Virginia state flagVIRGINIA
THE OLD DOMINION

Virginia Grade 6 Science Online Center

Virginia tests science in grades 5 and 8, not in grade 6, so sixth grade is the year to build the ideas SOL Science will ask about later. Practice tests, skill quizzes, flashcards, and every Virginia science standard for this grade, free.

Standards source: K-12 Standards & Instruction, Virginia Department of Education.

6 full-length practice tests9 science skill quizzes166 flashcards42 Virginia standardsAn explanation for every answer
Built from Virginia science standards
Every answer explained
No login required
Trusted by students across Virginia

Virginia Science by Grade

Every Virginia science center, grade 1 through grade 8.

Virginia, How science testing works here. SOL Science at grades 5, 8, HS-EOC. Grade 6 is not summatively tested but has a substantive SOL sequence: 6.1 (Scientific investigation), 6.2 (Matter), 6.3 (Light and optics / electricity depending on version), 6.4 (Matter and energy in atmospheres), 6.5 (Air/atmosphere), 6.6 (Water), 6.7 (Oceans), 6.8 (Solar system and universe), 6.9 (Earth resources, natural resource use).

Grade 6 Science Skill Quizzes

Pick one science area, answer 10 questions, and see exactly where the idea broke down. Each quiz opens right here.

QUIZ10 questions

Matter and Its Properties

A quick 10-question check on matter and its properties, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Forces and Motion

A quick 10-question check on forces and motion, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Energy

A quick 10-question check on energy, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Waves and Information

A quick 10-question check on waves and information, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Cells, Structures and Life Processes

A quick 10-question check on cells, structures and life processes, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Ecosystems and Heredity

A quick 10-question check on ecosystems and heredity, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Evolution, Fossils and Adaptation

A quick 10-question check on evolution, fossils and adaptation, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Earth and Space Systems

A quick 10-question check on earth and space systems, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

QUIZ10 questions

Earth, Human Activity and Engineering

A quick 10-question check on earth, human activity and engineering, with instant scoring and a full explanation for every answer.

  • 10 questions
  • Instant score

Start quiz →

Why trust Effortless Math?

Study with a clearer next step

This Virginia grade 6 science center is part of the Effortless Math library. Practice tests, skill quizzes, flashcards, and the state's own standards are connected so a student always has a clear next step instead of a wall of links.

Last updated: August 25, 2026
Since 2014Helping students build confidence and prepare for exams.
7,000+Worksheets, books, practice resources, and learning publications.
Over 1,000,000 and countingMore learners join every day.
Free first stepsPractice tests, flashcards, quizzes, and standards references.
Standards come firstEvery topic on this page is tied to a Virginia science standard code, not to a generic national list.
Written for learnersQuestions use plain language, and each answer is explained in full rather than marked right or wrong.
Free before paidThe practice on this page is free with no login. Books are suggested only as a next step.

Effortless Math is an independent educational publisher. Test names, state exams, standards names, and trademarks are used only to identify the relevant study topic; their owners do not sponsor, endorse, or approve this page.

Virginia Grade 6 Science Snapshot

Not testedin grade 6 science
42state science standards
6full practice tests
4topic areas to study

Virginia Grade 6 Science Topics

These are the 42 science standards Virginia sets for grade 6, from the Virginia Science Standards of Learning, grouped and ordered exactly the way the state's own standards document groups them. Each one is tagged with its official code so you can trace it straight back to the state document.

Virginia standard codes

ESS Earth and Space Systems

  • 6.2.aMatter Distributed Throughout Solar System
  • 6.2.b6.3.b6.3.c6.3.d6.3.eSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space Systems
  • 6.2.cForces, Motion, and Interactions
  • 6.2.dUnderstanding Solar System Developed Over Time
  • 6.3.aEarth Unique Properties

E Energy

  • 6.4.aEnergy in Food and Living Systems
  • 6.4.bPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and Change
  • 6.4.cRadiation Conduction Convection Distribute Energy
  • 6.4.dEnergy Forms, Transfer, and Transformation

