SOL Study Book
Fifth Grade
Scientific Investigation,
Reasoning, and Logic
Table of Contents
Page 1: Measurement
Page 2: Measuring Instruments
Page 3: Data Collection, Recording, and Reporting
Page 4-5: Investigation
Page 6: Classification
Page 7-8: Practice Questions
Measurement
Measurement is a quantitative observation of LENGTH,
MASS, VOLUME, TEMPERATURE, or ELAPSED
TIME.
Estimation is the general description of a measurement
based on prior experience with that type of measurement
using a familiar unit of measurement.
Length is the linear distance between two points. The
basic unit of length is the meter.
Mass is the amount of matter in an object. The basic unit
of mass is the gram.
Volume is the amount of space taken up by an object.
The basic unit of volume is the liter.
Temperature is the amount of heat given off by an object.
Temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (oC).
Elapsed time is the amount of time that passes from the
beginning to the end of an event. Elapsed time is
measured using seconds, minutes, and hours.
Page 1
Measuring Instruments
The instrument used for measuring length is the meter
stick or metric ruler. The units of measure for length
include millimeters, centimeters, meters, and kilometers.
The instrument used for measuring mass is the balance.
The units of measure for mass include grams and
kilograms
The instrument used for measuring volume is the
graduated cylinder. The units of measure for volume
include milliliters and liters
The instrument used for measuring temperature is the
thermometer. The unit of measure for temperature is
degrees Celsius.
The instrument used for measuring elapsed time is the
chronograph (stopwatch).
Page 2
Data Collection, Recording, and Reporting
Systematic investigations require organized reporting of
data.
Presentation of data can make it easier to see important
patterns, trends, and relationships.
Charts and tables display an organized report of data.
Bar graphs display a visual report of discrete data
(individual numerical values).
Line graphs display a visual report of continuous data
(changes in numerical values over time).
A scientific prediction is a forecast about what may
happen in some future situation based on facts, trends,
and patterns.
Page 3
Investigation
Scientific investigation is a systematic test conducted to
determine the answer to a scientific question.
The systematic steps in a scientific investigation include:
 State scientific question: What effect will this action
cause?
 Form an hypothesis: What do you think will happen? “If
this action is performed, then this result will occur.”
 List all necessary materials: What items and measurement
instruments will be needed to perform the investigation?
 List procedures: Follow steps necessary to conduct
investigation. Analyze manipulated (independent) and
responding (dependent) variables.
 Record observations and inferences: Write a description of
what can be witnessed and what can be concluded from
evidence.
 Draw Conclusions: Use observations and inferences to
answer the scientific question that was investigated.
Compare the answer to the hypothesis.
Page 4
Variable: A change that takes place in an investigation.
Manipulated Variable (independent variable): The part of the
investigation that is deliberately changed in order to produce an
unknown result. It is independent of any other action since it is
changed deliberately.
Responding Variable (dependent variable): The part of the
investigation that changes as a result of some other action. It is
dependent because it changes, or responds, to another action.
Constant: The part of the investigation that is not changed so
that the responding variable can be fairly compared.
Observations: Statements that report what is directly witnessed
in an investigation.
 Qualitative Observations: Observations based on
information gathered using senses. (An observed quality of
something).
 Quantitative Observations: Observations of information
gathered using instruments of measurement that produce
numerical data. (An observed quantity of something).
Inferences: Statements that report what can be concluded about
observations based on prior knowledge and experience.
Page 5
Classification
A classification key is an important tool used to help
identify objects and organisms.
A classification key consists of a branching set of choices
organized in levels, with most levels of the key having
two choices. Each level provides more specific
descriptors, eventually leading to identification.
Page 6
Practice Questions