ElmiraDistrictSecondary School

SNC 2D - Course Overview 2016

Course: Science, Grade 10 Academic Teacher: Mr. Carlin

Course Description:

This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Earth and Space Science, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid-base reactions; the interaction of light and matter; and the forces that affect climate and climate change.

Units of Study: Course info website:

Table 1: Unit Title and Essential Learning Requirements
1. Chemistry: Chemical Reactions
  • Identify simple ionic compounds; simple compounds involving polyatomic ions; and molecular compounds (using the periodic table and a list of the most common polyatomic ions)
  • Write and balance chemical equations for simple chemical reactions.
  • Identify different types of chemical reactions

2. Biology: Tissues, Organs, and Systems of Living Things
  • Label and explain the various stages of the cell cycle and articulate the importance of cell division to life itself
  • State the hierarchical organization of cells (tissues, organs, organ systems) in plants and animals and explain the importance of major organ systems in living things
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the social and ethical implications of developments in medical technology

3. Physics: Light and Geometric Optics
  • Interpret ray diagrams for ONE of: curved mirrors, plane mirrors, converging or diverging lenses.
  • Articulate ways in which light reflects and refracts.
  • Use a structured mathematical method to solve an algebraic equation involving light and geometric optics.

4. Earth and Space Science: Climate Change
  • Explain that climate change is the result of natural and anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases.
  • Assess personal impact on climate change and identify courses of action to reduce this impact
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how climate change affects living things

5. Scientific Investigation Skills and Career Exploration
  • Demonstrate through a variety of ways, safe and appropriate scientific investigation skills and data analysis appropriate forGrade 10 Science as they relate to the Scientific Method.

Assessment and Evaluation Strategies

Assessment:

Assessment is regular and continuous and is used for the improvement of teaching and learning andnot for grade reporting. The purposes of assessment are to:

  • Diagnose and track student progress and achievement
  • Provide feedback to students and parents/guardians about student progress and achievement
  • To allow students to assess their own progress and achievement
  • To implement improved instructional practices, curriculum and programs for all students

Evaluation:

To be successful in this course you must be able to demonstrate all of the “Essential Learning” listed in the Table 1. Evidence of Learning will be evaluated through:

Term Work70% Final Evaluation30%

  • Tests and Quizzes
  • Lab Inquiries

Final Written Exam30%

  • Classroom work, Assignments, Projects

Learning Skills Expectations

The following learning skills will be assessed throughout the course and rated on the report card:

  • Independent work
  • Responsibility
  • Organization
  • Collaboration
  • Initiative
  • Self-regulation

These skills will not be included in the final numeric mark unless they are part of the provincial curriculum expectations for the course. However, it is important to remember that the development of these skills is critical to academic achievement and does has a direct bearing on the final mark. Please refer to the document Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting in Ontario Schools ( for more information about the learning skills.

Course Materials

Each day you should bring the following supplies to class

  • Course textbook Pearson Investigating Science 10 (approximate replacement cost $90)
  • Notebook (3-ring binder) and lined paper
  • Calculator (cells phones, ipods, and gaming devices may NOT be substituted for acalculator)
  • Writing utensils (pens, pencils, pencil crayons, highlighter, eraser), ruler
  • Student agenda to record homework assignments, project due dates and quiz and test dates
  • NO cell phone use will be permitted!

Procedures:

1. Extra Help

If you are having difficulties with the material & assigned homework, seek help early – either during lunch and/or before school. Missed assessments are to be made up during designated lunch periods.

2. Attendance

Attendance in class is an important part of learning and success. When you are absent, a parent/guardian must call the school’s attendance line on the date of absence.You are responsible for getting caught up whenever you are away.

  • For short-term absences (sports, clubs, illness, field trips, appointments, etc.) students are expected to obtain notes from a classmate.. Any handouts will be available from me.
  • For extended absences (family vacations, school trips, surgeries, etc.) students are expected to make arrangements prior to being away. Missed assessment deadlines during this time must be completed within the first five days back at school.

3. Late and Missing Assignments

  1. All essential learning must be demonstrated in order to earn a credit. Missed assessments jeopardize a student’s ability to demonstrate this learning.
  2. Essential skills and knowledge will be identified prior to assessment.
  3. Skills such as time management and planning will be reflected in the learning skills area of the report card.

4. Cheating and Plagiarism

To be successful in a course, each student must demonstrate all of the essential skills listed on the course outline. Accordingly, it is important for each student to do his/her own best work.

If a student is suspected of cheating or plagiarizing, the student is required to demonstrate the essential skill(s) for that particular assignment. The student will be required to redo all or part of the original assignment, or to complete and alternate assignment or assessment as determined by the teacher. Failure to do so will result in and “incomplete” for the essential skill(s) particular to that assignment or assessment and will jeopardize the credit.

There will be other consequences as determined by administration (e.g. recorded in the office plagiarism binder, limited access to school awards or scholarships, suspension, etc.) as per the school’s progressive discipline process.

Please refer to the parent/student handbook or the EDSS website for more details on these policies and other academic procedures.

Contact Information:

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to contact me is via school email at or by phoning the school at 519-669-5414.

Classroom Homework Partner:

Find someone in the classroom who is willing to help you when you are absent from class and need information regarding homework assignments, missed notes, important upcoming dates, etc.

My classroom homework partner is: ______

I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE CONTENTS OF THIS COURSE OUTLINE, THE POLICIES FOR LATE or MISSING ASSIGNMENTS, AS WELL AS CHEATING and PLAGIARISM.

Student Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Signature: ______Date: ______