Broad Concept: Appropriate materials, tools, and machines extend our ability to solve
problems and invent.
1.1 - Identify materials used to accomplish a design task based on a specific
property (e.g. weight, strength, hardness, and flexibility).
1.2 - Identify and explain some possible materials and tools (e.g. hammer, screwdriver,
pliers, tape measure, screws, nails and other mechanical fasteners)to construct a given prototype safely.
1.3 - Identify and explain the difference between simple and complex machines (e.g. Hand can
opener that includes multiple gears, wheel, wedge gear and lever).
Broad Concept: Engineering design requires creative thinking and strategies to solve
practical problems generated by needs and wants.
2.1 - Identify a problem that reflects the need for shelter, storage or convenience.
2.2 - Describe different ways in which a problem can be represented (e.g. sketches, diagrams, graphic
organizers and lists).
2.3 - Identify relevant design features (e.g. size, shape, weight) for building a prototype of a solution
to a given problem.
2.4 - Compare natural systems with mechanical systems that are designed to serve similar purposes
(e.g. birds wings as compared to an airplane's wings).
The information on this page is taken from Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework:
For Teacher Working Groups' Review, February 7, 2001.
Please check the Massachusetts Department of Education site for updates.
