Virginia SOL 2.PS.1.a
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
Give groups six labeled cups and 25 counters, then have them write a survey question whose responses could be sorted into the cups.
Compare “What do you like?” with “Which school lunch do you prefer?” and ask students which question produces countable answers and why.
Play Question Fix-It using cards with vague, overlapping, or two-part survey questions that students rewrite in pairs.
Ask students to create a question the cafeteria manager could use to choose one new fruit for next month’s menu.
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Printable 2.PS.1.a 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.
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Related Standards
- 3.PS.1.b
Determine the data needed to answer a formulated question and collect or acquire existing data (limited to 30 or fewer data points for no more than eight catego...
- K.PS.1.c
Pose questions, given a predetermined context, that require the collection of data (limited to 25 or fewer data points for no more than four categories).
- 1.PS.1.c
Pose questions, given a predetermined context, that require the collection of data (limited to 25 or fewer data points for no more than four categories).
- 3.PS.1.a
Formulate questions that require the collection or acquisition of data.
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