Grade 3 Science · Living Systems and Processes
Virginia SOL 3.5
Virginia SOL 3.5 is part of the Living Systems and Processes strand in Grade 3 Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students investigate and understand how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms. Below is what 3.5 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice 3.5 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL 3.5 means
Investigate and understand how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms.
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 3.5 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. A tomato plant is shown with roots underground, a stem above ground, branches growing from the stem, leaves attached to the branches, and tomatoes growing on the branches. What part of the plant is the tomato?
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Answer: J — The fruit
2. How do animals help oak trees?
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Answer: C — They carry acorns to different places.
3. Trees in a Forest: The data below show the number of each type of tree in a forest. Pine: about 250 trees Oak: about 300 trees Maple: about 200 trees Elm: about 150 trees Which type of tree is least common in this forest?
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Answer: J — Elm
4. Which instrument should be used to measure how hot the water is in a pot?
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Answer: C — A thermometer
Skills you’ll practice for 3.5
- Investigate how ecosystems are made of living and nonliving components of the environment.
- Recognize that relationships exist among organisms in an ecosystem.
Key concepts covered by 3.5
- ecosystems
- living components
- nonliving components
- biotic
- abiotic
- ecological relationships
- food chains
- symbiosis
- predator-prey
How to study and practice SOL 3.5
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether 3.5 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 Living Systems and Processes
- 3.4 — Investigate and understand how adaptations allow organisms to satisfy life needs and respond to the environment.
Frequently asked questions about SOL 3.5
What is Virginia SOL 3.5?
SOL 3.5 is a Grade 3 Science Standard of Learning in the Living Systems and Processes strand. It expects students to investigate and understand how aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems support a diversity of organisms.
What skills does SOL 3.5 cover?
SOL 3.5 is assessed on 2 skills: investigate how ecosystems are made of living and nonliving components of the environment; recognize that relationships exist among organisms in an ecosystem.
What strand of Grade 3 Science is SOL 3.5 in?
SOL 3.5 belongs to the Living Systems and Processes reporting strand of the Grade 3 Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL 3.5?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether 3.5 is already solid, then work the 2 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.