Virginia SOL PS.1.f.ii
The Standard
gather, read, and synthesize information from multiple appropriate sources and assess the credibility, accuracy, and possible bias of each publication
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 gather information from several sources and combine the main findings into one clear explanation. They check the author, evidence, date, accuracy, and possible bias of each source.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students choose relevant, trustworthy sources and explain why each one is credible. They compare agreements and conflicts across sources, then communicate a supported conclusion in their own words.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume the first search result, a professional-looking website, or any .org source is reliable. They may confuse bias with false information or summarize sources separately without combining their findings.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Read three short sources about the same scientific claim. Choose the most credible source, name one possible bias, and write a two-sentence conclusion using evidence from two sources.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Set up four stations with printed sources, and have students annotate the author, date, evidence, purpose, and signs of bias.
Ask students to write: Which source would you trust most, and what specific features make it more reliable than the others?
Play Source Sort by having teams classify source cards as credible, questionable, or unreliable, then earn points for evidence-based explanations.
Compare a battery advertisement with manufacturer test data and an independent consumer report, then write a supported verdict about the product claim.
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Printable PS.1.f.ii Worksheet
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