M Matter

  • 6.5.a6.5.b6.5.c6.5.d6.5.e6.5.fParticles, Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
  • 6.5.gMatter Properties, States, and Classification

ER Earth Resources

  • 6.6.aWater Referred Universal Solvent
  • 6.6.bWater Specific Properties
  • 6.6.cThermal Energy Role Phase Changes Label Parts Water
  • 6.6.d6.6.e6.7.cWater Cycle, Weather, Climate, and Atmosphere
  • 6.6.fWater Important Agriculture Power Generation Public Health
  • 6.7.aParticles, Atoms, Elements, and Compounds
  • 6.7.bAtmosphere Physical Characteristics
  • 6.7.dRelationship Between Air Movement Thermal Energy Weather Conditions
  • 6.7.eAtmospheric Measures Used Weather Conditions
  • 6.7.fWeather Maps Give Basic Information About Fronts Systems
  • 6.8.aWatershed Composed Land Drains Body Water
  • 6.8.bVirginia Composed Multiple Watershed Systems Which Specific Features
  • 6.8.cChesapeake Bay Estuary Many Important Functions
  • 6.8.dNatural Processes Human Activities Biotic Abiotic Factors Influence
  • 6.9.a6.9.b6.9.d6.9.eNatural Resources and Human Impacts
  • 6.9.cMajor Health Safety Issues Associated Air Water Quality
  • 6.9.fCost Benefit Tradeoffs Conservation Policies

Grouped and ordered from the state's own standards document.

Virginia Grade 6 Science Standards

The full text of every grade 6 science standard in the Virginia Science Standards of Learning. If your Virginia classroom or report card mentions a code, you will find it here.

ESS Earth and Space Systems

  • 6.2.aMatter Distributed Throughout Solar SystemMatter is distributed throughout the solar system
  • 6.2.bSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsPlanets have different sizes and orbit at different distances from the sun
  • 6.2.cForces, Motion, and InteractionsGravity contributes to orbital motion
  • 6.2.dUnderstanding Solar System Developed Over TimeThe understanding of the solar system has developed over time
  • 6.3.aEarth Unique PropertiesEarth has unique properties
  • 6.3.bSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsThe rotation of Earth in relationship to the sun causes day and night
  • 6.3.cSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsThe movement of Earth and the moon in relationship to the sun causes phases of the moon
  • 6.3.dSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsEarth's tilt as it revolves around the sun causes the seasons
  • 6.3.eSun, Moon, Earth, Stars, and Space SystemsThe relationship between Earth and the moon is the primary cause of tides

E Energy

  • 6.4.aEnergy in Food and Living SystemsThe sun is important in the formation of most energy sources on Earth
  • 6.4.bPatterns, Systems, Cause and Effect, and ChangeEarth's energy budget relates to living systems and Earth's processes
  • 6.4.cRadiation Conduction Convection Distribute EnergyRadiation, conduction, and convection distribute energy
  • 6.4.dEnergy Forms, Transfer, and TransformationEnergy transformations are important in energy usage

M Matter

  • 6.5.aParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsAtoms consist of particles, including electrons, protons, and neutrons
  • 6.5.bParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsAtoms of a particular element are similar but differ from atoms of other elements
  • 6.5.cParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsElements may be represented by chemical symbols
  • 6.5.dParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsTwo or more atoms interact to form new substances, which are held together by electrical forces (bonds)
  • 6.5.eParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsCompounds may be represented by chemical formulas
  • 6.5.fParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsChemical equations can be used to model chemical changes
  • 6.5.gMatter Properties, States, and ClassificationA few elements comprise the largest portion of the solid Earth, living matter, the oceans, and the atmosphere

