Virginia SOL 2.PS.1.a

Math2nd GradeProbability and Statistics 

The Standard

Pose questions, given a predetermined context, that require the collection of data (limited to 25 or fewer data points for no more than six categories).

Virginia Standards of Learning for Mathematics · The student will apply the data cycle (pose questions; collect or acquire data; organize and represent data; and analyze data and communicate results) with a focus on pictographs and bar graphs.

Teacher's field guide

What This Standard Means

What Students Need to Do

Given a familiar topic, students write a question that can be answered by asking people or observing items. They plan up to six clear answer groups for no more than 25 responses.

What Mastery Looks Like

A student writes a clear question such as, “Which playground activity do you prefer?” The student names who will answer and lists distinct answer choices that can be counted.

Common Misconceptions

Students may write questions that can be answered without gathering information or questions that produce too many unique answers. They may also use overlapping choices or ask about two topics at once.

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: “Our topic is recess choices. Write one question for 25 classmates and list no more than six answer choices.”

Lesson moves

Ways to Teach It

  1. Give groups six labeled cups and 25 counters, then have them write a survey question whose responses could be sorted into the cups.

  2. Compare “What do you like?” with “Which school lunch do you prefer?” and ask students which question produces countable answers and why.

  3. Play Question Fix-It using cards with vague, overlapping, or two-part survey questions that students rewrite in pairs.

  4. Ask students to create a question the cafeteria manager could use to choose one new fruit for next month’s menu.

Free download

Printable 2.PS.1.a Worksheet

Preview of the 2.PS.1.a printable worksheet

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 2.PS.1.a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Download the worksheet

Keep exploring

Related Standards

Turn this exact standard into a lesson

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.