Solving problems by design (grades K–2) · lesson

Start with the problem

💡 The first step is to find out what the problem is.

Ask: what is wrong? What do we need?

If the slide gets too hot, the problem is heat. Then we can plan shade.

🧠 How to think about it

Do not build yet. First say the problem in one sentence. The slide gets too hot in the sun.

🏡 Try it at home

Find a small problem at home, like a door that slams. Say the problem in one sentence.

💡 A drawing or model shows the parts of a design and how they work together.

Before you build, draw your idea.

Show the parts. Show how they fit. Add arrows to show what moves.

🧠 How to think about it

Ava wants a bird feeder. She draws a cup, a stick, and a string. She shows how they connect.

🏡 Try it at home

Draw a plan for a paper boat or a block house. Label two parts. Then build it.

Blocks the marble rolled

Low

4

High

12

💡 Test designs the same way, then compare the results to pick the best one.

A fair test treats each design the same. Use the same marble. Let it go with no push.

Write down what happens. A graph helps you compare.

Pick the design that did the job best.

🧠 How to think about it

The goal is a far roll. The high ramp went 12 blocks. The low one went 4. So I pick the high ramp.

🏡 Try it at home

Make two ramps with books and a board. Roll the same ball down each. Which rolls farther?

💡 When a design fails, engineers change it and test again.

A tower falls? Make the bottom wider.

A paper bridge sags? Fold it like a fan. Folds make it stiff.

Then test again. Each try teaches you something.

🧠 How to think about it

My tent blew over. What went wrong? It was too light. I add weight to the corners and test again.

🏡 Try it at home

Lay a sheet of paper across two books. Put a coin on it. Now fold the paper like a fan. Try again!