HALTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
COURSE OF STUDY
Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School
DEPARTMENT: Science
MINISTRY DOCUMENT: The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 and 10 Science
Course Title: Science Course Type: Applied
Grade: 9 Course Code: SNC1P Credit: 1.0
Prerequisite: None Teacher(s): Ms. A. Raper
Date: September 2012
Course Description:
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the components of the universe; and static and current electricity.
How This Course Supports Expectations for the Catholic School Graduate:
The study of science helps students to learn to be reflective, critical and creative thinkers, as well as discerning believers, who can apply their knowledge to the world around them. They can then make appropriate decisions in light of Gospel values and Church teachings. Through the study of the techniques of science, particularly experimentation, students will learn to be collaborative contributors to an interdependent team, respecting the rights, responsibilities and contributions of others. Through career exploration, the students will think critically about the meaning and purpose of work, find meaning, dignity and fulfillment and contribute to the common good. Overall, through the course, students will become aware of the sacramental dimension of the physical world in all its aspects and of their roles as stewards of God’s creation.
Focus on Faith: Human Dignity:
In Grade 9 it is hoped that students will:
_ demonstrate an understanding that all of human life is sacred
_ recognize that any vision of society should begin with the recognition of the dignity of
the human person
_ demonstrate an understanding that they are known and loved by God
_ recognize that human dignity does not have to be earned
– everyone possesses dignity because they are created in the image of God
_ recognize that the human person is the clearest reflection of God’s presence in the
World
Rights and Responsibilities:
In Grade 9 it is hoped that students will:
_ demonstrate an understanding that every person has the fundamental right to life
_ be a voice of change in the world to ensure that every human has the basic
necessities of life – food, shelter and clothing, employment, health care, and
education
_ recognize that, along with their own rights, they have duties and responsibilities to one
another, to families, and to the larger society
_ strive to ensure that the treatment of others reflects a belief in the equal rights
and treatment of all
_ understand that their consumer “wants” may have a positive or negative affect on
those in other parts of the world
Overall Curriculum Expectations:
The overall expectations are listed for each strand, i.e. Scientific Inquiry Skills and Career Exploration, Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, and Physics, and describe in general terms the knowledge and skills that students are expected to demonstrate by the end of the course.
By the end of this course, students will:
STRAND A:
A1. demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating);
A2. identify and describe a variety of careers related to the fields of science under study, and identify scientists, including Canadians, who have made contributions to those fields.
STRAND B: ECOLOGY
B1. analyze the impact of human activity on terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and assess the effectiveness of selected initiatives related to environmental sustainability;
B2. investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the sustainability of these ecosystems;
B3. demonstrate an understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems.
STRAND C: CHEMISTRTY
C1. analyze how properties of common elements and/or simple compounds affect their use, and assess the social and environmental impact associated with their production or use;
C2. investigate, through inquiry, physical and chemical properties of common elements and simple compounds;
C3. demonstrate an understanding of the properties of common elements and simple compounds, and general features of the organization of the periodic table.
STRAND D: SPACE AND OUR SOLAR SYSTEM
D1. analyze the major challenges and benefits of space exploration, and assess the contributions of Canadians to space exploration;
D2. investigate the properties of different types of celestial objects in the solar system and the universe;
D3. demonstrate an understanding of major astronomical phenomena and of the principal components of the solar system and the universe.
STRAND E: ELECTRICITY
E1. assess the major social, economic, and environmental costs and benefits of using electrical energy, distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable sources, and propose a plan of action to reduce energy costs;
E2. investigate, through inquiry, the properties of static and current electricity and the cost of the consumption of electrical energy;
E3. demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and principles of static and current electricity.
Course Grade Weighting:
Term Work: 70% / Final Evaluation: 30%Category Weight / Task Weight
Knowledge and Understanding 17.5 %
/ Culminating Task 15 %
Thinking and Investigation 17.5 % / Final Exam 15 %
Communication 17.5 %
Application 17.5 %
Materials:
Every student must bring the following materials to class each day: Notebook, pencil, pen, lined loose-Ieaf paper, scientific calculator, ruler, and red pen.
Homework:
All homework assignments are to be completed and brought to the next class. Homework checks will be done on a regular basis. It is to your advantage that you complete all of your homework on time.
Notebooks:
You must keep all your notes in a 3-ring binder. The notebook must be neat, organized, and up-to-date at all times. All notes must be completed in ink or pencil and dated. Calculations could be written in pencil. Use a pencil to complete your homework assignments.
FOCUS On FAITH
Gracious and wonderful God,
With each gift of your creation
you acknowledged its goodness.
From the smallest seed to the largest creature,
each received your blessing.
When you created human beings in your image
you gave us the wonderful gift of life and
along with Jesus, your Son, made us partners
in your unfolding dream of creation.
We praise you and thank you for
your generous gifts and ask for your guidance.
May we always recognize and value
the goodness of all creation.
May we be, each day, an instrument of
your healing and your love.
May we treat each person with dignity
and respect because they are
created in your image and love.
And may it always be said
in response to our every act,
“God saw that it was good.”
Amen.
2007-2009 Prayer by Joan Doyle, System Chaplain/Faith Animator
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