Virginia SOL 5.1.c.iv

Science5th GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

use data to evaluate and refine design solutions

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 compare test results with the design goals and limits. They use patterns in the data to choose a change and explain why it should improve the design.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student can identify which design best meets the goal and cite numbers as evidence. The student can propose one targeted revision and test it fairly.
Common Misconceptions: Students may choose the design they like rather than the one supported by results. They may change several features at once, ignore failed trials, or treat one test as enough evidence.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: A flat paper bridge held 18, 19, and 18 washers; a bridge with folded edges held 22, 23, and 21, with a goal of 20. Ask students which design meets the goal and how they would revise the flat bridge, using two results as evidence.

Lesson moves

Build foil boats, test how many pennies each holds for three trials, revise one feature, then retest and compare results.
Give pairs two prototype data tables and have them write a claim choosing one design, supported by two data values.
Run a Design Detective card sort where teams match data tables to the most sensible revision and explain each match.
Use temperature data from three insulated cups to recommend a material for a reusable water bottle sleeve.

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