Parts, Purposes & Simple Designs
Systems as connected parts, basic design steps, simple machines, everyday materials, stable shapes, energy sources, ordered coding steps, device input/output, simple tests, and labeled sketches.
Technology & Engineering / Grades 1–5
Understand systems.
Design solutions.
Build what works.
A full NYA pathway for technological systems, engineering design, simple machines, materials, structures, energy and control, coding, digital systems, testing, iteration, and evidence-based problem solving. Students learn how engineered solutions are planned, built, measured, improved, and communicated.
5Grade pathways
10Engineering domains
350Exam questions
10Design challenges
Grade progression
Engineering thinking grows by doing.
Functions, Criteria & Mechanisms
Component functions, criteria and constraints, mechanisms, material properties, structural supports, controls, loops and conditions, digital component roles, fair comparisons, and engineering records.
Testing, Data & Iteration
System failures, prototype revision, force and motion evidence, materials tests, load tests, energy output, debugging, digital function tests, controlled trials, tables, graphs and reproducible documentation.
Trade-Offs, Feedback & Optimization
Input-process-output models, design decisions, mechanical trade-offs, material selection, structural comparisons, sensor control, computational improvement, digital reliability, criteria/constraint balance and technical justification.
Systems Engineering & Evidence
System diagnosis, design trade-offs, efficiency, material decisions, failure analysis, energy optimization, software reliability, digital documentation, test variation, decision matrices and evidence-based design reviews.
Ten-domain Technology & Engineering framework
From mechanisms to digital systems.
Systems & Components
Connected parts, component functions, inputs, outputs, interactions, feedback, failure modes and system optimization.
Engineering Design Process
Define problems, identify criteria and constraints, generate ideas, plan, prototype, test, improve and communicate.
Simple Machines & Mechanisms
Inclined planes, levers, pulleys, wheel-and-axle systems, wedges, screws, gears, compound mechanisms and mechanical trade-offs.
Materials & Properties
Strength, stiffness, flexibility, conductivity, insulation, transparency, toughness, water resistance, cost and material selection.
Structures & Stability
Loads, support, bracing, triangles, trusses, arches, columns, joints, counterweights, load paths and failure analysis.
Energy, Motion & Control
Energy sources, transfers, motors, circuits, switches, sensors, controls, feedback, useful output and efficiency.
Coding & Computational Thinking
Algorithms, sequences, loops, conditions, variables, debugging, decomposition, events, sensor inputs and efficient logic.
Digital Systems & Communication
Input, output, storage, sensors, networks, data flow, digital communication, reliability, privacy and security.
Testing, Constraints & Iteration
Criteria, constraints, fair tests, measurements, repeated trials, variation, iteration, trade-offs and evidence-based revision.
Problem Solving & Technical Communication
Sketches, dimensions, tables, graphs, flowcharts, scale drawings, design briefs, test reports, decision matrices and revision logs.
Attached design challenges
Two build challenges per grade.
The mastery exam measures engineering knowledge and reasoning. The Design Challenge Lab adds hands-on evidence: criteria, constraints, planning, building, testing, measurement, improvement and explanation.
Paper Bridge
Build a paper bridge that spans a gap and supports toy blocks. Test, count, improve.
Rolling Ramp
Build a safe ramp that moves a toy car toward a target without leaving the track.
Straw Tower
Create a free-standing tower under a material limit and improve its stability.
Package Protector
Design a lightweight protector that reduces damage during a controlled drop.
Wind-Powered Vehicle
Build a vehicle that travels using moving air, then compare design revisions.
Water Filter Model
Create a classroom-safe filter model and measure changes in visible clarity.
Sensor Night Light
Plan a light-control system using sensor input, a decision rule, and output.
Truss Bridge
Compare structural patterns while holding material amount constant.
Smart Greenhouse System
Design a sensor-control concept for soil moisture, pumping and status feedback.
Rescue Rover
Develop a rover algorithm, test path reliability, debug, and optimize the solution.
NYA engineering cycle
Learn it. Design it. Test it. Improve it.
01Learn systems & concepts
02Define criteria & constraints
03Plan & prototype
04Test & measure
05Improve & explain
06Complete mastery assessment
Mastery assessment
350 original questions.
Five engineering pathways.
The final examination reports performance across all ten Technology & Engineering domains and connects to NYA Learning Intelligence for browser-local mastery, growth and next-step recommendations.
TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING MASTERY
Ready to assess?
Grade 1: 50 questions · Grade 2: 60 · Grade 3: 70 · Grade 4: 80 · Grade 5: 90.
Final Step: Open Mastery Examination