Virginia SOL PHII.1

What students need to be able to do

• Ask questions that arise from observation of phenomena, examination of models/theories, or unexpected results.
• Determine which questions can be investigated within the scope of a school laboratory or field setting.
• Formulate hypotheses specifying the relationship between independent and dependent variables.
• Generate hypotheses based on research and scientific principles.
• Define design problems involving processes/systems with interacting components, criteria, and constraints.
• Plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls.
• Conduct investigations or test design solutions safely and ethically, considering environmental, social, and personal effects.
• Determine appropriate sample size and techniques for investigations.
• Select and use appropriate tools and technology to collect and record data.
• Construct and interpret data tables showing independent/dependent variables, repeated trials, and means.
• Construct, analyze, and interpret graphical displays of data, including slope, intercept, and area under the curve.
• Use data to build and revise models, support explanations, or test solutions.
• Solve problems using mathematical manipulations including SI units, scientific notation, derived units, significant digits, and dimensional analysis.
• Analyze data using tools, technologies, and/or models to make valid and reliable scientific claims or determine optimal design solutions.
• Consider limitations of data analysis including instrument limitations, sampling selection, and measurement error.
• Differentiate between accuracy and precision of measurements.
• Analyze data to optimize a design.
• Construct and revise explanations based on valid and reliable evidence from models, theories, simulations, peer review, or investigations.
• Make quantitative and/or qualitative claims based on data.
• Apply scientific ideas, principles, and/or evidence to explain phenomena or design solutions.
• Compare and evaluate competing arguments or design solutions in light of accepted explanations and new evidence.
• Make and support a claim using empirical evidence and scientific reasoning.
• Evaluate a claim by applying scientific reasoning, theory, and/or models to link evidence to explanations.
• Evaluate the merits and limitations of models.
• Develop, revise, and/or use models based on evidence to illustrate or predict relationships, support explanations, or solve problems.
• Apply mathematical and statistical concepts and processes in building and revising models.
• Derive mathematical models (equations) from experimental data.
• Compare, integrate, and evaluate sources of information presented in different media or formats to address a scientific question.
• Gather, read, and evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple authoritative sources, assessing evidence and credibility.
• Communicate scientific and/or technical information about phenomena or a design process in multiple formats.