ADAM SCOTT SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

GRADE 9 SCIENCE COURSE OUTLINE

 

ACADEMIC (SNC 1D):       This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct investigations related to cell division and reproduction; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration; and the principles of electricity.

 

APPLIED (SNC 1P):             This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop practical skills in scientific investigation; 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.

 

STRANDS AND TOPICS:

 

STRAND

Grade 9 ACADEMIC

Grade 9 APPLIED

BIOLOGY

Reproduction

Reproduction - Processes

and Applications

CHEMISTRY

Atoms and Elements

Exploring Matter

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

The Study of the Universe

Space Exploration

PHYSICS

The Characteristics of Electricity

Electrical Applications

 

EVALUATION:                    FINAL ASSESSMENTS:  ……………….......…...                          30%

                                                TERM:                  Knowledge…..…………………..                        35%                                                                                                    Inquiry & Communication..……..                      21%

                                                                                Making Connections…………….                      14%

 

There will be a quiz out of 10 marks, held every Friday on material recently covered (unless otherwise stated).  At the end of each of the four units, there will be a major test covering material from the whole unit.  There will be projects given throughout the semester.  The final assessments will consist of a practical exam to be completed during class time and a written exam to be completed during the examination period.  Course outlines are on file in the office or may be accessed at www.adamscott.ca .

 

The following learning skills will be reported but not evaluated:  works independently, teamwork, organization, work habits, and initiative.  Further clarification of the categories of learning and learning skills can be found at the Ministry of Education website at   www.edu.gov.on.ca..  Homework will be checked periodically and attendance is recorded but not evaluated.  Students will receive an updated term mark at the end of each unit and students are expected to keep a record of their progress.

 

Late Assignments:  Students must make alternate arrangements with the teacher prior to the due date or a mark of zero will be awarded.  Students will similarly receive a mark of zero if they do not meet the alternate due date.

Missed Tests:  Students should expect to write a missed test immediately upon their return back from an absence, unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher.

 

TEXTBOOK:        Applied:                      Nelson Science 9 – by Plumb et al. (Nelson)          ISBN: 0-17-607501-1

                                Academic:   SciencePower 9 – by Wolfe et al. (McGraw-Hill)  ISBN: 0-07-560361-6

 

LAB FEE:               A fee of $5.00 will be charged to cover maintenance and replacement of laboratory equipment and supplies.

 

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE:                  

Course information and related links can be found at our website:

http://www2.kpr.edu.on.ca/acvi/ASCVIScienceHomePage.html 

 

TO ENSURE SUCCESS, YOUR NOTEBOOK SHOULD LOOK LIKE:

ü        A three-ring binder divided into four units by dividers

ü        Each page should be titled and dated

ü        Tests and quizzes should be placed at the end of the material covered within it

ü        Notes need to be neat, titled, and numbered

ü        Separate sections may be needed for unit projects

IN ORDER TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

v       Come to class prepared to work – with notebook, textbook, and writing materials

v       Review your notes frequently (especially before quizzes and tests)

v       If you are unsure of anything, ask questions and/or stay for extra help

v       Have someone in the class you can call to catch up, if you miss a day (see below)

v       Be self-motivated – you must accept responsibility for your learning

 

PARENTS / GUARDIANS – YOU CAN BEST HELP YOUR STUDENT BY:

Ø       Helping your student review before quizzes (i.e. Thursday nights) and tests

Ø       Keeping informed of test dates and assignment deadlines

Ø       Encourage your student to come in for extra help

Ø       Keeping in touch with your student’s teachers

Ø       Allowing your student time and a quiet place to study or do homework

 

LABORATORY RULES:    

 

All science courses at Adam Scott contain varying amounts of lab work.  This lab work increases the student interest and provides the practical skills that will be useful in later studies.  There are, however, two major drawbacks:  it is potentially dangerous, and much of the equipment is expensive and fragile.  If it is mishandled, the cost of replacement is high. 

To minimize these two disadvantages, the following lab rules will be enforced at all times.  Students who repeatedly break lab rules will be counseled individually.  If, after counseling, there is no improvement, the student may be withdrawn from lab activities or from the course to ensure the safety of others in the class.

§          All equipment must be used according to the teacher’s instructions

§          Each student must know the location of and how to use:

o         the fire extinguisher

o         the fire blanket

o         the eyewash station

o         the first aid kit

§          Safety glasses and other safety equipment must be worn when instructed.

§          At the end of the period:

o         the sink must be clean

o         the desktop must be clean and dry

o         all equipment must be cleaned and returned to its original location

o         no student may leave the lab until dismissed by the teacher

§          Students must refrain from playing with the water taps and gas jets to avoid damage and leakage.

§          Students must not mark the desk in any way

§          Under no circumstances are the students allowed to sit on the desktops.  This will prevent expensive damage to the desk and relevant plumbing.

§          TO ENCOURAGE CAREFUL WORK HABITS A CHARGE WILL BE MADE FOR BROKEN EQUIPMENT IF, IN THE OPINION OF THE TEACHER, SUCH BREAKAGE COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.  Usually the charge will be the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged equipment, whichever is less.

 

 

 

 

HOMEWORK PARTNERS:                Name: _______________________________      Phone #: _________________

 

                                                                Name: _______________________________      Phone #: _________________

 

 

 

 

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE OUTLINE, SUGGESTIONS, AND LAB RULES.  I UNDERSTAND THEM AND WILL DO MY BEST TO FULFILL THESE EXPECTATIONS.

 

Student Signature:     ________________________________________                              Date: _____________________

 

 

I HAVE READ THE ABOVE OUTLINE, SUGGESTIONS, AND LAB RULES.  I WILL DO MY BEST TO HELP MY STUDENT MEET THESE EXPECTATIONS.

 

Parent / Guardian Signature:  __________________________________                             Date: _____________________