Virginia SOL 1.1.a.ii

Science1st GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

identify a simple problem that can be solved through the development of a new tool or improved object

Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students notice when someone has trouble completing a task and name the problem clearly. They decide whether a new tool or a change to an object could help.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a simple situation, students can identify who has the problem and what needs to work better. They can draw or describe a useful tool or object change and explain how it helps.
Common Misconceptions: Students may name something they dislike instead of a problem that an object could solve. They may suggest a rule or action, or change only an object's color or decoration.
How to Assess It: Give this exit ticket: “Mia’s crayons keep rolling off her desk. Name the problem, then draw a new tool or object change that could help.”

Lesson moves

Place pencils on a slanted book, then have pairs use cups, tape, and craft sticks to make something that stops the rolling.
Ask, “What classroom job is hard to do, and what could we make or change to help?” Students draw and label one idea.
Students sort scenario cards into “a tool could help” and “a tool would not help,” then explain one choice to a partner.
Take a school walk to spot one hard task, such as carrying lunch items, then sketch an object that would make it easier.

Keep exploring

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