Grade 9 Science Course Outline
Mr. Johnson
Physical Science: Atoms and Elements (8 cycles)
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Distinguish between physical and chemical properties of common substances, including
those found in household, commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications.
Analyze historical explanations of the structure of matter up to and including:
Dalton model, Thomson model, Rutherford model, Bohr model of the atom.
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Demonstrate an understanding of the classification of pure substances (elements and
compounds), including the development and nature of the Periodic Table.
Physical Science: Characteristics of Electricity (8 cycles)
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Demonstrate and analyze characteristics of static electric charge and current electricity,
including historical and cultural understanding.
Analyze the relationships that exist among voltage, current, and resistance in series and
parallel circuits.
Assess operating principles, costs, and efficiencies of devices that produce or use
electrical energy.
Critique impacts of past, current, and possible future methods of small and large scale
electrical energy production and distribution in Saskatchewan.
Earth and Space Science: Exploring our Universe (8 cycles)
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Inquire into the motion and characteristics of astronomical bodies in our solar system
and the universe.
Analyze scientific explanations of the formation and evolution of our solar system and
the universe.
Examine how various cultures, past and present, including First Nations and Métis,
understand and represent astronomical phenomenon.
Analyze human capabilities for exploring and understanding the universe, including
technologies and programs that support such exploration.
Life Science: Reproduction and Human Development (8 cycles)
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Examine the process of and influences on the transfer of genetic information and the
impact of that understanding on society past and present.
Observe and describe the significance of cellular reproductive processes, including
mitosis and meiosis.
Describe the processes and implications of sexual and asexual reproduction in plants
and animals.
Analyze the process of human reproduction, including the influence of reproductive and
contraceptive technologies.
Needed Materials (Bring these to class every day)
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3 ring binder
loose leaf paper
textbook
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pens, pencils and an eraser
calculator
ruler
Classroom Expectations
If students do not understand topics, it is important that they take responsibility to ask
for help right away. Students have time in class to work on assignments. This is when they
should get the majority of the help they need with topics that are causing them to struggle.
However, if students need more help than can be provided at this time, I am available for extra
help after school or at lunch by appointment. (I do not always bring my lunch and have some
family commitments after school)
Material presented and discussions in class are important; therefore any time a student
is out of class, they may miss important information. As well most lab activities cannot be made
up at another time. It is the students’ responsibility to collect information, approach me for
help if needed, and complete assignments that were done while they were away so that they
can participate in the class discussions. I am going to post a digital copy of the handouts to
assignments out (only accessible from school) and the website
https://portal.cornerstonesd.ca/public/nz4wy23fnv3g2ylsmvtwmxdspfvgq2ltfzyg6zdnnzqwo/Pa
ges/default.aspx so that students/parents can access them from home if a student misses class
or wants a second look at what was done that day. This is not meant to replace attending class
and/or paying attention in class it is only one more way to help students be successful. Some
information can only be shared verbally.
From time to time students may be allowed to redo tests and quizzes, however students
should not rely on redo’s to obtain the best mark they can. Students need to always study, ask
for help and do the best they can on the first try. Most redo’s will not result in a grade of M
because if students are able to achieve a grade of M on the redo they should have been able to
achieve a grade of M the first time. Students are not consistently and independently showing
they have mastered an outcome if they need redo’s. Also, the social skills/work habits section of
the report card may be affected. Students who constantly require a redo have not taken
initiative to do their best the first time.
Students are old enough to be able to sit through a class without having to leave to
use the washroom or get a drink. Breaks this year are 7 minutes so students should have plenty
of time to get their needed supplies, use the washroom and get a drink. Emergencies will be
handled on an individual basis.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on their mastery of the curriculum outcomes using the South
East Cornerstone School Division’s evaluation and reporting system. This will be done through
classroom discussions, exit slips, classroom assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. During the
term students and parents will be able to access Home Logic to monitor student progress. I will
try to update marks on assignments, quizzes and tests about every 2 weeks. All marks should be
viewed in a proper context. The final evaluation on a student’s progress for report cards is not
an average of all the marks on Home Logic.
Here is the achievement scale for this year.
M (Mastered) - Has demonstrated all of the knowledge, understanding, and skills as instructed,
and identified in the outcome at this point in the school year.
A (Attained) - Has demonstrated most of the knowledge, understanding, and skills as instructed,
and identified in the outcome, with or without limited assistance at this point in the
school year.
B (Beginning) - Has demonstrated some of the knowledge, understanding, and skills as
instructed, and identified in the outcome, with or without assistance at this point in the
school year.
E (Experiencing Difficulty) - Consistently has not demonstrated knowledge, understanding,
and/or skills as identified in the outcome, even with assistance. Working below grade
level.
From these definitions to get an M students will have to be perfect or almost perfect to get an
M.
Tests and Quizzes
You will be given advanced notice, and dates will be posted on the class website, for all unit
tests and they will be written for the entire class period. Quizzes will be about fifteen minutes
and you may or may not receive advanced notice. If you miss a quiz or test be prepared to
write it the next class period.
Assignments
Poor organization and incomplete assignments are the biggest factors that cause students to fall
behind and not succeed. If a student does not complete an assignment, they will have to stay
in at lunch or after school to get caught up. I use assignments to give students feedback on
where they are having difficulties. When we discuss the assignment in class I give them all of
the correct answers and what knowledge/skills they should have gained from the assignment. If
a student has not completed or handed in an assignment by the time we take it up in class, they
have missed an opportunity for that feedback and to show me their progress. For this reason,
most late assignments will not be accepted. This will be indicated in Home Logic as NHI (not
handed in).
Classroom Rules and Procedures
Here is a list of classroom rules:
1) Do not disrupt learning. Think about your actions and their effect on those around you. If
what you are going to do will negatively affect the learning environment, then don’t do it.
2) Respect and be polite to other students and the teacher. Listen and stay seated when
someone is talking.
3) Be prepared and ready to work when the bell rings. This means having all materials (pencil,
paper, textbook, and any other materials for a specific day). After the bell rings students will
not be allowed to leave.
4) Respect other people’s property. Do not touch other people’s things without asking.
5) No food or drink except water in a reusable water bottle. Any food or drinks brought into
the classroom will become the property of the teacher. If the water bottle becomes a
distraction it will be taken away.