Science:
VDOE RESOURCES
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RESOURCES
The Standards of Learning and Curriculum Framework comprise the Science content that teachers in Virginia are expected to teach and students are expected to learn. Test blueprints provide information on how SOL assessments are constructed.
The Science Instructional Plans are uploaded daily into #GoOpenVA and can easily be accessed through the Science VDOE group. Find lesson plans for each grade level and discipline that were created to engage students as they build science conceptual understanding using the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
SOL Practice Items provide examples of state assessment items.
The Guided Practice Suggestions are designed to be used
in conjunction with the Virginia SOL Practice Items (see below).
Select the appropriate tab to access practice resources.
2018 science and engineering practices
The Science and Engineering Practices reflected in the 2018 Science Standards of Learning describe behaviors that scientists engage in as they investigate the natural world and the practices that engineers use as they design and build models and systems.
Science utilizes observation and experimentation along with existing scientific knowledge, mathematics, and engineering technologies to answer questions about the natural world. Scientists investigate the natural world with skills that include systematic observation, measurement, and experimentation as they formulate, test, and modify hypotheses.
Engineering employs existing scientific knowledge, mathematics, and technology to create, design, and develop new devices, objects, or technology to meet the needs of society. Engineers apply science and mathematics as they engage in the Engineering Design Process. Useful resources for the Engineering Design Process can be found at:
The 2018 Science Standards of Learning Curriculum Framework includes science and engineering practices that are directly connected to science concepts. They are located within the Essential Knowledge and Practices and identified with a leaf bullet. By utilizing both scientific and engineering practices in the science classroom, students develop a deeper understanding and competencies with techniques at the heart of each discipline.
Science & engineering practices progression: K-12
Science and Engineering Practices Progression K-12 (Word) - The Science and Engineering Practices Progression K-12 chart identifies grade level expectations for each of the six practices as students progress through elementary school and high school.
UPDATES REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
2018 SCIENCE STANDARDS OF LEARNING
Updates regarding the implementation of the 2018 Science Standards of Learning are reflected in Supertindent’s Memo 254-21 (PDF). References about the schedule for implementation, new test blueprints, support resources, and new item types are reflected below.
SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION
2022-2023 School Year – Full Implementation Year
Written and taught curricula to reflect the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
Fall 2022 Standards of Learning assessments for grades 5, 8, and EOC Biology will measure 2010 Science Standards of Learning.
Spring 2023 Standards of Learning assessments for grades 5, 8, and EOC Biology will measure the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
Spring 2023 Standards Learning assessments for Earth Science and Chemistry will measure the 2010 Science Standards of Learning. Students needing these assessments for verified credit should be provided instructional support that addresses any gaps between the 2010 and 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
Required third grade performance assessments must reflect the 2018 Science Standards of Learning.
All Science SOL tests measuring the 2010 and 2018 Science Standards of Learning will include access to the Desmos Virginia Online Calculator beginning in Spring 2023.
2018 SOL TEST BLUEPRINTS
In preparation for the implementation of the new assessments measuring the 2018 Science Standards of Learning, new science test blueprints have been developed for the grade 5 science, grade 8 science, and EOC Biology SOL tests. The new science test blueprints are available online at the VDOE Science Standards of Learning Assessment page and linked below. It is important to note that science assessments developed using the new blueprints will be administered for the first time in the spring 2023 SOL test administration.
Grade 5 (includes Grade 4 and Grade 5): Word / PDF
Grade 8 (includes Grade 6, Life Science, and Physical Science): Word / PDF
Chemistry: PDF / 2010 and 2018 Standards Document to Support State Testing in Chemistry
(As needed for verified credit to meet graduation requirements.)
2018 SOL YouTube PLAYLIST
2018 Science Standards of Learning YouTube playlist with VDOE Science Coordinator Anne Petersen.
New! SCIENCE ITEM TYPE (CLUSTER ITEMS)
Also announced in Superintendent’s Memo 254-21, to support the integration of science content with Science and Engineering Practices (SEPs), science item clusters appeared in grade 5, grade 8, and Biology SOL in Spring 2022 as field test items. Science item clusters will appear in Spring 2023 grade 5, grade 8, and Biology SOL assessments and will count toward the student's score.
Practice Items are available for grade 5, grade 8, and Biology.
Guided Practice Suggestions accompany these revised practice items.
These items provide an opportunity for students to become familiar with the new science item clusters. Practice items in text-to-speech for these courses will be available in early Fall 2022.
VDOE has provided guidance about the new Cluster Items. You may find this information in this presentation: Science 2018 Standards Summative Assessment in Virginia_JAN2023.
New! VDOE SCIENCE TEACHER on-going webinar series
VDOE Science Teacher Webinars are opportunities for Virginia science educators to hear directly from the VDOE Science Team. These virtual webinars will be held on the third Wednesday of each month between 4:00-5:00 PM. Attendees will receive a certificate of attendance from VDOE for attending each full webinar. You must register separately for each event. Please consider registering for any or all (use the dropdown menu to select one or more dates) of the VDOE Science Teacher Webinars!