Prototype Testing Data Analysis

Name:

Date:

Students testing prototypes with data collection

📊 Part 1: Data Collection and Analysis

1. What type of data would be most useful when testing a prototype bridge? Select all that apply:

Maximum weight it can hold (kg)

Time taken to build (minutes)

Colour of materials used

Distance the bridge spans (cm)

Cost of materials ($)

2. A group tested their water filter prototype 5 times. Their results were: 85ml, 92ml, 88ml, 90ml, 95ml of clean water produced. What is the average amount of clean water produced?

Average = _______ ml

3. Look at this data table from prototype testing:

Paper Aeroplane Distance Test

Trial 1: 3.2m | Trial 2: 2.8m | Trial 3: 4.1m | Trial 4: 2.9m | Trial 5: 3.5m

Which trial result seems unusual and might need to be checked?

Trial 1 (3.2m)

Trial 2 (2.8m)

Trial 3 (4.1m)

Trial 4 (2.9m)

4. When testing prototypes, why is it important to collect data from multiple trials rather than just one test?

📈 Part 2: Evaluation and Improvement

5. A student's prototype solar oven was designed to reach 60°C. After testing, it only reached 45°C. Based on this data, the prototype:

Completely solves the problem

Partially solves the problem but needs improvement

Does not solve the problem at all

Cannot be evaluated with this data

6. Your group tested a prototype phone stand. It held a 200g phone successfully but collapsed with a 350g tablet. Write an evidence-based evaluation of your prototype's effectiveness:

Strengths (what worked well):

Weaknesses (what needs improvement):

Suggested improvements:

7. A group collected this data testing their prototype water bottle holder for bikes:

• Bumpy road test: Bottle fell out 3 times in 10 trials

• Smooth road test: Bottle stayed secure in all 10 trials

• Weight test: Held bottles up to 750ml successfully

Based on this evidence, what is the most important improvement needed?

8. Extension Challenge: Design a simple data collection table for testing a prototype umbrella. Include at least 4 different measurements or observations you would record:

🎯 Part 3: Reflection and Communication

9. Complete this evaluation statement using mathematical evidence:

Our prototype _________________ the original problem because our data shows _________________. To improve it, we could _________________ which should result in _________________.

10. Why is it important to use graphs and tables when presenting prototype testing results to others?

They make the data look more professional

They help others understand patterns and trends in the data

They are required for all mathematical work

They take up more space on the page

11. Critical Thinking: A company claims their new prototype car uses 50% less fuel. What questions would you ask about their testing data before believing this claim?