Earth Science II Geology · Scientific and Engineering Practices
Virginia SOL GEO.1
Virginia SOL GEO.1 is part of the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand in Earth Science II Geology (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, data analysis, modeling, and communication. Below is what GEO.1 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice GEO.1 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL GEO.1 means
Demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, data analysis, modeling, and communication.
Skills you’ll practice for GEO.1
- Ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, examination of a model or theory, or unexpected results.
- Determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of the school laboratory or field.
- Formulate hypotheses specifying the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
- Generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles.
- Plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations.
- 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, considering limitations of data analysis.
- Use data to build and revise models, support explanations for phenomena, or test solutions to problems.
- Apply mathematical concepts and processes in scientific contexts.
- Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models to make valid and reliable scientific claims.
- Construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence from multiple sources.
- Make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data.
- Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide an explanation 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 conclusions.
- Evaluate the merits and limitations of models.
- Develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships.
- Construct and/or interpret map scales, satellite imagery, diagrams, classification charts, graphs, tables, models, geologic cross-sections, and topographic profiles.
- Read and interpret topographic and basic geologic maps and globes, including location by latitude and longitude.
- Apply mathematical and statistical concepts and processes in building and revising models.
- Compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question.
- Gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources.
- Communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena in multiple formats.
Key concepts covered by GEO.1
- observation
- phenomena
- model
- theory
- scientific questions
- investigative scope
- laboratory
- field study
- feasibility
- hypothesis
- independent variable
- dependent variable
- manipulation
- hypothesis generation
- research
- scientific principles
- investigation
- observational study
- experimental design
- procedure
- safety protocols
- ethical considerations
- environmental impact
- risk assessment
- sample size
- sampling techniques
- data collection
- statistical validity
- scientific instruments
- topographic maps
- geologic maps
- digital tools
- data tables
- repeated trials
- mean
- graphical displays
- data analysis
- limitations
- trends
- patterns
- data modeling
- model revision
- phenomena explanation
- problem-solving
- mathematical concepts
- statistical analysis
- quantitative reasoning
- scientific claims
- validity
- reliability
- tools
- explanation construction
- evidence-based reasoning
- peer review
- model validation
- quantitative claims
- qualitative claims
- data interpretation
- scientific explanation
- principles
- evidence
- argument evaluation
- competing explanations
- scientific evidence
- claim support
- empirical evidence
- scientific reasoning
- claim evaluation
- model evaluation
- merits
- scientific models
- model development
- evidence-based modeling
- prediction
- map interpretation
- satellite imagery
- geologic cross-sections
- topographic profiles
- data visualization
- latitude
- longitude
- map reading
- mathematical modeling
- source evaluation
- information integration
- media literacy
- scientific inquiry
- source gathering
- scientific literature
- credibility assessment
- technical reading
- scientific communication
- technical writing
- data presentation
- multimedia
How to study and practice SOL GEO.1
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether GEO.1 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 GEO.1
What is Virginia SOL GEO.1?
SOL GEO.1 is a Earth Science II Geology Standard of Learning in the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand. It expects students to demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, data analysis, modeling, and communication.
What skills does SOL GEO.1 cover?
SOL GEO.1 is assessed on 27 skills: ask questions that arise from careful observation of phenomena, examination of a model or theory, or unexpected results; determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of the school laboratory or field; formulate hypotheses specifying the relationship between independent and dependent variables; generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles; plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; 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, considering limitations of data analysis; use data to build and revise models, support explanations for phenomena, or test solutions to problems; apply mathematical concepts and processes in scientific contexts; analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models to make valid and reliable scientific claims; construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence from multiple sources; make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data; apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to provide an explanation 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 conclusions; evaluate the merits and limitations of models; develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships; construct and/or interpret map scales, satellite imagery, diagrams, classification charts, graphs, tables, models, geologic cross-sections, and topographic profiles; read and interpret topographic and basic geologic maps and globes, including location by latitude and longitude; apply mathematical and statistical concepts and processes in building and revising models; compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question; gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources; communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena in multiple formats.
What strand of Earth Science II Geology is SOL GEO.1 in?
SOL GEO.1 belongs to the Scientific and Engineering Practices reporting strand of the Earth Science II Geology Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL GEO.1?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether GEO.1 is already solid, then work the 27 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.