Virginia SOL 2.1.a

2.1.a is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 2.1.a.i

  ask questions that can be investigated

• 2.1.a.ii

  make predictions based on observations and prior experiences

• 2.1.a.iii

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

01

What Students Need to Do

Students ask questions they can answer by observing, measuring, or testing. They make predictions using what they notice and already know. They identify a simple need that a new or improved object could solve.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student can turn an observation into a question that can be tested in class. The student gives a reasonable prediction with evidence and clearly states who needs a tool, what it should do, and why.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may ask opinion questions or questions that cannot be tested with available materials. They may treat a prediction as a random guess. They may describe a solution before clearly naming the problem it should solve.

04

How to Assess It

Exit ticket: “A paper towel tears when it gets wet.” Ask students to write one testable question, one supported prediction, and one possible design problem.

1. 01

   Give pairs two paper towel brands, water, and droppers to observe, ask a testable question, and predict which towel holds more water.

2. 02

   Show a melting ice cube and ask, “What could we test, and what do you predict will happen?”

3. 03

   Sort question cards into “testable” and “not testable,” then revise one question that cannot be tested.

4. 04

   Inspect a classroom object that is hard to use, then sketch an improvement and label the problem it solves.

• 3.1.a

  The 3rd Grade version of this standard.

• 4.1.a

  The 4th Grade version of this standard.

• 6.1.a

  The 6th Grade version of this standard.

• 1.1.a

  The 1st Grade version of this standard.