Virginia SOL 6.1.c.iii
The Standard
compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in findings
Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students place results from two or more teams in a common table or graph. They identify matching patterns and differences, then use evidence to explain why results may vary.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Given two data sets from the same investigation, students accurately describe agreements, outliers, and differences in range or trend. They support each claim with values and suggest a reasonable cause for variation.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume different results mean one group was wrong. They may compare graph appearance without checking scales, units, trial counts, or procedures. They may cite opinions rather than numerical evidence.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Group A measured plant growth as 8, 10, and 9 cm; Group B measured 9, 13, and 10 cm. State one similarity, one difference, and one plausible cause, using numbers.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Teams time ten pendulum swings three times, post their results on chart paper, and mark agreements and differences across the class.
Ask: Which findings agree, which differ, and what evidence suggests measurement method, sample size, or chance caused the difference?
Give pairs graph cards and claim cards; students match valid claims to graphs and reject claims that lack numerical support.
Compare daily temperatures from two nearby weather stations and discuss how location, shade, equipment, or reading time could affect the reports.
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Printable 6.1.c.iii Worksheet
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Related Standards
- LS.1.c.iii
compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in their findings
- 6.1.c.i
organize data sets to reveal patterns that suggest relationships
- 4.1.c.iii
compare two different representations of the same data (e.g., a set of data displayed on a chart and a graph)
- 5.1.c.iii
compare and contrast data collected by different groups and discuss similarities and differences in their findings
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