Virginia SOL 3.1.c.iii

Science3rd GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

analyze data from tests of an object or tool to determine if it works as intended

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 examine observations and measurements from several trials. They compare the results with a clear goal, then use evidence to decide whether a design met that goal.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can organize test results in a table and identify patterns across trials. The student makes a clear decision and supports it with specific data.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think one successful trial proves a design works. They may rely on personal opinion, ignore failed trials, or judge results without checking the stated goal.
How to Assess It: Give students three paper bridge results: 18, 22, and 21 cubes. Ask whether it met a goal of holding 20 cubes in two trials, and require evidence.

Lesson moves

Build foil boats, test each three times with 15 pennies, record results, and decide which boats met the goal.
Show mixed results from three umbrella tests and ask, "Does the umbrella keep users dry? Use two results in your answer."
Sort result cards into meets the goal, misses the goal, or needs more testing, then explain each choice to a partner.
Test classroom pencil sharpeners by timing them and checking pencil points, then recommend which sharpener best handles daily classroom use.

Free download

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

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Keep exploring

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