Simple Design Problems
Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Define the need before choosing a shape. Criteria say what a solution must do and how to check it. Constraints are limits. A clear brief lets someone else judge success. Safety: Planning only; any later construction needs separate safe instructions. Stop: End when the user can explain both checks. Do not claim the unbuilt design has passed them.”
Bring to the table
- Paper, pencil and ruler
- Three wooden pencils and one reused paper sheet
- Adult who can act as the intended user
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Illustrative brief: the hands-free check supports three pencils on a flat desk for a slow count of five. None may roll off. A separate ruler check limits the holder's footprint to 15 cm by 15 cm. Using one reused sheet is a material constraint. These are planned checks, not observed passes.
Optional challenge. Add a third user-led criterion without turning a personal preference into an unmeasurable demand.
What to notice. Keep the user reply, brief and sketch. Note adult-supplied requirements.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
US EPA · Practice link — not the full lesson
Students
Before you open · source notes
Students supports Simple Design Problems. An adult previews and guides; this is a learning page, not a scored quiz.
Free educational page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner one fact they learned and one question they still have.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public US EPA page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
US EPA. “Students.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Define a design problem by describing the need or want it addresses (e.g. one identified by asking intended users)
- Specify at least two measurable criteria for a successful solution derived from those needs and say how each will be checked (e.g. must hold X weight; a new user can sign up in under one minute)
- Identify constraints such as available materials, time limits, or cost
“Can your child clearly state what problem they're trying to solve with a design, what would make it successful, and what limits they have on materials or time?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Procedural
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Scientific Inquiry
- Age range
- Ages 7–12
Standards