Academic courses develop students' knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate pratical applications as appropriate.

Goals of the science program are as follows:
1. to relate science to technology, society, and the environment
2. to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry
3. to understand the basic concepts of science

Prerequisites: gr 9 academic or applied science

Course outline:

4 modules: chemistry, optics, sustainable development and climate change (not necessarily taught in this order). Scientific Method is used throughout the course and career choices are explored in each module.

chemistry	optics	biological systems	climate change
-investigate simple chemical reactions -acids and bases -naming compounds	-laws of reflection -characteristics of images formed by plane, curved mirrors and converging lens -laws of refraction -types of light emissions -properties of light	-cells, tissues, organs, and systems of living things -microscope work and biological drawings -cell division dissection of a plant, worm, fish, or frog -research a disease or abnormality related to tissues, organs, or systems of humans or plants -interractions	-heat transfer -influence of water on climate patterns -climate of our local region -compare different perspectives and/or biases -principle components of the Earth's climate system -greenhouse effect

Mark breakdown for the course:

connaissances et compréhension	knowledge	facts, quick answers	30%
Habiletés de la pensée	inquiry	use knowledge and comprehension in order to solve a problem ex. calculations, short answer	20%
Communication	communication	scientific terminology, symbols, units, naming elements, format etc.	10%
Application	application	solve a real-life problem using the knowledge and understanding gained during the course	10%
sommation	summative	lab bell ringer during class time based on lab activities performed during the semester	10%
examen	exam	1.5 hour written exam during the exam period	20%

Assessment and evaluation:

Using a variety of instructional, assessment, and evaluation strategies, I will provide numerous hands-on opportunities for students to develop and refine their investigation skills, including their problem-solving skills, critical and creative thinking skills, and communication skills, while discovering fundamental concepts through inquiry, exploration, observations, and research. The activities offered enable students to relate and apply these concepts to the social, environmental, and economic conditions and concerns of the world in which they live. Opportunities to relate knowledge and skills to these wider contexts will motivate students to learn in a meaningful way and to become life-long learners.

Formal evaluations include: exam, summative, tests, quizzes and lab reports.

Other types of evaluations include: homework quizzes with student notes, lab skills, group work, presentations, projects and activities.

Types of assessment may include: monitoring of homework and in class work, skits, mimes, projects, lab activities, hands-on activities, assigned questions, participation, depth of reflection, making connections and using equipment correctly.

Regular attendance on the part of students is vital to the process of learning. Class participation is an integral part of each course. Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the assessment and evaluation process because their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed. All students are expected to be on time and to attend all classes. (Please refer to the student agenda.)