SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Course Code:
Course Name:
Level:
SNC1DB
9 Science
Pre IB
Instructor:
Period:
Room Number:
Course Overview:
- This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and
space science, and physics, and to relate science and technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the
course, students will develop their skills in the process 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.
Specific Strands of Study and Expectations include:
(1) Chemistry Strand: Exploring Matter
– describe the atomic structure of common elements and their organization in the periodic table;
– investigate the physical and chemical properties of common elements and compounds, and relate the properties of
elements to their location in the periodic table;
– demonstrate an understanding of the importance, production, use, and environmental hazards of common elements
and simple compounds.
(2) Biology Strand: Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
– 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.
(3) Physics Strand: Electrical Applications
– 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.
(4) Earth and Space Science Strand: Space Exploration
– 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.
Efforts will be made to meet the individual learning needsResources:
of students in order to ensure
Course
Breakdown
these
expectations are being
Tests and Quizzes
Knowledge/Understanding
(K/U) met.
Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Labs
Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Assignments
Total
Tests and Quizzes
Assignments
Total
Culminating Activity
90 Minute Exam
Thinking/Inquiry (T/I)
Communication (C)
Application (A)
Culminating Activity
Final Exam
The course will use a variety of resources including
video, Internet Applications and a variety of print
sources.
The
textbook
Nelson – Science
Perspectives 9 will be distributed to students. The
text and all other resources provided are the
responsibility of the student. Replacement cost for the
text is $73.00.
Evaluation Structure::
Knowledge/Understanding
Thinking/Inquiry
Communication
Application
25%
35%
15%
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 (20%) and a Culminating
Activity (10%).
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
Other Evaluation Issues




G – Good
S – Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
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 10% of the final mark.
PLAGIARISM: in any form reflects academic dishonesty and will result in a mark of zero for the assignment in question.