Earth Science I · Earth in the Solar System
Virginia SOL ES.3
Virginia SOL ES.3 is part of the Earth in the Solar System strand in Earth Science I (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand that Earth is unique in our solar system. Below is what ES.3 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice ES.3 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL ES.3 means
Investigate and understand that Earth is unique in our solar system.
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.3 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Charts show the mineral composition of chondrite and achondrite meteorites. Compared to chondrites, achondrites contain a higher percentage of feldspar. Based on this information, which conclusion is valid?
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Answer: C — Achondrites contain more feldspar.
2. A map of the eastern United States shows mean annual temperature zones labeled in 5°F intervals. Most of eastern Virginia lies within the 55°F to 60°F zone. According to this map, the mean annual temperature for most of the eastern half of Virginia is between —
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Answer: C — 55°F and 60°F
3. The density of a mineral is determined by its mass and —
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Answer: C — volume
4. What causes currents in the atmosphere?
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Answer: D — Warm air rising and cold air sinking
Skills you’ll practice for ES.3
- Explain why Earth supports life due to its relative proximity to the sun and other factors.
- Describe how the dynamics of the sun-Earth-moon system cause seasons, tides, and eclipses.
Key concepts covered by ES.3
- habitability
- solar proximity
- Earth's biosphere
- orbital mechanics
- seasons
- tidal forces
- eclipses
How to study and practice SOL ES.3
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether ES.3 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.3
What is Virginia SOL ES.3?
SOL ES.3 is a Earth Science I Standard of Learning in the Earth in the Solar System strand. It expects students to investigate and understand that Earth is unique in our solar system.
What skills does SOL ES.3 cover?
SOL ES.3 is assessed on 2 skills: explain why Earth supports life due to its relative proximity to the sun and other factors; describe how the dynamics of the sun-Earth-moon system cause seasons, tides, and eclipses.
What strand of Earth Science I is SOL ES.3 in?
SOL ES.3 belongs to the Earth in the Solar System reporting strand of the Earth Science I Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL ES.3?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether ES.3 is already solid, then work the 2 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.