Physical Science · Scientific and Engineering Practices
Virginia SOL PS.1
Virginia SOL PS.1 is part of the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand in Physical Science (Science). Under this Standards of Learning objective, students demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, analysis, and communication. Below is what PS.1 covers in plain language, the specific skills it is assessed on, the key concepts to review, and how to practice PS.1 for the Virginia SOL test.
What SOL PS.1 means
Demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, analysis, and communication.
Practice Physical Science SOL questions
Free Physical Science questions from official Virginia Department of Education released SOL tests — good practice while you work on PS.1 and the rest of the course. Pick an answer to check it instantly, or open “Show answer” to review.
1. These animals are grouped together because all of them —
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Answer: C — are warm-blooded
2. According to a graph showing the distance a javelin travels when thrown with the same force at different angles (15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, and 75°), the javelin travels the farthest when released at —
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Answer: C — 45°
3. Which type of characteristics can be inherited?
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Answer: F — Those controlled by genes
4. An experiment was set up to measure the distance a snail would travel in 5 minutes. Four rulers are available: Ruler A: marked in centimeters only Ruler B: marked in half-centimeter increments Ruler C: marked in millimeters Ruler D: marked only in inches Which ruler should be used to give the most precise measurement?
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Answer: C — Ruler C
Skills you’ll practice for PS.1
- 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.
Key concepts covered by PS.1
- empirical evidence
- scientific questions
- hypothesis
- independent variable
- dependent variable
- design solutions
- engineering design
- investigations
- variables
- constants
- controls
- data collection methods
- accuracy
- metric measurements
- tools
- technologies
- scientific principles
- design
- testing
- data tables
- repeated trials
- means
- graphical displays
- data analysis
- limitations
- mathematical concepts
- data evaluation
- criteria
- scientific explanations
- evidence
- sources
- arguments
- scientific reasoning
- solutions
- constraints
- theory
- law
- models
- simulations
- phenomena
- model limitations
- evaluation
- scientific texts
- central idea
- technical information
- information synthesis
- credibility
- bias
- oral argument
- written argument
How to study and practice SOL PS.1
Start with a quick diagnostic to see whether PS.1 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.
Frequently asked questions about SOL PS.1
What is Virginia SOL PS.1?
SOL PS.1 is a Physical Science Standard of Learning in the Scientific and Engineering Practices strand. It expects students to demonstrate understanding of scientific and engineering practices through investigation, analysis, and communication.
What skills does SOL PS.1 cover?
SOL PS.1 is assessed on 20 skills: 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.
What strand of Physical Science is SOL PS.1 in?
SOL PS.1 belongs to the Scientific and Engineering Practices reporting strand of the Physical Science Virginia Standards of Learning.
How do I study and practice for SOL PS.1?
Start with a diagnostic to see whether PS.1 is already solid, then work the 20 skills above with guided notes, flashcards, and SOL-style practice questions. For official released items, see the Virginia SOL practice tests guide.