Science Scientific Inquiryusually ages 8–11

Simple Design Problems

Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Define a design problem by describing the need or want it addresses
Specify at least two criteria for a successful solution (e.g. must hold X weight, must cost less than Y)
Identify constraints such as available materials, time limits, or cost

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Try this together

Can your child clearly state what problem they're trying to solve with a design, what would make it successful, and what limits they have on materials or time?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Comparing Design Solutionsages 5–8Must analyse simple design comparisons before formally defining design problems with criteria/constraints

Simple Design Problemsthis skill · ages 8–11

Unlocks

Comparing Possible Solutionsages 8–11Must define a design problem before generating and comparing multiple solutions

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

Show candidate curriculum codes · 2 NSW · 3 VIC

Australian Curriculum v9 candidate

This skill sits outside the F–6 Australian Curriculum — no candidate code matched (v0.1).

NSW syllabus codes & stages only

ST2-DDT-01low confidenceScience and Technology K-6 · Stage 2

ST1-DDT-01low confidenceScience and Technology K-6 · Stage 1

Victorian Curriculum 2.0 codes & levels only

VC2TDE4D04medium confidenceDesign and Technologies · Levels 3 and 4 · Creating Designed Solutions strand

VC2TDE6D01low confidenceDesign and Technologies · Levels 5 and 6 · Creating Designed Solutions strand

VC2TDE2D01low confidenceDesign and Technologies · Foundation to Level 2 · Creating Designed Solutions strand

These are candidate alignments generated by semantic matching — machine-suggested and unreviewed (v0.1), not official or verified mappings. For official curriculum content see australiancurriculum.edu.au, curriculum.nsw.edu.au and f10.vcaa.vic.edu.au. Don’t rely on them for registration or compliance purposes.

Nearby on the map

Comparing Possible Solutionsages 8–11 Correlation vs Causationages 8–10 Fair testing (age 8+)ages 8–11 Accurate Measurementages 9–11

All Scientific Inquiry skills →