Virginia SOL 6.1.d

Science6th GradeScientific and Engineering Practices

SOL Standard (Key Ideas Cluster)

constructing and critiquing conclusions and explanations

Virginia Standards of Learning for Science · The student will demonstrate an understanding of scientific and engineering practices by

Cluster contents

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

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students explain results using trustworthy observations, measurements, and source information. They describe relationships between variables, then compare possible designs using stated goals and limits.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student makes a clear claim, selects relevant data, and explains how the data support the claim. The student ranks solutions with a criteria table and explains tradeoffs.
Common Misconceptions: Students may treat an opinion as a conclusion or list data without explaining what the data show. They may choose the strongest or cheapest design without checking every goal and limit.
How to Assess It: Exit ticket: Bridges with one, two, and three paper layers held 8, 15, and 21 washers, and each layer costs $1. Explain the relationship using two data points, then choose a design that holds 18 washers within a $3 budget.

Lesson moves

Build paper bridges with one, two, and three index card layers, test washer capacity, graph results, and explain which design meets a cost limit.
Show two conflicting claims about plant growth, then ask students to identify the better supported claim and defend their choice with evidence.
Run a card sort where teams match claims, data tables, and reasoning statements, then challenge one weak match.
Compare three reusable water bottle designs using price, capacity, insulation, and weight, then recommend one for a student field trip.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.1.d, 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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