Virginia SOL GEO.1

What students need to be able to do

• 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.