Engineering Design Performance Expectations Progression K-12
PRIMARY LEVEL INTERMEDIATE LEVEL
Ask questions, make
observations, and gather
information about a situation
ETS1-1
people want to change to
define a simple problem that
can be solved through the
development of a new or
improved object or tool.
Develop a simple sketch,
drawing, or physical model to
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illustrate how the shape of an
object helps it function as
needed to solve a given
problem.
Analyze data from tests of
two objects designed to solve
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the same problem to compare
the strengths and
weaknesses of how each
performs.
AWSP Spring STEM
MIDDLE SCHOOL LEVEL HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL
Define the criteria and Analyze a major global
constraints of a design challenge to specify
problem with sufficient qualitative and quantitative
Define a simple design
precision to ensure a criteria and constraints for
problem reflecting a need or a
successful solution, taking solutions that account for
want that includes specified
into account relevant societal needs and wants.
criteria for success and
scientific principles and
constraints on materials,
potential impacts on people
time, or cost.
and the natural environment
that may limit possible
solutions.
Design a solution to a
Generate and compare
Evaluate competing design complex real-world
multiple possible solutions to
solutions using a systematic problem by breaking it down
a problem based on how well
process to determine how into smaller, more
each is likely to meet the
well they meet the criteria and manageable problems that
criteria and constraints of the
constraints of the problem. can be solved through
problem.
engineering.
Plan and carry out fair tests in Evaluate a solution to a
which variables are complex real-world problem
Analyze data from tests to
controlled and failure points based on prioritized criteria
determine similarities and
are considered to identify and trade-offs that account
differences among several
aspects of a model or for a range of constraints,
design solutions to identify
prototype that can be including cost, safety,
the best characteristics of
improved. reliability, and aesthetics as
each that can be combined
well as possible social,
into a new solution to better
cultural, and environmental
meet the criteria for success.
impacts.
Peggy Harris Willcuts, PNNL/LASER
 Engineering Design Performance Expectations Progression K-12

Use a computer simulation to

Develop a model to generate model the impact of proposed
data for iterative testing and solutions to a complex real-
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modification of a proposed world problem with numerous

object, tool, or process such criteria and constraints
that an optimal design can be on interactions within and
achieved. between systems relevant to
the problem.

AWSP Spring STEM Peggy Harris Willcuts, PNNL/LASER