Virginia SOL PS.1

What students need to be able to do

• Ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer.
• Develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables.
• Offer simple solutions to design problems.
• Independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate.
• Evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data.
• Take metric measurements using appropriate tools and technologies.
• Apply scientific ideas or principles to design, construct, and/or test a design of an object, tool, process, or system.
• Construct and interpret data tables showing independent and dependent variables, repeated trials, and means.
• Construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data and consider limitations of data analysis.
• Apply mathematical concepts and processes to scientific questions.
• Use data to evaluate and refine design solutions to best meet criteria.
• Construct scientific explanations based on valid and reliable evidence obtained from sources.
• Construct arguments supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Generate and compare multiple solutions to problems based on how well they meet the criteria and constraints.
• Differentiate between a scientific hypothesis, theory, and law.
• Construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena.
• Evaluate limitations of models.
• Read scientific texts to determine the central idea and/or obtain scientific and/or technical information.
• Gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication.
• Construct, use, and/or present an oral and written argument supported by empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.