Virginia SOL 6.1.b

6.1.b is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• 6.1.b.i

  independently and collaboratively plan and conduct observational and experimental investigations; identify variables, constants, and controls where appropriate,...

• 6.1.b.ii

  evaluate the accuracy of various methods for collecting data

• 6.1.b.iii

  take metric measurements using appropriate tools

• 6.1.b.iv

  use tools and materials to design and/or build a device to solve a specific problem

01

What Students Need to Do

Students plan and run investigations, alone and with others. They identify variables and constants, choose metric tools, collect accurate data, follow safety rules, and build devices that solve defined problems.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

A student writes clear steps that another group can follow and explains what will change, what will be measured, and what stays constant. The student selects suitable tools and units, records repeatable measurements, and improves a device using test results.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students often confuse the independent variable with the measured result, or call every constant a control. They may choose tools by convenience, mix metric units, assume one trial is enough, or change several factors at once.

04

How to Assess It

Give students this exit ticket: Plan a test of how ramp height affects toy car distance. Name the variables and constants, choose metric tools, describe three trials, and state one safety step.

1. 01

   Test toy car travel at three ramp heights, measure distance in centimeters, repeat each trial, and compare results.

2. 02

   Ask students to explain which is more accurate for liquid volume, a beaker or graduated cylinder, and defend their choice.

3. 03

   Play a card sort where students label investigation details as independent variable, dependent variable, constant, control, tool, or safety step.

4. 04

   Design and test a rain gauge that collects water, allows metric measurement, and remains stable outdoors.

• 2.1.b

  The 2nd Grade version of this standard.

• 4.1.b

  The 4th Grade version of this standard.

• 1.1.b

  The 1st Grade version of this standard.

• K.1.b

  The Kindergarten version of this standard.