Score Self Heating Pouch Designs in a Matrix

Teach the sheets in order as a short unit. Ask students to keep their answers from each sheet, since later sheets build on the same four pouches.

Score four heater pouch prototypes in a weighted decision matrix using peak, time, mass and cost. The directions on the page read: Read the scenario and study the four design cards and the scoring guide. You will use them on page 2. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade engineering and design, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Define the problem with criteria and constraints, compare possible designs, test prototypes and use the results to improve the best design. The four pouch sheets follow these steps in order. Each sheet builds on the last.

Repeated trials show whether a result is reliable, and the mean smooths out random differences. Test Self Heating Pouch Prototypes has students average three trials at each time. They then graph the means against the 50 °C goal.

Change only one thing, the independent variable, and keep everything else the same. Measure the dependent variable the same way each time. The redesign sheet has students fill in a retest plan with each variable named.