Earth Science I · Origin and Evolution of the Universe
Virginia SOL ES.2
Virginia SOL ES.2 is part of the Origin and Evolution of the Universe strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe. Below is what ES.2 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.2 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.2 means
Understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe.
Practice Earth Science I SOL questions
Free Earth Science I questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on ES.2 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Which of the following is part of a valid process for supporting a hypothesis?
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Answer: C — Experimentation
2. The numerous rocks orbiting the Sun between Jupiter and Mars are —
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Answer: B — asteroids
3. What property is shared by many gemstones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and topaz?
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Answer: A — Extreme hardness
4. A hydrometer floats higher in denser liquids and lower in less dense liquids. When the same hydrometer is placed in several liquids, it floats highest in liquid H. Which liquid is denser than water?
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Answer: C — Liquid H
Skills you’ll practice for ES.2
- Explain that the big bang theory explains the origin of the universe.
- Describe how stars, star systems, and galaxies change over long periods of time.
- Identify characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, asteroids, and dwarf planets based on their composition.
- Explain how evidence from space exploration has increased our understanding of the structure and nature of the universe.
Key concepts covered by ES.2
- big bang theory
- cosmology
- universe origin
- stellar evolution
- galactic dynamics
- cosmic timescales
- solar system bodies
- planetary composition
- celestial objects
- space exploration
- astronomical evidence
- cosmic structure
How to study and practice SOL ES.2
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.2 is already solid, then work each skill above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide and how to study for the SOL test.
Frequently asked questions about SOL ES.2
What is Virginia SOL ES.2?
SOL ES.2 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Origin and Evolution of the Universe strand. It expects students to understand scientific concepts related to the origin and evolution of the universe.
What skills does SOL ES.2 cover?
SOL ES.2 is assessed on 4 skills: explain that the big bang theory explains the origin of the universe; describe how stars, star systems, and galaxies change over long periods of time; identify characteristics of the sun, planets and their moons, comets, meteors, asteroids, and dwarf planets based on their composition; explain how evidence from space exploration has increased our understanding of the structure and nature of the universe.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.2 in?
SOL ES.2 belongs to the Origin and Evolution of the Universe reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.2?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.2 is already solid, then work the 4 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.