Virginia SOL 3.1.a.i

Science3rd GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

ask questions that can be investigated and predict reasonable outcomes

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 turn observations into questions they can answer with a simple investigation. They predict what will happen and give a reason based on what they know or notice.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given an object or event, a student writes a focused question with an outcome that can be observed or measured. The student makes a sensible prediction that directly answers the question.
Common Misconceptions: Students may write questions that require an opinion, an internet search, or equipment they cannot use. They may treat a prediction as a random guess or predict something unrelated to the question.
How to Assess It: Show two identical ice cubes, one in sunlight and one in shade. Ask students to write one investigation question and a predicted result with a reason.

Lesson moves

Use blocks to build two ramp heights; pairs observe toy cars, write one measurable question, and predict the result.
Write: “Which classroom material would keep an ice cube cold longest, and why do you predict that result?”
Play “Investigate or Look It Up” by sorting question cards, then revise one non-testable question into a classroom investigation.
Examine two school garden spots, then ask which gets more sunlight and predict where a bean plant would grow taller.

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A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.1.a.i, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

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