E-Fabrication · Unit 08

Imagine Three Solutions

Capstone: Design Something That Matters · Student choice

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Today’s challenge

Sketch, compare, combine, and choose using a decision matrix.

Grade 3 focusTeacher-approved choices, visual planning, one main fabrication process, short tests, and a guided presentation.

Grade 5 focusIndependent problem framing, justified process selection, two or more connected systems when useful, documented iteration, and a formal design defense.

Successful student example for Imagine Three Solutions

Success example · inspiration, not a design to copy

Look closely. What makes this successful?

Three different ideas are compared before the strongest features are combined.

What to do

  1. Understand. Read the challenge. Circle the important need, rule, or safety limit.
  2. Plan. Use the thinking spaces below before you begin making.
  3. Make. Build, model, code, practice, or investigate carefully with your team.
  4. Check. Use evidence—not guesses—to decide what worked.
  5. Improve or explain. Make one useful change or share your strongest conclusion.

Engineer’s thinking

1. Who are you designing for?

2. What must your idea do?

3. What limits must you follow?

4. Sketch and label at least two ideas.

Evidence check

Show what you learned.

Your teacher will look for: Three labeled concepts, a decision matrix, and a justified final choice.

My evidence

My next step

Exit reflection

Today I learned that because .

Next time I will .

How independently did I work?□ I needed coaching□ I worked with my team□ I can teach this skill