Virginia SOL 2.1.d.ii

Science2nd GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

distinguish between opinion and evidence

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 separate what someone thinks or prefers from what observations and measurements show. They use recorded facts to explain a result. They also point out when a conclusion lacks support.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a simple data table, a student identifies which claims are supported. The student cites a specific observation or measurement. They can revise a claim based only on personal preference.
Common Misconceptions: Students may call any true-sounding or confident statement evidence. They may treat personal experience as proof for everyone. They may also give a fact that does not actually support the claim.
How to Assess It: Show that red and blue ice cubes both melted in eight minutes. Ask students to label “Both melted equally fast” and “Blue ice is better” as supported or unsupported, then explain why.

Lesson moves

Give pairs two ice cubes to observe, then have them sort their notes into measured evidence and personal opinions.
Have students write: Which class snack is best, and what facts could support a testable claim about it?
Play Evidence Detective: read a claim, and students hold up E for observed support or O for personal preference.
Compare two weather forecasts with the day's temperature and sky notes, then decide which forecast has better support.

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