Grade 3 Science · Scientific and Engineering Practices
Virginia SOL 3.1.AQ
Virginia SOL 3.1.AQ is part of the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand in Grade 3 Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering design. Below is what 3.1.AQ covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 3.1.AQ for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL 3.1.AQ means
Ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering design.
Practice Grade 3 Science SOL questions
Free Grade 3 Science questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on 3.1.AQ and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A student holds a model of Earth that can rotate on a stick. Another student shines a flashlight on the model as it turns. This model is MOST likely used to show —
Show answer
Answer: C — day and night
2. Which of these dissolves in water?
Show answer
Answer: G — Sugar cubes
3. Which will have a bad effect on the air people breathe?
Show answer
Answer: A — Smoke from cars
4. A kazoo is a toy that makes a sound when a person hums into it. Sound comes out of the kazoo because it —
Show answer
Answer: J — can vibrate
Skills you’ll practice for 3.1.AQ
- Ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes.
- Ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed.
- Define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system.
Key concepts covered by 3.1.AQ
- investigative questions
- prediction
- reasonable outcomes
- variable
- cause and effect
- hypothesis
- engineering design
- problem definition
- solution development
How to study and practice SOL 3.1.AQ
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 3.1.AQ 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.
Related Grade 3 Science standards in Scientific and Engineering Practices
- 3.1.PI — Plan and carry out investigations to gather data and test hypotheses.
- 3.1.ID — Interpret, analyze, and evaluate data to draw conclusions.
- 3.1.CE — Construct and critique conclusions and explanations using evidence.
- 3.1.MO — Develop and use models to represent phenomena and design solutions.
- 3.1.CI — Obtain, evaluate, and communicate scientific information and design ideas.
Frequently asked questions about SOL 3.1.AQ
What is Virginia SOL 3.1.AQ?
SOL 3.1.AQ is a Grade 3 Science Standard of Learning in the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand. It expects students to ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering design.
What skills does SOL 3.1.AQ cover?
SOL 3.1.AQ is assessed on 3 skills: ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes; ask questions about what would happen if a variable is changed; define a simple design problem that can be solved through the development of an object, tool, process, or system.
What strand of Grade 3 Science is SOL 3.1.AQ in?
SOL 3.1.AQ belongs to the Scientific and Engineering Practices reporting strand of the Grade 3 Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL 3.1.AQ?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether 3.1.AQ is already solid, then work the 3 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.