What skill is primarily assessed by an activity where students design gliders to carry eggs without breaking them?

The activity of designing gliders to carry eggs without breaking them primarily assesses problem-solving skills because it involves critical thinking and the application of scientific and engineering principles. Students must identify the challenges associated with creating a glider that can safely transport an egg, which involves considering factors such as weight, aerodynamics, materials, and construction techniques.

Throughout the process, students engage in brainstorming, testing, and iterating their designs based on their observations and results, all of which are fundamental components of problem-solving. They must analyze the performance of their gliders, evaluate why a design may not work as intended, and make adjustments to improve functionality, thus honing their ability to approach and solve complex problems systematically.