Science

Grade 9

This course is mandatory for grade 9 students and is now offered in three pathways: Academic (SNC1D), Applied (SNC1P), and Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP). The Grade 9 Science curriculum covers biology (sustainable ecosystems), chemistry (properties of elements and compounds), physics (electricity and its practical applications), and earth/space science (the study of the universe). Students will develop skills in scientific investigation, critical thinking, and the communication of scientific ideas. The Pre-AP pathway provides enriched content and faster pacing to prepare students for Advanced Placement courses in senior grades.

• highlights: hands-on electricity projects (circuits, electromagnets), building and testing ecosystems in a bottle, chemical reaction demonstrations, and stargazing/astronomy activities.

Grade 10

This course is mandatory for grade 10 students and is offered in three pathways: Academic (SNC2D), Applied (SNC2P), and Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP). The Grade 10 Science curriculum includes biology (systems of the human body), chemistry (chemical reactions), physics (motion), and earth/space science (climate change). Students in the Academic pathway explore concepts in greater depth to prepare for university-level sciences, while the Applied pathway focuses on practical applications for college or workplace readiness. The Pre-AP pathway offers enriched content, faster pacing, and enhanced skill development to prepare students for Advanced Placement courses in senior grades.

• Highlights: dissecting specimens to study human body systems, performing and analyzing chemical reactions, investigating motion using hands-on experiments, and exploring the science behind climate change through local and global examples.

Grade 11

In grade 11 students have three choices of sciences to pick from.  They may choice none, one, two or all three.  It is highly advised that students check myBlueprint to see what courses they require for their intended post-secondary destination.

Chemistry

Grade 11 chemistry (SCH3U): 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. 

• highlights: flame test analysis and fireworks, chemical reactions including combustion of acetylene, determining % comp of water in popcorn, determining the concentration of acid in pop etc...

Physics

Grade 11 physics (SPH3U) explores the universe from a fundamental perspective.  Students will investigate the laws of motion (Newton's Laws), acceleration of gravity, waves and sound, energy transformations, as well as the fundamentals of electricity and the mysterious physics of magnetism.

• Highlights: design and build mousetrap powered cars, design and build speakers, microphones, electricity generators, electric motors, investigate waves with slinkies and strobe lights, and much more!

Biology

This subject is offered for two different pathways.  The university pathway (SBI3C) and the college pathway (SBI3U).

Grade 11 University Biology (SBI3U) - 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.

• Highlights: Human Genetics Lab, Fetal Pig Dissection, Micro-organisms in the school Lab, Insect collection and identifiction.

Grade 11 College Biology (SBI3C) - 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.

• Highlights: Fetal Pig Dissection, Micro-organisms in the school Lab.

Grade 12

Chemistry

This subject is offered for two different pathways.  The university pathway (SCH4U) and the college pathway (SCH4C).

Grade 12 College Chemistry (SCH4C): 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

Grade 12 University Chemistry (SCH4U): 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. 

 Physics

This subject is offered for two different pathways.  The university pathway (SPH4U) and the college pathway (SPH4C).

Grade 12 University Physics (SPH4U) - students will continue from their learning from grade 11 physics.  Students will deepen their understanding of kinematics, dynamics and energy transformations. New topics such as circular motion, gravitational and electric fields, and momentum will be studied.  Also a deep look into the mysterious quantum world, special relativity, general relativity and the nature of light will be undertaken.

Grade 12 College Physics (SPH4C) - this course is an introductory course in physics and is geared towards students pursuing a college or apprenticeship pathway.  Students will investigate electricity and magnetism, newton's laws of motion, mechanical advantage, energy transformations and fluids. [This course is offered every other year.  Students can take it in grade 11 or 12]

Biology

Grade 12 University Biology (SBI4U) - 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.