Page 1 of 7 COURSE INFORMATION SHEET DEPARTMENT: SCIENCE DATE: SECONDARY SCHOOL: DEPARTMENT HEAD: TEACHERS: SEPTEMBER 2012 CARDINAL CARTER ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS S. SCHUMACHER CURRICULUM POLICY DOCUMENT The Ontario Curriculum Grade 9 and 10, Science 2008 COURSE TITLE Science Grade 9 Academic COURSE CODE SNC 1D1 PRE-REQUISITE None Two GRADE & TYPE 9 Academic CREDIT VALUE 1 SEMESTER COURSE DESCRIPTION (AS SPECIFIED IN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION POLICY DOCUMENT) 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. 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. The curriculum is another stage of the students’ journey towards completing the Catholic Graduate Expectations and their life-long partnerships with God. LISTED IN ORDER OF INSTRUCTIONAL DELIVERY STRAND / UNIT TITLES CHEMISTRY: ATOMS, ELEMENTS AND HOURS 27.5 COMPOUNDS PHYSICS: THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ELECTRICITY 27.5 BIOLOGY: SUSTAINABLE ECOSYSTEMS 27.5 OVERALL EXPECTATIONS / UNIT DESCRIPTION By the end of this course, students will: 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. By the end of this course, students will: 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. By the end of this course, students will: 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. Page 2 of 7 EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: THE STUDY OF THE UNIVERSE 27.5 By the end of this course, students will: 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. STUDENT EVALUATION CRITERIA TERM – 70% FINAL REPORT CARD GRADE CALCULATION – 100% FINAL – 30% ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OVERALL AND SPECIFIC RELATIVE EMPHASIS / WEIGHTING EXPECTATIONS OF EACH STRAND WILL BE EVALUATED, WITH APPROXIMATELY EQUAL WEIGHTING WITHIN THE FOUR CATEGORIES, (KNOWLEDGE, THINKING, COMMUNICATION AND APPLICATION) PER ASSESSMENT EXAM 30 TERM TOTAL + FINAL TOTAL = REPORT CARD MARK TYPE FINAL TOTAL 30 Page 3 of 7 For Learning As Learning Of Learning Teachers gather information (about prior learning), provide descriptive feedback, scaffold learning and coach for improvement. Teachers help students develop capacity to provide feedback to each other, reflect on their understanding and make adjustments and set individual learning goals. Type: Formative Teachers make judgments about the quality of student learning on the basis of established criteria and assign a value to represent that quality. Types: Diagnostic, Formative Student Products Paper and Pencil Quizzes: e.g. Diagnostic Work Sheets Performance Tasks Projects: e.g. Interim Steps Portfolios Presentations: e.g. Draft Oral Reports: e.g. Outline Essays/Written Reports: e.g. Outline; Draft Diagrams Constructions Journals Wikis Feedback on: Recitals: e.g. Rehearsal Role Playing Demonstrations Performances e.g.Rehearsal Other (specify): Conversations Interviews Conferences Classroom Discussions Seminars Portfolio Interviews Reflections Blogs Online Communications Other (specify): Type: Summative Student Products Paper and Pencil Quizzes e.g. Formative Work Sheets Student Products Paper and Pencil Tests Quizzes Examinations Work Sheets Performance Tasks Projects: e.g. Planning; Monitoring progress Portfolios e.g. Reflection Journals Wikis Self Assessments Peer Assessments Reflections Goal Setting Performance Tasks Projects Portfolios Presentations Oral Reports Essays/Written Reports Recitals Demonstrations Performances Role Playing Diagrams Journals Wikis Videos Other (specify): Feedback on: Presentations Recitals Demonstrations Performances Role Playing Other (Specify): Conversations Interviews Conferences Classroom Discussions Seminars Portfolio Interviews Self-Assessments Peer Assessments Reflections Blogs Online Communication Other (specify): Conversations Interviews Conferences Classroom Discussions Seminars Portfolio Interviews Self/Peer Assessments Reflections Online Communication Blogs Other (specify): Page 4 of 7 Observations Demonstrations Performances Informal Observations Other (specify) Observations Demonstrations Performances Informal Observations Other (specify): Observations Demonstrations Performances Informal Observations Other (specify): Evidence recorded through: Anecdotal Records Teacher Logs Checklists Rubrics Rating Scales Evidence recorded through: Anecdotal Records Teacher Logs Checklists Rubrics Rating Scales Evidence recorded through: Anecdotal Records Teacher logs Checklists Rubrics Rating Scales TEXTBOOK STUDENT MATERIALS AV MATERIALS COMPUTER USE COURSE RELATED WEBSITES RESOURCES Investigating Science 9 (Pearson) Textbook, writing utensils, calculator, ruler, binder Videos emphasizing/highlighting core concepts School computer labs Reference will be made as course progresses Page 5 of 7 POLICIES & PROCEDURES PLAGIARISM LATE ASSIGNMENTS MISSED TESTS/LABS ATTENDANCE AND HOMEWORK SAFETY TEACHER CONTACT Plagiarism is a serious offence and carries with it dire consequences (See “Code of Behaviour”). If students experience any difficulty in honouring deadlines, they are expected to make alternate arrangements, submitted in writing to the teacher preferably prior to but no later than the due date. This letter must be signed by both student and parent and is subject to teacher approval. Failure to submit such a letter will result in a 10% deduction as part of the process component. A mark of