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Grade 2 · lesson 2 of 4

Distinguish criteria and constraints

Distinguish criteria and constraints using supplied evidence and a solved model.

About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice

Download the grade pack

Supplied materials

  • For younger learners, an adult may read each direction aloud; pointing, drawing and spoken explanations count as responses.
  • Paper, drawing space or a browser document.
  • Reference card A: desired performance requirement. Reference card B: limit on supplied pieces.
  • Assessment case 1: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Keep the toy dry.
  • Assessment case 2: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Use at most three sheets.
  • Assessment case 3: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Fit inside a ten-centimeter square.
  • Assessment case 4: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Finish the drawing in five minutes.
  • Assessment case 5: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Support the specified paper load.
  • Assessment case 6: Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Use no more than four tabs.

Learn the idea

Criteria describe what success looks like. Constraints limit materials, size or time. A solution must satisfy essential constraints before preferences can decide between it and another.

Criterion means desired performance requirement. Material cap means limit on supplied pieces. Size limit means maximum allowed dimensions. Time limit means maximum allowed preparation time.

For criterion, look for the clue “desired performance requirement.” For material cap, look for “limit on supplied pieces.” More than one process can happen in a real situation. Answer about the one described in this question.

  1. Read or listen to the four science words and what each means. Say how the first two differ.
  2. Choose two of the short cases. Point to the clue that helps you choose a science word for each one. You may draw or say your answer.
  3. Answer each practice question. Say which clue helped you, then check the explanation.
  4. Use the extra task to make two examples that show different science words. Draw or say what makes each one fit.
Worked example

See the method in action

Worked reference-card problem: a card states “desired performance requirement”; a second states “limit on supplied pieces.” The first fits criterion and the second fits material cap. The reason is the described function or change, not the order of the cards or a favorite name. If their descriptions exchange places, their category labels exchange too. Keep the supplied descriptions attached to the correct case.

Your turn

Check your reasoning

Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.

Helpful tips
  • Use the feature “desired performance requirement” to justify criterion; do not sort by the name alone.
  • Distinguish material cap (limit on supplied pieces) from a different process occurring in the same situation.
Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Keep the toy dry.

Feedback appears here after you check. This is practice, not a graded school assessment.

See the answer and explanation

criterion

The answer is criterion. In the notes, it means “desired performance requirement.” Criteria describe what success looks like. Constraints limit materials, size or time. A solution must satisfy essential constraints before preferences can decide between it and another.

Take it further

Create one new case showing criterion and one showing material cap. Expected: the first explicitly shows “desired performance requirement”; the second explicitly shows “limit on supplied pieces.” Explain the distinction by drawing, speaking or writing. A label without a matching feature is incomplete.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.

More practice: try new cases

Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.

More practice: try new cases
1. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Use at most three sheets.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: limit on supplied pieces.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
2. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Fit inside a ten-centimeter square.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: maximum allowed dimensions.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.
3. Which scientific label fits the specifically described step or feature? Supplied case: Finish the drawing in five minutes.
Need a hint?
  • Look for the described feature: maximum allowed preparation time.
  • Compare the clue with each science word. Use only what the case tells you; do not add a new event.

Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.

Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.

Check the subject sources

These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.