Spoonhower's Science Blog

1. A
2. F
3. D
4. J
5. C

Detailed SOL Study Slide Show

Great SOL prep material on this site.

Physical Science students were given study guides to prepare for this test.

8th grade SOL review SOLpass_ANSWERKEY

7th grade SOL review SOLpass_ANSWER KEY

6th grade SOL review SOLpass_Answer Key

Some great online resources:

• Education.jlab.org – Students can take released practice tests here.
• Solpass.org – Students can do a variety of activities organized by SOL.
• Classzone.com – This is a companion website to the Science 8 textbook.
• http://www.wise.k12.va.us/alted/sol/sol.htm – This site can be used for tutorials in all subjects.

SOls are introducing technology enhanced items. The best way to prepare for this is to try some of these questions.
Technology Enhanced Questions

The challenge is to create a one- to two- minute video that…

explains the problem and how it impacts them, their family, their community or the global population;
describes a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact the problem;
explains the science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics behind their innovation; and
illustrates how their innovation could both address the everyday problem they’ve identified and have a broader impact locally or globally.

Students were offered the choice to:
1. Do a standard science experiment on the topic of their choice with 0-2 partners to be displayed on a tri-fold science display board.
or
2. Create a 1- 2 minute video that offers a solution to a problem related to the way we move, the way we keep ourselves healthy, or the way we make a difference.
More information and sample videos can be found here-Young Scientist Challenge

Al projects are due by end of day Friday, April 20th.  Official submissions to the Young Scientist Challenge, however, must be made by the student by April 19th to qualify for the contest.

Each class has a study guide.

Life Science

This course focuses on using the experimental design method to investigate life.  Concepts include: The cell, cell theory, heredity, genetics, evolution, organism classification, human body systems and ecology.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used to learn and review key concepts.

Note: Concepts learned, and skills acquired in the course will be assessed on the Science 8 SOL

Life Science Accelerated

Prerequisite: Meet criteria for accelerated classes

This course focuses on using the experimental design method to investigate life.  Concepts include, but are not limited to: The cell, cell theory, heredity, genetics, evolution, organism classification, human body systems and ecology.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently.  Students are required to conduct an independent research project and produce a tri-fold board display according to Science Fair guidelines.

Note: Concepts learned, and skills acquired in the course will be assessed on the Science 8 SOL

Life Science Honors

Prerequisite: Meet criteria for honors classes

This course focuses on using the experimental design method to investigate life.  Concepts include, but are not limited to: The cell, cell theory, heredity, genetics, evolution, organism classification, human body systems and ecology.

Extension problem based learning modules may be provided as course supplements (i.e. Investigating Infectious Diseases) based on interest, availability, and pacing.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently.  Students are required to conduct an independent research project and produce a tri-fold board display according to Science Fair guidelines.

Note: Concepts learned, and skills acquired in the course will be assessed on the Science 8 SOL

*The 2011-2012 Life Science Honors students will take the Science 8 SOL test since they had a blended 6^th and 8^th grade course in Grade 6.

Physical Science

SOL course

This course focuses on physical science concepts such as matter, energy, atoms, the periodic table, work, force, motion, power, electricity, magnetism and simple machines. The interactions of physical and biological systems with Earth will also be explored while learning about watersheds, space, ecology, and similar topics.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used to learn and review key concepts.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Science 8 SOL test.

Physical Science Accelerated

Prerequisite: Meet criteria for accelerated classes

SOL course

This course focuses on physical science concepts such as matter, energy, atoms, the periodic table, work, force, motion, power, electricity, magnetism and simple machines. The interactions of physical and biological systems with Earth will also be explored while learning about watersheds, space, ecology, and similar topics.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently.  Students are required to conduct an independent research project and produce a tri-fold board display according to Science Fair guidelines.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Science 8 SOL test.

Physical Science Honors

Prerequisite: Meet criteria for honors classes

SOL course

This course focuses on physical science concepts such as matter, energy, atoms, the periodic table, work, force, motion, power, electricity, magnetism and simple machines. The interactions of physical and biological systems with Earth will also be explored while learning about watersheds, space, ecology, and similar topics.

Extension problem based learning modules may be provided as course supplements (i.e. Physics Quest) based on interest, availability, and pacing.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently. Mathematical problem solving skills will be used extensively to explore physics concepts. AP Physics assessments will be modeled and practiced.

Students are required to conduct an independent research project and produce a tri-fold board display according to Science Fair guidelines.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Science 8 SOL test.

Earth Science

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of Physical Science 8 course or course equivalent

Passing score on the VA Science 8 SOL test

SOL Course

Students in this course will investigate the interaction of Earth science systems. Although much of the course is centered on the study of the Geosphere/Geology, students will also be introduced to foundational concepts in Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, and Astronomy.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used to learn and review key concepts.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Earth Science Sol test. This course counts as a verified credit and affects the student’s high school GPA.

Earth Science Accelerated

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of Physical Science 8 course or course equivalent

Passing score on the VA Science 8 SOL test

Meet criteria for accelerated classes

SOL Course

Students in this course will investigate the interaction of Earth science systems. Although much of the course is centered on the study of the Geosphere/Geology, students will also be introduced to foundational concepts in Meteorology, Physical Oceanography, and Astronomy.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently in addition to direct instruction.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Earth Science Sol test. This course counts as a verified credit and affects the student’s high school GPA.

Earth Science Honors

Prerequisites:

Successful completion of Physical Science 8 course or course equivalent

Passing score on the VA Science 8 SOL test

Prerequisite: Meet criteria for honors classes

SOL Course

Students in this course will investigate the interaction of Earth science systems. Students will extensively explore the individual components and interactions between the Geosphere, Hydrospehere, Atmosphere, and Biosphere.  Extension problem based learning modules may be provided as course supplements (i.e. Exploring a Pegmatite Mine) based on interest, availability, and pacing.

Lab interactions and problem based inquiry, as well as, computer interactions and simulations will be used frequently in addition to direct instruction.

AP Biology assessments will be modeled and practiced.

At the conclusion of this course, students will take the Earth Science Sol test. This course counts as a verified credit and affects the student’s high school GPA.

Earth Science students are creating stop signs to educate and inform people about issues affecting the Chesapeake Bay.