zero will be awarded to a student once marked work has been given back. Parent/Guardian should call the school to report absence; Upon return to school, student should be prepared to write test or perform lab, if possible (or make alternate arrangements that are mutually acceptable to teacher and student); Labs or tests missed because of unauthorized absences (e.g. skipping) will automatically receive a mark of zero. If you are absent, you must present a re-admit slip from the office indicating that you have brought an appropriate note explaining your absence. Absenteeism and chronic lateness will result in poor understanding and low achievement. It is strongly recommended that you record two of your peers’ phone numbers at least one of whom should be in a different major from you. In the event that you do miss a class, check with your “homework peers” for missed class work, notes and homework Name: ___________________ Phone:___________________ Name:___________________ Phone:___________________ Students who fail to follow the safety rules of the science class jeopardize their safety and that of others. Their laboratory privileges may be suspended or a mark of zero assigned for the laboratory assignment. Make arrangements, as soon as possible, with your teacher if you experience any difficulty with the course material. Check teacher schedules/postings outside each science room for location of class. The science office is room 406. In order to be successful: Come to class prepared – ready to work, notebook, text book, writing materials etc. Display appropriate behaviour and attitude If you are unsure of anything, ask questions and/or arrange for extra help Be self motivated – you must accept responsibility for your own learning I understand what is expected of me in my Science class and I have shared this information with my parent/guardian. __________________________ Student Signature ____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Page 6 of 7 LEARNING SKILLS CRITERIA IN EACH REPORTING PERIOD, REPORT ON THE QUALITY OF THE LEARNING SKILLS DEMONSTRATED BY THE STUDENT IN EACH OF THE CATEGORIES IDENTIFIED ON THE REPORT CARD USING THE FOLLOWING LETTER SYMBOLS E–EXCELLENT Learning Skills and Work Habits S–SATISFACTORY N–NEEDS IMPROVEMENT Sample Behaviours Responsibility The student: Fulfils responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment; completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according to agreed-upon timelines; takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour. Organization The student: devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks; establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals; identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and resources to complete tasks. Independent Work Collaboration Initiative Self-regulation see: G–GOOD The student: independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and meet goals; uses class time appropriately to complete tasks; follows instructions with minimal supervision. The student: accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group; responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others; builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships through personal and media-assisted interactions; works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve group goals; shares information, resources, and expertise and promotes critical thinking to solve problems and make decisions. The student: looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities for learning; demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks; demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning; approaches new tasks with a positive attitude; recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others. The student: sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them; seeks clarification or assistance when needed; assesses and reflects critically on own strengths, needs, and interests; identifies learning opportunities, choices, and strategies to meet personal needs and achieve goals; perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/forms/report/card/reportCard.html Page 7 of 7 Student & Parent Contact Sheet Student Name: ____________________________________ To Be Completed by your parent(s)/guardian(s): Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Your child is enrolled in SNC1D, Grade 9 Academic Science. This is a demanding course and the topics we will be covering throughout this semester are summarized in the course outline. Please read through the course outline so that you are aware of the course expectations and the Science department’s policies; please pay special attention to the missed test policy. Please indicate that you have read the outline by signing it. Your child should be reviewing notes daily and attending extra help sessions as soon as they experience difficulty as we will be covering material quickly. I urge you to contact me at anytime with concerns. I can be reached by e-mail or by phone. I look forward to working with you and your child for a successful semester. Ms. A. George ann.george@tcdsb.org Voice mail box number: 87041 Main Parent/Guardian Contact Name: ____________________________________________ Home Phone Number: ____________________________ Work Phone Number: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Comments: