Importance of STEM

Science Inquiry - Curiosity and Wonder

Strands and Topics - Curriculum Overview

Scientific and Engineering Design Processes

Fundamental Concepts and Big Ideas

Cross-Curricular and Integrated Learning

Overall & Specific Expectations Comparison

Coding & Emerging Technologies

Vision, Goals & Course Description

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Course Description:

This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.

The three main goals of the Grade 9 science course are for students:

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1. to develop the skills and make the connections needed for scientific investigation
2. to relate science to our changing world, including technology, society, the economy, and the environment
3. to investigate and understand scientific concepts

Vision, Goals, & Course Description

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apply research, experimentation, and engineering design skills to help find solutions to complex problems in their own lives and in the lives of those in their communities;

understand the cross-curricular and cross-disciplinary nature of problem solving within the STEM fields;

appreciate the wonder and awe of the world and be optimistic and realistic about the power and limitations of science and technology to solve environmental and social problems;

consider carefully the intended and unintended consequences of scientific and technological progress;

develop scientific literacy and technological skills that will allow them to be discerning citizens and find answers to scientific and technological questions;

see themselves as future contributing members of STEM fields or skilled trades sectors;

see themselves as confident, effective science and technology learners, with rich social and cultural backgrounds that can help them to contribute to scientific discovery and technological innovation;

discover effective, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions to scientific and technological problems that impact their lives and the lives of those in their communities;

recognize the importance of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and how diverse perspectives benefit current challenges within STEM fields.

Skills to solve complex problems

Cross- curricular & cross- disciplinary

Curiosity and wonder

Ethics of scientific and technological progress

Scientific literacy

See a future in STEM

Rich social and cultural contributions

Equitable, inclusive, and sustainable solutions

Importance of diverse perspectives

Importance of STEM

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Develop transferable skills to become scientifically and technologically literate.

Integrates learning using scientific and engineering process to solve complex real-world problems.

Focuses on high demand skills including computational thinking, coding, innovation, and scientific & engineering design

Fosters cross-curricular connections through STEM skills that frame learning in all four strands.

A focus on solving problems by engaging in diverse perspectives including exploring Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing

Develop student leaders that become innovators and leaders for ethical and sustainable change

Source: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-science/courses/snc1w/introduction#importance-stem

STEM skills are in high demand in today’s globally connected world.

Student Inquiry - Curiosity and Wonder

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Core - Student Inquiry Curiosity & Wonder

Student Centered Science Education

Ask Questions

Investigate

Experiment

Make Predictions

Analyze Results

Make Observations

Prototype

Extend Thinking

Make Connections

Source:https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-science/courses/snc1w/introduction

Scientific Research Process

Scientific Experimentation Process

Engineering

Design Process

Fundamental Concepts and Big Ideas

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Strand A - foundational progression of STEM skills linking strands B to E

• Environmental sustainability depends on the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems.
• The cycling of matter and flow of energy within and between Earth’s four spheres are natural processes that help maintain balance in ecosystems.
• Human activities, including activities that contribute to climate change, impact environmental sustainability, and it is our collective responsibility to mitigate these impacts.

• Atoms are the building blocks of matter.
• There is a relationship between the atomic structure of elements, their properties, and the organization of the periodic table.
• Elements and compounds have specific physical and chemical properties, which determine their uses.
• The use of elements and compounds in consumer products and chemical technologies has both positive and negative impacts on society, the economy, and the environment.

• The distinct properties of static and current electricity can be explained by the behaviour of electric charges.
• Electrical energy can be produced from renewable and non-renewable sources and converted to other forms of energy to meet various needs.
• The production and consumption of electrical energy has social, economic, and environmental impacts that can be addressed through sustainable practices.

• The solar system and the universe have various components with distinct characteristics that can be investigated and quantified.
• The Sun plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth and in contributing to renewable energy production.
• Space observation, space exploration, and associated space exploration technologies advance our understanding of the universe, and have social, economic, and environmental impacts.

BIG IDEAS

Biology - Sustainable Ecosystems and Climate Change

BIG IDEAS

Chemistry - The Nature of Matter

BIG IDEAS

Physics - Characteristics and Applications of Electricity

BIG IDEAS

Earth & Space Science - Space Exploration

Strands and Topics - Curriculum Overview

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View all the key changes including new expectations and revisions here.

Strands have been renamed and include new expectations.

Strands have been reordered to provide progression from gr. 6-9

Scientific and Engineering Design Processes

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Same 4 foundational skills:

1. Initiating and Planning
2. Performing and Recording
3. Analysing and Interpreting
4. Communicating

NEW - Scientific and Engineering Design Processes:

1. Scientific Research Process
2. Scientific Experimentation Process
3. Engineering Design Process

Click here for a comparison chart of the processes

Source: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-science/courses/snc1w/program

Coding & Emerging Technologies

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Examples of ways to code in science:

Obtain data from sensors & analyze data using code

Design, build, and program robots, conveyor belts, interactive art projects

Learn algorithms used in social media and digital technologies

Explore the automation of autonomous cars and artificial intelligence.

Program automated digital stories, dioramas, presentations or interactive displays

Create models or simulations of natural phenomena

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Cross-Curricular and Integrated Learning

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Emerging Tech & Innovation

Climate Change

Skilled Trades

Three distinct cross-curricular themes are now incorporated throughout the various strands. Additionally, Health & Safety in SNC1W is a central theme but not mentioned below. See relevant specific expectations that address these themes below:

Source: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/secondary-science/courses/snc1w/strands

Overall & Specific Expectations Comparison

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Overall & Specific Expectations

Key Changes & Comparisons