Virginia SOL PS.1.a

PS.1.a is a Standards of Learning science standard. These are the key ideas and practices under it.

• PS.1.a.i

  ask questions that require empirical evidence to answer

• PS.1.a.ii

  develop hypotheses indicating relationships between independent and dependent variables

• PS.1.a.iii

  offer simple solutions to design problems

01

What Students Need to Do

Students turn observations into testable questions that can be answered with measurements or data. They predict how one changed factor affects a measured result and propose a workable solution to a defined problem.

02

What Mastery Looks Like

Given a situation, students identify the independent and dependent variables and write a clear, evidence-based hypothesis. They describe a solution that can be tested against stated criteria.

03

Common Misconceptions

Students may ask opinion questions or questions that are too broad to test. They may treat a hypothesis as a guess, reverse the variables, change several factors, or propose solutions without checking criteria.

04

How to Assess It

Give students this exit ticket: Using foil, paper, or cotton, design a container that slows ice melting. Write a testable question, a hypothesis, label both variables, and sketch your solution.

1. 01

   Give groups paper towels, droppers, and water to test how towel layers affect absorbed volume, then have them label both variables.

2. 02

   Ask students to write and discuss how they could test which shoe sole provides the best grip on a wet surface.

3. 03

   Run a card sort where teams match testable questions, hypotheses, independent variables, dependent variables, and suitable measurements.

4. 04

   Have students design an insulated lunch bag, choose available materials, and explain what data would show whether their solution works.

• 3.1.a

  The 3rd Grade version of this standard.

• 5.1.a

  The 5th Grade version of this standard.

• 1.1.a

  The 1st Grade version of this standard.

• LS.1.a

  The Grades 7–8 version of this standard.