Science.4.2.D

Students can evaluate their design solution (prototype, product, process, or proof of concept) using a rubric. A rubric is a tool that can be used to guide and assess student performance and skills related to the design challenge and associated thinking processes (engineering design process or computational thinking). 

The rubric can be designed by students or the teacher and should consider the following areas:

Were the criteria and constraints for the design challenge, Engineering Design Components and Evaluation One Pager, met?

• Students design their solution based on the criteria (desired outcomes) and consider constraints (limitations). 

Did the design include ideas from all team members?

• Students work in collaborative teams to contribute solution ideas and design a cohesive plan. 

Did the design solve the problem?

• Students develop and implement testing processes, gather data, and engage in data analysis. Data results are analyzed to determine how the design solves the problem.

Was the project at or under budget?

• Students conduct a cost-benefit analysis. A cost-benefit analysis compares the projected or estimated costs and benefits (or opportunities) associated with project decisions. In an engineering design challenge, examples of costs may include but are not limited to materials, building/implementation time investment or duration, environmental impact, safety considerations, and projected durability or longevity of the design solution or product. In grades 3-5, it is appropriate to focus on the budget component of a cost-benefit analysis. For example, students can use play money to represent their total budget. They can make decisions about which materials to spend their money on and later reflect on whether they feel like they made good choices in how to spend their money.