Bishop Macdonell Catholic Secondary School

SNC1D Course Outline September 2015

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Course Name: Science
Course Type: Academic

Course Code: SNC 1D

Grade Level: Grade 9

Credit Value: 1.0 credit

Teacher: Mr. Luzi (fluzi@wellingtoncdsb.ca)

Ministry Guideline/Date: The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Science, 2008 Revised
Course Description/ Rationale:
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 with Catholic values in mind. 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.

Prerequisite: None
Related Resources Nelson Science 9 textbook
Outline of Course Content: (The unit order may change based on the semester.)

By the end of this course, students will...

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.
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);

Biology
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
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

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
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.

Evaluation / Weighting of Evaluation Components:

Knowledge and Understanding. Subject-specific content acquired in each course (knowledge), and the comprehension of its
meaning and significance (understanding).
/30%
Thinking and Investigation. The use of critical and creative thinking skills and inquiry, research, and problem-solving skills and/or
processes. /35%
Communication. The conveying of meaning through various forms.

/10%

Application. The use of knowledge and skills to make connections within and between various contexts. /25%
Teachers will ensure that student work is assessed and/or evaluated in a balanced manner with respect to the four categories, and
that achievement of particular expectations is considered within the appropriate categories.
Term work - 70 %

Final Summative Evaluation (30 %) (Bell Ringer 10%, Exam 20%)

Due Dates
Students are expected to participate in their learning through assessment and evaluation as scheduled. If an extension is needed
then the student must communicate it to the teacher. Difficulty with meeting this expectation will be reflected through Learning
Skills.
Missed Evaluations
Every reasonable effort will be made to evaluate student learning fairly following participation in learning activities and
assessments. Students should arrange for early evaluations if they expect to be absent (i.e. trip, extracurricular activities). If no
evidence is available for evaluation then a mark of M may be given. Circumstances will be considered on an individual basis.
Class Website
Most of the handouts, worksheets, class presentations and video links will be on the class website. You can go here if you missed
a day in the class or to review material that youre finding difficult throughout the semester. Please visit the class website often for
updates on the material covered in class. Website: fluzi.weebly.com
Classroom alerts
Youre encouraged to sign up for Remind 101. This will send you instant alerts to your phone so that youre aware of what is going
on both in class and in the school community. I will be sending out test regarding upcoming assignments, quizzes, tests, spirit days
and change of classroom location. Please join, as this is a very helpful tool in helping you build your organization and responsibility.
E-mail updates
In addition to the class website and Remind alerts, I will also have e-mail updates going to all the parents/guardians in the class. If
your parents/guardians are not receiving e-mails then please pass along my e-mail to them so that they can be added to the class
thread.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------When both you and your parents/guardians have read the outline above, please sign it and show Mr. Luzi by the end of the week. I
thank you for your co-operation and I look forward to the semester!
Students Name:

Parents Signature: