3-5-ETS1-2: Comparing Design Solutions
Also called NGSS 3-5-ETS1-2 · Topic: Engineering Design · Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science
The Official Wording
Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
NGSS Lead States, 2013 · Read it on nextgenscience.org · checked October 15, 2026
What 3-5-ETS1-2 Means in Plain English
Students in grades 3 to 5 come up with several ways to solve one design problem, then compare them side by side. They judge each idea against the goals and limits they set, using sketches, quick tests and a scoring chart to pick the most promising one.
The point is comparing many ideas fairly, not falling for the first one. It follows defining the problem (3-5-ETS1-1) and leads to fair tests of the best design (3-5-ETS1-3) and, later, systematic design reviews (MS-ETS1-2).
3-5-ETS1-2 I Can Statements
- I can brainstorm more than one solution to a problem.
- I can compare solutions using the criteria and constraints.
- I can explain why one solution fits the problem best.
3-5-ETS1-2 Worked Example
A design comparison a class can finish in one period, using library books and craft supplies.
Which bookmark design best stays put in a library book without harming the pages?
Set It Up: Four bookmark designs, a few library books, a scoring chart with the criteria, and craft supplies with a budget of 25 cents per bookmark.
- List the criteria and the cost limit across the top of the chart.Stays in, no page damage, under 25 cents
- Sketch and make four designs: a flat strip, a paper clip, a folded corner and a magnetic fold-over.Four ideas, one per row
- Shake each book five times with each bookmark inside.Flat strip fell out 4 times, the others stayed
- Check the pages and the cost of each design.Paper clip dented pages, magnet cost 60 cents
- Score one point for each criterion met and compare the totals.Folded corner: 3 of 3
The folded corner was the only design that stayed in, left the pages clean and cost almost nothing.
Why it works: Comparing every idea against the same criteria and constraints shows each one's trade-offs, so the choice rests on evidence instead of on whichever idea came first.
Common Mistakes with 3-5-ETS1-2
Falling for the first idea
“Let's just do the paper clip, it was my idea.”
Try this: Sketch at least three ideas before choosing any, then let the scoring chart, not the loudest voice, pick the winner.
Judging only one criterion
“The magnet one stays in best, so it wins.”
Try this: Score every design on every criterion and constraint. A design that breaks the budget fails even if it works well.
Comparing designs unfairly
Shaking the magnetic bookmark gently and the paper clip hard
Try this: Give every design the same test, like five shakes with the same book, so the scores can be compared.
Where 3-5-ETS1-2 Fits
Practice 3-5-ETS1-2
Quick Check
- Why sketch several solutions instead of one?
- A design works great but costs too much. Is it the best choice?
- What makes a comparison between designs fair?