Grade 9 Science
COURSE SUMMATIVE PORTFOLIO & INTERVIEW
Name:
Date:
RATIONALE
Scientific literacy can be defined as possession of the scientific knowledge, skills, and habits of mind required to thrive in the science-based world of the twenty-first century.
“A scientifically and technologically literate person is one who can read and understand common media reports about science and technology, critically evaluate the information presented, and confidently engage in
discussions and decision-making activities regarding issues that involve science and technology.”
Science Coordinators' and Consultants’ Association of Ontario (SCCAO) and Science Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO/APSO), “Position Paper: The Nature of Science” (2006), p. 1
GOALS OF ANY SCIENCE PROGRAM IN ONTARIO
A. to relate science to technology, society, and the environment (real life)
B. to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry (labs)
C. to understand the basic concepts of science (content)
The Portfolio (10%)
Create a slide deck to answer the following interview questions below. You will bring this portfolio to your interview. The portfolio is meant as an aid to support your answers and should include the
following:
● 1 slide per question
● 5x5 rule (5 bullet points, with 5 words for each)
● supporting visuals/media per slide
The Interview (20%)
Prepare answers to all of the following questions that incorporate specific examples from four (4) of our course units.
Knowledge
Application
Chemistry
Astronomy
Electricity
Describe the relationship between atoms,
atomic structure, and the periodic table. Be
sure to discuss the following - atoms, electrons,
protons, neutrons, periods and families, as well
as reactivity. Provide specific examples
Describe the key components of the Big Bang
theory and explain how scientists arrived at this
explanation of the origins of the universe.
Explain the main differences and similarities
between static and current electricity in terms
of their properties, behavior, and applications.
Describe the impacts of human activities and
explain its effects on the carrying
capacities/populations of various ecosystems
as well as the human population. Be sure to
discuss producers, consumers, trophic levels
and limiting factors.
Explain why it is important to have an
understanding of physical and chemical
changes. Provide specific examples from your
own life where this knowledge has been
beneficial.
Explain how the advancements in space
exploration technology have impacted Earth,
and give specific examples of how these
technologies are being used in your own life.
Explain the costs and benefits associated with
energy production in Ontario. Consider the
impact on the environment and its residents,
and suggest ways to balance any negative
effects with the positive outcomes for all
stakeholders.
Explain how the disappearance of bees would
affect the balance in ecological processes and
consequently impact your life. Provide specific
examples.
During your interview:
● You will have 5-8 minutes to answer the questions
● You can pick 1 question of your choice and connect to an artifact/lesson/activity that you found most helpful/useful/memorable
● Your teacher will randomly ask you 3 more questions (one each from the other units
Ecology
Rubric for Portfolio Evaluation
Category
I
Success Criteria
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Use of Processing and Critical/Creative Thinking Processes Skills
and Strategies
Student uses critical
thinking and inquiry skills
with a high degree of
effectiveness to create an
engaging and informative
portfolio.
Student uses critical
thinking and inquiry skills
with considerable
effectiveness to create an
informative portfolio.
Student uses critical
thinking and inquiry skills
with some effectiveness
to create a portfolio.
Student uses critical
thinking and inquiry skills
with limited effectiveness
to create a portfolio with
some missing
components.
Success Criteria
Level 4
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Level R
Knowledge and Understanding of Content
Student demonstrates
thorough knowledge and
understanding by
answering question with
explanations and
elaboration.
Student demonstrates
considerable knowledge
and understanding by
answering question with
explanations.
Student demonstrates
some knowledge and
understanding by
answering question with
basic explanations.
Student demonstrates
limited knowledge and
understanding by
answering question with
minimal explanations.
Student does not
yet meet
expectations .
Student uses specific
personal examples to
make connections
between new learning
and their own
experiences with a high
degree of effectiveness.
Student uses general
examples to make
connections between
new learning and their
own experiences with
considerable
effectiveness.
Student uses vague
examples to make
connections between
new learning and their
own experiences with
some effectiveness.
Student uses minimal
examples to make
connections between
new learning and their
own experiences with
limited effectiveness.
Student does not
yet meet
expectations.
Student can discuss
(without reading from
sheet) in a formal,
professional and well
thought out manner with
a high degree of
effectiveness.
Student can discuss (with
minimal reference to
sheet) in a formal,
professional and well
thought out manner with
considerable
effectiveness.
Student can discuss (with
some reference to sheet)
in a professional and well
spoken manner with
some effectiveness.
Student can discuss (with
regular reference to
sheet) in a well spoken
manner with limited
effectiveness.
Student does not
yet meet
expectations.
I can research and organize an effective portfolio to support my
explanations.
Level R
Student does
not yet meet
expectations
Rubric for Interview Evaluation
Category
K
I can explain and analyze how terms and concepts from the
course connect to the questions, using specific examples
Making connections between science, technology, society, and the
environment (STSE)
A
I can explain and analyze how concepts from the course
connect to my own experiences and the communities I will be a
part of.
Communication for different audiences and purposes
I can speak in a clear, confident, and formal voice
C
I can act with professionalism and maintain eye contact
I can answer questions without referring to my reference sheet