Look for: Use of too many materials in the first round…

17.B.1 Carry out investigations to collect data to evaluate the performance of cup systems that slow energy transfer given the criteria and constraints of the problem, and to propose ways to optimize design features (structures) based on the test results (functions).

Students will compare test results from design cycle 1 and 2 to decide which cup design best met the criteria and constraints. They will record their ideas on Part 7: Evaluate your 2nd design. Look for students to explain why certain changes to their cup helped it perform better or caused it to perform worse on the second set of tests:

• Use of too many materials in the first round caused problems with costs, environmental impacts, or thickness (diameter). Fewer materials reduce these issues.
• Use of too many materials in the first round caused problems with too much contact that helped energy to transfer. Reducing points of contact and making more air gaps slowed energy transfer.
• Use of certain colors or materials on the surface caused too much absorption of light and changing the surface color or material to reflect more light slowed down energy transfer.

If students struggle with interpreting their results and evaluating the performance of their cup, help them focus on one test result at a time, first comparing the diameter test between their first design and 2nd design. Repeat for each test, focusing on comparisons of one test result at a time. Breaking complex tasks down into discrete steps can help students who may be overwhelmed with evaluating their cup as a whole with results from multiple tests.