Grade 3 Science SOL Study Guide

Practice for the Grade 3 Science Virginia SOL test across all 13 standards and 6 strands. SOL Prep turns every standard into a diagnostic, guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions — so you drill what you’re actually weak on instead of re-reviewing what you know.

Grade 3 Science SOL practice tests

Practice Grade 3 Science with 267 free questions from official Virginia Department of Education released tests, or drill standard by standard with SOL Prep.

What Grade 3 Science covers

Scientific and Engineering Practices

  • 3.1.AQAsk questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering design.
  • 3.1.PIPlan and carry out investigations to gather data and test hypotheses.
  • 3.1.IDInterpret, analyze, and evaluate data to draw conclusions.
  • 3.1.CEConstruct and critique conclusions and explanations using evidence.
  • 3.1.MODevelop and use models to represent phenomena and design solutions.
  • 3.1.CIObtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific information and design ideas.

Force, Motion, and Energy

  • 3.2Investigate and understand how force and motion are related and how simple machines work.

Matter

  • 3.3Investigate and understand how materials interact with water.

Living Systems and Processes

  • 3.4Investigate and understand how adaptations allow organisms to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment.
  • 3.5Investigate and understand how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms.

Earth and Space Systems

  • 3.6Investigate and understand the importance of soil in ecosystems.
  • 3.7Investigate and understand the water cycle and its importance to life on Earth.

Earth Resources

  • 3.8Investigate and understand how natural events and humans influence ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions

What is on the Grade 3 Science SOL test?

The Grade 3 Science Virginia SOL test is organized into 6 reporting strands: Scientific and Engineering Practices, Force, Motion, and Energy, Matter, Living Systems and Processes, Earth and Space Systems, Earth Resources. It assesses the 13 Standards of Learning listed on this page.

How many standards does Grade 3 Science cover?

Grade 3 Science covers 13 individual Virginia SOL standards across its 6 strands.

Where can I find Grade 3 Science SOL practice tests?

The Virginia Department of Education publishes official released tests and practice items at doe.virginia.gov — see our Virginia SOL practice tests guide for direct links. SOL Prep adds standard-by-standard practice for each of the 13 Grade 3 Science standards below.

How should I study for the Grade 3 Science SOL?

Start with a diagnostic to find which of the 13 Grade 3 Science standards you're weakest on, then focus practice there instead of re-reviewing what you already know. Work each standard's skills, then take a mixed practice check.