SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Course Code:
Course Name:
Level:
SNC 1L
9 Science
Locally Developed
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Ms. Barros
4
240
Course Overview:
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and
physics; to develop practical skills in scientific investigations; and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday
situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to cell
division and reproduction, the structure and properties of elements and compounds, astronomy and space
exploration, and static and current electricity.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
(1) Chemistry Strand: Chemistry and You
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investigate the physical and chemical properties of matter
determine how matter can be classified
describe the atomic structure of common elements and their organization in the periodic table;
demonstrate an understanding of the importance, production, use, and environmental hazards of common elements
and simple compounds.
(2) Physics Strand: Electricity
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demonstrate an understanding of the principles of static and current electricity;
design and build electrical circuits that perform a specific function;
analyse the practical uses of electricity and its impact on everyday life.
(3) Biology Strand: Human Body Systems
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demonstrate an understanding of how the systems of the human body work
describe ways in which the body systems may be protected
analyse and investigate plant systems (anatomy and reproduction)
(4) Strand: Science in My Life
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demonstrate an understanding of the formation, evolution, structure, and nature of our solar system and of the
universe;
design and conduct investigations into the appearance and motion of visible celestial objects;
describe how human endeavours and interest in space have contributed to our understanding of outer space, the
Earth, and living things, and identify Canadian contributions to space exploration.
Course Breakdown
Resources:
Knowledge/Understanding (K/U)
Thinking/Inquiry (T/I)
Communication (C)
Application (A)
Culminating Activity
Final Exam
Tests and Quizzes
Labs/Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Labs/Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Labs/Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Labs/Assignments
Total
Culminating Activity
90 Minute Exam
15.0 %
10.0 %
25.0%
10.0%
15.0 %
25.0%
15.0 %
10.0 %
25.0%
10.0 %
15.0 %
25.0%
20.0%
10.0 %
The course will use a variety of resources including
video, Internet Applications and a variety of print
sources.
Evaluation Structure::
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
25%
25%
25%
25%
The above is reflected both in the term work (worth
70% of the final mark) and the summative work
(worth 30% of the final mark). Summative work
consists of the Final Exam (10%) and a Culminating
Activity (20%).
Evaluation Policy
Students will be assessed & evaluated according to the work produced & skills displayed. Methods of providing
feedback will include assessing work in process & evaluating completed assignments, tests, co-operative learning
activities, simulations and presentations. Peer & self-evaluations will also be utilized.
Student marks will be determined by evaluating process & product according to 4 categories & 4 levels. Please see the
chart below for specific skills and key words used to determine student competency in the different categories.
Level
Category
Knowledge/Understanding


Knowledge of facts & terms
Understanding of concepts & relationships
Thinking/Inquiry



Critical thinking skills
Creative thinking skills
Inquiry Skills
Communication



Communication of ideas and information
Use of symbols & visuals
Oral & written communication
Level 1:
50-59%
Level 2:
60-69%
Level 3:
70-79%
Level 4:
80-100%
-Limited
display of
knowledge,
skills and
ability to
apply
concepts
-Some
success in
displaying
knowledge,
skills and
application
of concepts
-Considerable
display of
knowledge
skills and
ability to apply
concepts
-Thorough
understanding
of concepts and
ability to
communicate,
think creatively
and apply
concepts
Application





Applications in familiar contexts
Transfer of concepts to new contexts
Making logical conclusions and predictions
Use of technology
Making connections
Feedback will also be provided for student learning skills. Skills like working independently, team work, organization,
work habits and homework, and initiative are assessed independently student achievement and will be conducted
through the use of a rubric indicating specific criteria to be achieved to receive each of the following letter grades:
E –Excellent
G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
Other Evaluation Issues
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LATE ASSIGNMENTS: For all assignments the teacher will establish the Primary Due Date and Closure Date. Assignments
submitted after the Primary Due Date will be accepted with a penalty of 10% until the Closure Date. After the Closure Date no
further assignments will be accepted and a mark of zero will be assessed. Repeated lateness in submissions indicates poor
organization skills and will be reflected in the learning skills section of the report card.
INCOMPLETE ASSSIGNMENTS: Assignments will be graded according to the extent with which they meet the criteria established
in the rubric or evaluation structure.
MISSED TESTS: Tests missed with a legitimate reason will be written on the day that the student returns from the absence.
Student eligibility to write the test will be at the discretion of the teacher in consultation with the department head. (See your
agenda for the details of the school policy).
CULMINATING ACTIVITIES: This activity will be done near the end of the semester and is worth 20% of the final mark.
PLAGIARISM: in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needs of students in order to ensure
these expectations are being met.