Virginia SOL 6.1.e.ii
The Standard
use, develop, and revise models to predict and explain phenomena
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 create or choose a representation of a system, then use it to explain what happens and predict what will happen next. They compare it with evidence and change it when the evidence does not fit.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can label key parts, show relationships, and make a testable prediction based on the model. After seeing new data, the student identifies a weakness and makes a useful revision.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think a model must be a physical miniature or look exactly like the real object. They may include decorative details but leave out relationships or processes. They may also treat the first version as final.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Draw a particle model of ice warming, predict what happens after ten minutes, then revise your drawing after learning the ice melted.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Build a stream table with sand and water, predict where erosion will occur, test it, then revise the model to match observations.
Discuss: Which parts of a model help explain a phenomenon, and which details can be left out without weakening the explanation?
Play Model Fix-It by giving teams flawed food web diagrams to correct using species data cards.
Compare yesterday's weather forecast with actual conditions, then update a simple weather model using temperature, wind, and cloud data.
Free download
Printable 6.1.e.ii Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 6.1.e.ii, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- PS.1.e.i
construct, develop, and use models and simulations to illustrate and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena
- 2.1.e
developing and using models
- LS.1.e.i
construct and use models and simulations to illustrate, predict, and/or explain observable and unobservable phenomena, life processes, or mechanisms
- 4.1.e.i
develop and/or use models to explain natural phenomena
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.
Also for this standard:Make a WorksheetMake a QuizMake a Sub Lesson