Lecture Notes: Criteria and Constraints

Introduction

• Purpose: Understanding what criteria and constraints are and how they work together.

Definitions

• Criteria: Principle or standard by which something is judged. Key aspect is judgment.
  • Represents goals or measures of success.
  • Helps determine if a goal has been met.
• Constraints: Limitations or restrictions.
  • Things that make meeting the criteria more difficult, similar to handcuffs (restraints).

Relationship Between Criteria and Constraints

• Criteria: Describes goals and measures success.
• Constraints: Describe limitations that make achieving criteria harder.
• Work together to define and describe a problem.

Identifying Criteria and Constraints

• Criteria Indicators:
  • Phrases like "you need to" or "your task is" indicate goals or success measures.
• Constraint Indicators:
  • Phrases like "you may only", "you cannot", or "you must" indicate rules or limitations.

Real-Life Example: Creating a Lesson

• Criteria:
  • Students should describe a chromosome and its function.
• Constraints:
  • Time limits (limited days and class periods).
  • Reading levels and engagement.
  • Necessity to pre-teach vocabulary.

Examples from Projects

• Rocket Scientist Task:
  • Criteria: Goal to create a rocket for ants.
  • Constraints: Limited materials (e.g., one sheet of paper, tape, straw).
• Helicopter Creation:
  • Criteria: Create an air resistance helicopter with the most hang time.
  • Constraints: Drop from 2 meters and use an 8.5 by 11 sheet of paper.
• Cargo Bridge:
  • Criteria: Ensure Cargo Bridge men can transport goods.
  • Constraints: Budget and bridge strength for specified weight.

Conclusion

• Understanding criteria and constraints is crucial for assignments and projects.
• They help identify goals and limitations, which aids in completing assignments effectively.