Virginia SOL K.1.a.ii

ScienceKindergartenScientific and Engineering Practices

The Standard

identify a problem based on need

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 notice when a person, animal, or classroom has a need. They state the problem clearly and ask a question that could lead to a solution.
What Mastery Looks Like: Given a simple situation, students name who needs help and what is making the task difficult. They ask a relevant question without jumping straight to a solution.
Common Misconceptions: Students may name an object they want instead of the problem, such as saying “a ladder” rather than “the shelf is too high.” They may also confuse needs with preferences.
How to Assess It: Show a picture of crayons scattered across the floor. Ask, “Who has a need, what is the problem, and what question could you ask?”

Lesson moves

Give pairs a toy animal blocked by a cardboard wall, then have them name the animal’s need and the problem before building anything.
Read a short scenario about a wet playground and ask, “What does the class need, and what is stopping them?”
Sort picture cards into two groups labeled “problem” and “solution,” then explain one choice to a partner.
Take a classroom walk and have students point out one task that is difficult, who needs help, and why.

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