The Goals of the Science Program
Achievement of both excellence and equity underlies the three major goals of the secondary science program. The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Science, 2008 therefore outlines not only the skills and knowledge that students are expected to develop but also the attitudes that they will need to develop in order to use their knowledge and skills responsibly. The three goals of the science program are as follows:
- to relate science to technology, society, and the environment
- to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry
- to understand the basic concepts of science
Every course in the secondary science program focuses on these three goals. The goals are reflected within each strand of every course in the three overall expectations, which in turn are developed in corresponding sets of related specific expectations. The same three goals also underlie assessment of student achievement in science.
The Prerequisite Chart
when planning your pathway through our science programming please refer to the prequisite chart from our curriculum document.
Courses
Grade 9 Academic Science SNC1D1
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.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Academic GRADE: 9
Grade 9 Essentials Science SNC1L1
This course prepares students for Grade 10 Locally-developed Science (SNC2L) and/or Grade 11 Workplace Science (SNC3E). This course reinforces and strengthens science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society and the environment. Students explore a range of topics including Science in Daily Life, Properties of Common Materials, Staying Alive: Life Sustaining Processes, and Electrical Circuits.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Locally-Developed GRADE: 9
Grade 9 Applied Science SNC1P1
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the components of the universe; and static and current electricity.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Applied GRADE: 9
Grade 10 Academic Science SNC2D1
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid–base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Academic GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: SNC1P1 - Grade 9 Applied Science or SNC1D1 - Grade 9 Academic Science
Grade 10 Essentials Science SNC2L1
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the environmental impact of science and technology, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in the media, interactions of common materials, interdependence of organisms in communities, and using electrical energy. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities. Recommended Preparation: A Grade 9 Science credit
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Locally-Developed GRADE: 10
Grade 10 Applied Science SNC2P1
This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in real-world situations. Students are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems; chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Applied GRADE: 10
PREREQUISITE: SNC1P1 - Grade 9 Applied Science or SNC1D1 - Grade 9 Academic Science
Grade 11 College Biology SBI3C1
This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, the anatomy of mammals, and the structure of plants and their role in the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: College GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science or SNC2P1 - Grade 10 Applied Science
Grade 11 University Biology SBI3U1
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science
Grade 11 University Chemistry SCH3U1
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science
Grade 11 University Physics SPH3U1
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 11
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science
Grade 12 University Biology SBI4U1
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SBI3U1 - Grade 11 University Biology
Grade 12 College Chemistry SCH4C1
This course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of matter and qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical calculations, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will use a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and the effects of technological applications and processes on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: College GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science or SNC2P1 - Grade 10 Applied Science
Grade 12 University Chemistry SCH4U1
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SCH3U1 - Grade 11 University Chemistry
Grade 12 College Physics SPH4C1
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: College GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SNC2D1 - Grade 10 Academic Science or SNC2P1 - Grade 10 Applied Science
Grade 12 University Physics SPH4U1
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: University GRADE: 12
PREREQUISITE: SPH3U1 - Grade 11 University Physics
Opportunities and Contests
Biology
The aim of the competition is to provide all high school students with an opportunity to test their knowledge and understanding of biology. We encourage participation of younger students, especially those in Grade 11.
The Top 5% of students in Canadian schools will receive certificates designating them as National Biology Scholars; the Top 1% as National Biology Scholars with Distinction. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Top 1%.
The Top 5% of students in schools outside of Canada will receive certificates designating them as International Biology Scholars; the Top 1% as International Biology Scholars with Distinction. Cash prizes will be awarded to the Top 1
Admission scholarships, valued at $3,000, will be awarded to the top 15 students (of all participants) in the 2016 competition to register in the Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Toronto (St. George).
Chemistry
The exam will cover material that a well-read junior high school chemistry student is likely to have come across in the course of studies. Students may expect to find a few probing and demanding questions on some of the main topics of high school chemistry.
Prizes and/or certificates are given to the top students whose exam performance is best.
Is chemistry one of your strengths? Then test your skills and measure yourself against fellow students who share the same passion. The Canadian Chemistry Contest (CCC) is carried out in conjunction with the Canadian Chemistry Olympiad (CCO). The Canadian Chemistry Contest is for high school and Cégep students.
$450, $200, and $100 prizes may be awarded to winners.
The exam will cover material that a well-read senior high school chemistry student is likely to have come across in the course of studies. Students may expect to find a few probing and demanding questions on some of the main topics of high school chemistry.
Prizes and/or certificates are given to the top students whose exam performance is best, whether or not they are planning to go to a university.
Chem 13 New Periodic Table Project
To celebrate the International Year of Chemistry (IYC), Chem 13 News magazine together with the University of Waterloo's Department of Chemistry and the Faculty of Science encouraged chemistry educators and enthusiasts worldwide to adopt an element and artistically interpret that element. The project created a periodic table as a mosaic of science and art.
Physics
Ontario Association of Physics Teacher's Grade 11 Physics Contest
The OAPT Grade 11 Physics Contest is sponsored by the University of Toronto – Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty. Special thanks to Ali Sheikholeslami and Jack Sun of the Rogers Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The online version is free for all participating secondary schools. A paper version of the contest is also available.
Could win a 3-6 week astronomy internship at York University, a week at the DEEP Summer Academy at UofT, a week at Western University's Engineering Summer Academy or tickets to Canada's Wonderland.
Sir Isaac Newton Physics Exam
The SIN exam is a test of high school physics and is offered by the Department of Physics at the University of Waterloo to encourage the teaching of physics. The exam, although aimed at competent students, is meant to be refreshing and fun.
Certificates are awarded to the top students whose exam performance is best, whether or not they are planning to go to a university.
General/Mixed Disciplines
Explore regional science fair opportunities local to you!
Resources
Online Textbook Logins
Grade 9 and 10 Academic Stream courses have access to their Pearson Tesxtbooks online! (i.e. SNC1D, SNC2D)
Access codes will be made available in class time.
Grade 11 and 12 University Preparation courses have access to their Nelson Textbooks online! (i.e. SBI3U, SCH3U, SBI4U, SCH4U)
Access codes will be made available in class time.
Top Canadian University Programs in Science
Below you can explore the 2017 rankings for the best universities in Canada for the following science programs according to Maclean's Magazine.
10 Best Engineering Universities