Virginia SOL PH.1

What students need to be able to do

• Ask questions arising from observation of phenomena, examination of models/theories, or unexpected results.
• Determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of a school laboratory.
• Formulate hypotheses specifying the relationship between dependent and independent variables.
• Generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles.
• Define design problems involving interacting components, criteria, and constraints.
• Plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations individually or collaboratively.
• Conduct investigations or test design solutions safely.
• Select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect, record, analyze, and evaluate data.
• Record and present data in organized formats communicating relationships and quantities mathematically.
• Use data to build, revise, or test models, explanations, or solutions.
• Analyze data using computational, mathematical, statistical tools to make valid scientific claims or optimize designs.
• Analyze data graphically and use graphs to make predictions.
• Consider limitations of data analysis when interpreting results.
• Evaluate the effects of new data on existing explanations or models.
• Analyze data to optimize a design solution.
• Make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data.
• Construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence.
• Apply scientific ideas, principles, or evidence to explain phenomena or design solutions.
• Compare and evaluate competing arguments in light of accepted explanations and new evidence.
• Construct arguments or counterarguments based on data and evidence.
• Differentiate between scientific hypothesis, theory, and law.
• Evaluate the merits and limitations of models.
• Identify and communicate components of a system in multiple formats (oral, graphical, textual, mathematical).
• Develop and/or use models (including mathematical and computational) and simulations to visualize, explain, and predict phenomena.
• Compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of scientific or technical information in different media or formats.
• Gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources.
• Communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena or design processes in multiple formats.