ER Earth Resources

  • 6.6.aWater Referred Universal SolventWater is referred to as the universal solvent
  • 6.6.bWater Specific PropertiesWater has specific properties
  • 6.6.cThermal Energy Role Phase Changes Label Parts WaterThermal energy has a role in phase changes
  • 6.6.dWater Cycle, Weather, Climate, and AtmosphereWater has a role in weathering
  • 6.6.eWater Cycle, Weather, Climate, and AtmosphereLarge bodies of water moderate climate
  • 6.6.fWater Important Agriculture Power Generation Public HealthWater is important for agriculture, power generation, and public health
  • 6.7.aParticles, Atoms, Elements, and CompoundsAir is a mixture of gaseous elements and compounds
  • 6.7.bAtmosphere Physical CharacteristicsThe atmosphere has physical characteristics
  • 6.7.cWater Cycle, Weather, Climate, and AtmosphereProperties of the atmosphere change with altitude
  • 6.7.dRelationship Between Air Movement Thermal Energy Weather ConditionsThere is a relationship between air movement, thermal energy, and weather conditions
  • 6.7.eAtmospheric Measures Used Weather ConditionsAtmospheric measures are used to predict weather conditions
  • 6.7.fWeather Maps Give Basic Information About Fronts SystemsWeather maps give basic information about fronts, systems, and weather measurements
  • 6.8.aWatershed Composed Land Drains Body WaterA watershed is composed of the land that drains into a body of water
  • 6.8.bVirginia Composed Multiple Watershed Systems Which Specific FeaturesVirginia is composed of multiple watershed systems which have specific features
  • 6.8.cChesapeake Bay Estuary Many Important FunctionsThe Chesapeake Bay is an estuary that has many important functions
  • 6.8.dNatural Processes Human Activities Biotic Abiotic Factors InfluenceNatural processes, human activities, and biotic and abiotic factors influence the health of a watershed system
  • 6.9.aNatural Resources and Human ImpactsNatural resources are important to protect and maintain
  • 6.9.bNatural Resources and Human ImpactsRenewable and nonrenewable resources can be managed
  • 6.9.cMajor Health Safety Issues Associated Air Water QualityMajor health and safety issues are associated with air and water quality
  • 6.9.dNatural Resources and Human ImpactsMajor health and safety issues are related to different forms of energy
  • 6.9.eNatural Resources and Human ImpactsPreventive measures can protect land-use and reduce environmental hazards
  • 6.9.fCost Benefit Tradeoffs Conservation PoliciesThere are cost/benefit tradeoffs in conservation policies

Source: Virginia Standards of Learning: Grade Six: Our world; our responsibility. Always check the current official document before relying on a code for placement or reporting.

Virginia Grade 6: Math and English Too

Science is one of three Virginia grade 6 centers. Same format, same standards-first approach, for the other two subjects.

Virginia Grade 6 Math

Six full practice tests, printable worksheets, step-by-step lessons, and every Virginia grade 6 math standard.

Open the math center →

Virginia Grade 6 English

Reading, writing, and language standards for Virginia grade 6, broken into short skill targets with practice for each one.

Open the English center →

Virginia Grade 6 Science FAQ

Does Virginia test science in grade 6?

No. Virginia gives SOL Science in grades 5 and 8, so grade 6 students do not sit a state science test this year. Virginia also gives a high school biology end-of-course test. The standards on this page are still the ones grade 6 teachers teach, and they are what the next science test builds on.

Which standards does grade 6 science in Virginia follow?

Virginia follows the Virginia Science Standards of Learning, published by the Virginia Department of Education. All 42 of this grade's standards are listed further down the page with their official codes.

How long are the practice tests?

Each of the six practice tests has 40 questions and a 70-minute timer. The timer auto-submits at zero and you get your score, a breakdown by science area, and a written explanation for every question.

Is any of this free?

Yes, every practice test, quiz, and flashcard set on this page is free and needs no login. Your progress is saved in your own browser and nowhere else.

What is the fastest way to use this page?

Take practice test 1 cold. Look at the topic breakdown, pick the weakest science area, and do that skill quiz. Then read the quick review for that area and come back for practice test 2.

Grade 6 Science in Other States

Standards, practice tests, and quizzes for grade 6 science in every state and Washington, D.C.

Start With One Practice Test

Grade 6 is a building year for science in Virginia. Take a timed test, see which area is thinnest, and fix that one before it compounds.

Start a practice test