Virginia SOL CHII.1

What students need to be able to do

• Ask questions arising from observation of phenomena, examination of models, unexpected results, or to seek additional information.
• Determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of a school laboratory or field setting.
• Formulate hypotheses specifying the effect of manipulating an independent variable on a dependent variable.
• Generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles.
• Plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls.
• Plan and conduct investigations in a safe and ethical manner, considering environmental, social, and personal effects.
• Determine appropriate sample size and techniques for investigations.
• Select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect and record data.
• Construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means.
• Construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data; consider limitations of data analysis.
• Use data to build and revise models, support explanations for phenomena, or test solutions to problems.
• Solve problems using mathematical manipulations including SI units, scientific notation, derived units, significant digits, and dimensional analysis.
• Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models to make valid and reliable scientific claims.
• Consider limitations of data analysis including instrument limitations, sampling selection, and measurement error.
• Differentiate between accuracy and precision of measurements.
• Construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence from models, theories, simulations, peer review, or investigations.
• Make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data.
• Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide explanations of phenomena.
• Compare and evaluate competing arguments in light of currently accepted explanations and new scientific evidence.
• Make and support a claim using empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Evaluate a claim by applying scientific reasoning, theory, and/or models to link evidence to assess the extent to which reasoning and data support the explanation or conclusion.
• Evaluate the merits and limitations of models.
• Develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships, support explanations, predict phenomena, analyze systems, or solve problems.
• Use models and simulations to visualize and explain particle movement, represent chemical reactions, formulate mathematical equations, and interpret data sets.
• Apply mathematical and statistical concepts and processes in building and revising models, and supporting explanations of phenomena.
• Derive mathematical models (equations) from experimental data.
• Compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question or solve a problem.
• Gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources, assessing evidence and credibility.
• Communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena in multiple formats.