Learning Targets
- Develop evaluation criteria that match the challenge goals.
- Use a weighted decision matrix to compare all three concepts.
- Refine the selected concept and explain the tradeoffs accepted by the team.
IED Unit 0 • Lesson 0.5
Evaluate & Select
Focus Question: How can engineers use evidence to choose between competing ideas?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
Every task advances the same Rocket Launch Pad Design Challenge.
Learning Targets
Success Looks Like…
Your selected concept is supported by the decision matrix and has enough detail to begin final development.
Project connection: Your work today becomes evidence used in the next stage of the Engineering Design Process.
Decision Making
Do not build the idea you simply like best
Engineers compare alternatives using criteria that connect directly to the problem.
DefineImagineSelectDevelopBuildTestImproveCommunicate
Weighted Decision Matrix
Turn project goals into evaluation criteria
Suggested criteria
Weighting rule
More important criteria receive larger weights. Your weights should reflect the challenge—not personal preferences.
Example: Stability should normally matter more than appearance because stability is directly tested.
Evidence Check
Scores need reasons
For each concept, ask what feature supports the score. A number without a reason is only an opinion.
Example: evidence-based scoring
Weak: “Concept B gets a 5 for stability because we think it is stable.”
Stronger: “Concept B gets a 5 for stability because it uses a wide triangular base and four support points located near the footprint corners.”
Refine the Winner
Develop the selected concept before the next lesson
- Show the selected base geometry and rocket support.
- Add preliminary overall dimensions.
- Identify where foam board, craft sticks, straws, string, and hot glue will be used.
- Show major braces and joints.
- Identify one tradeoff the team accepted.
- Record the decision using Decision → Evidence → Reasoning.
Mission Debrief
What You Submit
Decision Matrix + Selected Concept + Design Justification
Submit the complete team evidence required by this lesson. Use clear labels, dimensions, test data, and reasoning where applicable.
Project Resources