Earth Science II Geology · Rocks
Virginia SOL GEO.3
Virginia SOL GEO.3 is part of the Rocks strand in Earth Science II Geology (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate rock formation, transformation, properties, identification, and uses. Below is what GEO.3 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice GEO.3 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL GEO.3 means
Investigate rock formation, transformation, properties, identification, and uses.
Skills you’ll practice for GEO.3
- Develop and use a model to explain how rock types form and transform through processes and geologic time.
- Develop and use models (Bowen Reaction Series, crystal growth, weathering, erosion, lithification) to explain rock formations.
- Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of rocks.
- Explain how characteristics are used to identify rocks.
- Make, support, and evaluate a claim about how the properties of rocks determine their use.
Key concepts covered by GEO.3
- rock cycle
- rock formation
- geologic time
- modeling
- Bowen Reaction Series
- crystal growth
- weathering
- erosion
- lithification
- rock identification
- physical properties
- chemical properties
- investigation
- texture
- mineral composition
- grain size
- classification
- rock properties
- construction materials
- industrial uses
- economic geology
How to study and practice SOL GEO.3
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether GEO.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 GEO.3
What is Virginia SOL GEO.3?
SOL GEO.3 is a Earth Science II Geology Standard of Learning in the Rocks strand. It expects students to investigate rock formation, transformation, properties, identification, and uses.
What skills does SOL GEO.3 cover?
SOL GEO.3 is assessed on 5 skills: develop and use a model to explain how rock types form and transform through processes and geologic time; develop and use models (Bowen Reaction Series, crystal growth, weathering, erosion, lithification) to explain rock formations; plan and conduct an investigation to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of rocks; explain how characteristics are used to identify rocks; make, support, and evaluate a claim about how the properties of rocks determine their use.
What strand of Earth Science II Geology is SOL GEO.3 in?
SOL GEO.3 belongs to the Rocks reporting strand of the Earth Science II Geology Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL GEO.3?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether GEO.3 is already solid, then work the 5 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.