keeping them engaged.

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Design and Test

Participants will use “What-If” cards in order to help youth engage in engineering design practices like using criteria and constraints, facing a failed test, and redesign.

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Balancing Criteria and Constraints

Want to learn more about another practice for developing an engineering mindset?

Check out the resources available for Persist and Learn from Failure.

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