Grade 3 Science · Scientific and Engineering Practices
Virginia SOL 3.1.CE
Virginia SOL 3.1.CE is part of the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand in Grade 3 Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students construct and critique conclusions and explanations using evidence. Below is what 3.1.CE covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 3.1.CE for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL 3.1.CE means
Construct and critique conclusions and explanations using evidence.
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.CE and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. Pickle Types (chart): Dill Pickle: made from cucumber and sour spices Zesty Pickle: made from cucumber and hot spices Candied Pickle: made from cucumber, sugar, and spice Pickled Pepper: made from hot peppers Based on the chart, which pickle will MOST likely taste sweet?
Show answer
Answer: C — Candied pickles
2. Which of these is MOST likely a behavior of tame animals that is different from wild animals?
Show answer
Answer: G — Eating out of the hands of humans
3. An ice cube placed in sunlight melts quickly. Which BEST explains this event?
Show answer
Answer: B — The Sun makes heat.
4. A student looks at a leaf and writes these observations: the leaf is long, has a pointed end, and has a smooth edge. Which description BEST matches the leaf the student looked at?
Show answer
Answer: D — Long leaf with a pointed end and smooth edges
Skills you’ll practice for 3.1.CE
- Use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation.
- Generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem.
- Describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions.
Key concepts covered by 3.1.CE
- evidence-based reasoning
- measurements
- observations
- patterns
- solution generation
- problem-solving
- solution comparison
- scientific principles
- design solutions
- application of science
How to study and practice SOL 3.1.CE
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 3.1.CE 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.AQ — Ask questions and define problems that can be investigated scientifically or solved through engineering design.
- 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.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.CE
What is Virginia SOL 3.1.CE?
SOL 3.1.CE is a Grade 3 Science Standard of Learning in the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand. It expects students to construct and critique conclusions and explanations using evidence.
What skills does SOL 3.1.CE cover?
SOL 3.1.CE is assessed on 3 skills: use evidence (measurements, observations, patterns) to construct or support an explanation; generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem; describe how scientific ideas apply to design solutions.
What strand of Grade 3 Science is SOL 3.1.CE in?
SOL 3.1.CE 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.CE?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether 3.1.CE 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.