Before an engineering unit starts, 5th grade students use this 2-page KWL chart. They fill the K column with what they know and the W column with what they wonder. The prompt steers them toward how engineers define problems, set constraints, and test designs, which lines up with NGSS 3-5-ETS1-1, 3-5-ETS1-2, and 3-5-ETS1-3. Students come back to the L column at the end of the unit.
3-5-ETS1-1
“Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost.”
The K and W columns, where students record what they know and wonder about how engineers define problems.
3-5-ETS1-2
“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.”
The prompt on setting constraints, answered first in the W column and again in the L column once students have compared solutions.
3-5-ETS1-3
“Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved.”
The prompt on testing designs, which students answer at the start and revisit in the L column.
Students record what they already know about how engineers define problems, set constraints and test designs before the unit starts.
The middle column holds their questions about how engineers define problems, set constraints and test designs, written or drawn at the same sitting.
The third column is saved for the end of the unit, when students return to the same sheet.
Unit opener
Give it before your first engineering lesson and keep the charts in a folder. The W questions tell you where to spend extra time.
Unit close
Hand the same charts back at the end for the L column. Students can see which of their own W questions they can now answer.
Class chart
Copy the three headings onto chart paper and collect sticky notes for each column. The class's questions then stay on the wall for the whole unit.
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