Virginia SOL 3.1.d.ii

Science3rd GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

generate and/or compare multiple solutions to a problem

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 propose at least two ways to solve the same science or design problem. They study or test each option, compare it against stated criteria, and explain which choice is better.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can sketch or describe several workable ideas rather than stopping at the first one. The student uses results, observations, cost, materials, or safety to choose and defend an option.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think there is only one correct solution, or choose a favorite without evidence. They may compare appearance instead of using the problem's criteria, or change several test conditions at once.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Draw two designs that use foil, cotton, and paper cups to keep an ice cube frozen, then choose one and explain why.

Lesson moves

Teams build two index-card bridges using six cards and 30 centimeters of tape, test each with pennies, and record which holds more.
Students write which of two playground shade sketches they would choose, citing shade, cost, and safety.
Play Solution Match: groups draw a problem card, create three solutions, then earn a point for comparing them with one stated criterion.
Inspect a muddy schoolyard path, sketch two ways to reduce runoff, and compare each idea for cost, safety, and likely effectiveness.

Free download

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

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

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