Course Information Sheet


 

Course Information Sheet

Science: SNC 1D

 

This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.

 

SNC 1D focuses on the Overall Expectations from the Ministry of Education’s curriculum:

 

SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION SKILLS AND CAREER EXPLORATION

                      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);

                      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.

 

BIOLOGY: SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS

                      assess the impact of human activities on the sustainability of terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystems, and evaluate the effectiveness of courses of action intended to remedy or mitigate negative impacts;

                      investigate factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and explain how they affect the sustainability of these ecosystems;

                      demonstrate an understanding of the dynamic nature of ecosystems, particularly in terms of ecological balance and the impact of human activity on the sustainability of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.                        

 

CHEMISTRY: ATOMS, ELEMENTS, AND COMPOUNDS

                      assess social, environmental, and economic impacts of the use of common elements and compounds, with reference to their physical and chemical properties;

                      investigate, through inquiry, the physical and chemical properties of common elements and compounds;

                      demonstrate an understanding of the properties of common elements and compounds, and of the organization of elements in the periodic table.                                

 

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: THE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSE

                     assess some of the costs, hazards, and benefits of space exploration and the contributions of Canadians to space research and technology;

                     investigate the characteristics and properties of a variety of celestial objects visible from Earth in the night sky;     

                     demonstrate an understanding of the major scientific theories about the structure, formation, and evolution of the universe and its components and of the evidence that supports these theories.

 

PHYSICS: THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRICITY

 

                      assess some of the costs and benefits associated with the production of electrical energy from renewable and non_renewable sources, and analyse how electrical efficiencies and savings can be achieved, through both the design of technological devices and practices in the home;

                      investigate, through inquiry, various aspects of electricity, including the properties of static and current electricity, and the quantitative relationships between potential difference, current, and resistance in electrical circuits;           

                      demonstrate an understanding of the principles of static and current electricity.

 

                                                                                   

The final mark will be calculated based on the Ministry of Education’s Achievement Chart for the course as follows: Knowledge/Understanding: 25%; Thinking: 25%; Communication: 25%; Application: 25%

 

70% of the final mark will be based on work completed throughout the course, including, but not limited to tests, projects, lab activities, lab reports and assignments. 30% will be based on the final evaluation (see details below.)              

 

In Science:

“The School Late Policy on Late Assignments” will only apply to major project based culminating assignments for each unit in science.

 

Presentations and performance based assessments are due on their scheduled days.

 

For Academic and University level classes:

Lab reports are due the next day after the completion of lab work in class.  No grace days or extensions will be given because completion of lab work is crucial to moving forward with curriculum.

 

 

All course expectations can be found in the Ontario Science Curriculum: Revised 2008 http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/science910_2008.pdf

 

School Policy on Late Assignments

 All evaluations must have a due date. Students are expected to submit work by the due date.  

Students should anticipate consequences when due dates are not met;

(a)  a 10% deduction for the assignment collected for each day during the grace period

(b) students not completing assignments within the grace period with receive an “I” for incomplete to the assignment 

(c) students given the opportunity to use student success or credit recovery to complete assignment will receive a completion mark of 50%. 

 

The late policy will not apply if a student misses a class for a reason other than those deemed acceptable according to the student handbook.  In this situation the student will receive a mark of “I or R” for any assessments/evaluations that were missed.

 

 

Academic Honesty

All work submitted for evaluation must be your own.  Written in your own words and organized in your own way.

Copying another student's work on any assignment in class will not be tolerated.  

Plagiarizing content by cutting and pasting directly from the internet will not be tolerated.

Either of these actions will result in a mark of R or 39%

During group work if you do not contribute your mark will reflect this.

 

Final Assessment

The 30% final evaluation will be comprehensive and consist of two parts.  Students will complete a written examination during the exam timetable that will evaluate Knowledge and Understanding, Application and Communication.  Student’s will also complete an in-class assessment which will evaluate Thinking and Inquiry and communication skills.    

 A final mark of 50% or better must be earned in order for a credit to be granted.

 

Lab Work

Lab activities will be frequent. Many will involve inherent risks and strict safety rules must be followed.  

Students must wear CSA approved safety glasses or goggles provided in class.  Lab coats and gloves will be available when they are required.

Students must complete lab training and sign a lab safety contract before participating in lab work.  

 lab safety contract.rtf

Students will be completing lab reports for lab work.  Students should follow these guidelines for lab format. lab guideline 1D.rtf

 

Technology in the Classroom

Students will be encouraged to use technology for the following purposes in class

All other uses of technology ie playing games, texting, using cell phones,  photographing themselves or others,  etc. are prohibited during class time.

 

 

It is highly recommended that student’s utilize the resources provided on the Internet Home Page for this class.  Including unit outlines, daily schedule, assignments, notes, rubrics, success criteria etc. It can be accessed through the SHDHS website. When a student misses a class or classes for a legitimate reason, it will be that student’s responsibility to use the website to get the work she/he missed. If a student is going to miss an in class assessment they must make arrangements in advance to complete an alternate assessment or the assessment on an alternate date. 

 

Learning skills and strategies, including independent work habits, team work, organization, general work habits, and initiative are vital to student learning and will be monitored by teachers for reporting on the provincial report card. However, any assessment and evaluation of student learning skills will not be included in the calculation of final marks.

 

It is recommended that students use a 3-ring binder as their science notebook. This will best accommodate their notes. Students will require a calculator, graph paper, and ruler and should be included in the resources students bring to class everyday.

 

Student learning will be monitored closely and consistently with feedback provided regularly. Students who require additional instruction outside of class time are encouraged to make arrangements with your teacher to get the help they need before school, during the lunch period, or after school.

 

 

TEXT RESOURCES:  Barker et al. 2010.  Science Perspectives 9.  Nelson, Toronto. Ca.

 

TEACHERS:            Ms. M. McCowan

 

HOURS OF INSTRUCTION: 110 CREDIT VALUE:  1.0      PREREQUISITE: none

 

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