✓Lesson Snapshot
Student Objective
I can research mechanism options and use a decision matrix to justify a concept direction.
Main Activity
Research similar mechanisms, generate comparison criteria, and score early concepts using a decision matrix.
Deliverable
Research notes and decision matrix
Tools / Materials
Notebook, decision matrix template, course resources, VEX kit for concept testing
1ProblemUnderstand the challenge and why it matters.
Teams often jump to the first idea that seems possible. Engineers need to compare options against the actual criteria and constraints before committing to a design direction.
2ConceptLearn the engineering idea or skill.
A decision matrix helps teams compare concepts using weighted criteria. Research helps identify proven approaches, failure risks, and useful design features before building.
3ApplyUse the skill in a guided task.
Collect examples of mechanisms that could solve your task. Generate at least three concept options, choose criteria, and score each concept in a decision matrix.
4DocumentRecord your evidence and decisions.
Submit research notes with sources or example descriptions, a completed decision matrix, and a written justification for the selected concept.
5ReviewCheck quality and identify your next step.
A strong matrix uses criteria connected to the challenge, not generic categories. Your selected concept should make sense based on the scores and explanation.
Lesson Resources
Use these files and shared website resources when they support today’s work.
Engineering Graph Paper
Use for sketches, layouts, calculations, systems diagrams, and test planning.
Open ResourceDecision Matrix
Compare mechanism concepts using criteria and evidence.
Open Resource