Course Outline     SCIENCE 9       MR. COMEAU       2009/2010  

General Goals & Objectives:

 

The goal of any science course is to provide a foundation for the scientific literacy of citizens, for the development of a highly skilled and adaptable work force, and for the development of new technologies.

 

Content Outline:

The objectives that serve as the title for each unit of the course are as follows:

PROCESSES OF SCIENCE

LIFE SCIENCE (Reproduction)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Atoms, Elements, and Compounds)

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (Characteristics of Electricity)

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (Space Exploration)

 

These objectives , the overriding goals, and the rationale for the course are described in more detail in the Science 9 Integrated Resource Package (IRP). It is available for download at:      http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/irp_sci.htm

 

Student Learning Objectives :

In completing Science 9 students will increase their scientific literacy by:

á      examining concepts, principles, laws, and theories through scientific inquiry

á      actively gaining knowledge, skills, and attitudes that provide the basis for sound and ethical problem solving and decision making

á      gaining knowledge of how research methods are applied to advance biological knowledge

á      making informed and responsible decisions about themselves, their homes, workplaces, and the global community

 

Each topic covered will also be examined from a historical perspective so that students can develop an understanding of the place of science in society and history as well as its relationship to other scientific disciplines.

 

List of Resources:

The text for Science 9 is BC Science 9. The course relies heavily on the notes and assignments developed by the instructor who holds a Bachelor of Science Degree with an Advanced Major in Biology and Psychology from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education Degree in Secondary Science from Mount Saint Vincent University. Projects require use of the library and Internet. Labs, Demonstrations, as well as Videos on loan from the Department of Education may also be used to reinforce concepts covered in class. My web site contains most of the notes, assignments and handouts used in class as well as study tips. The URL is          

 

            www.angelfire.com/sc/mrcomeau

 

Evaluation Scheme:

 

This course is divided into units. There are tests, quizzes, assignments and labs to accompany each unit. As well, there are several projects throughout the course and a final exam at the end of the term on all the material covered in the course.

 

Term Mark                                              Final Mark

Assignments   20%                                         Term Mark    ..80%

                        Quizes             15%                                        

                        Tests                30%                                         Final Exam  .  20%

                        Participation    15%                                                     Total   100%

                        Projects           20%

                                    Total   100%

 

All projects, assignments and labs received late will be penalized 5 marks per calendar day after the due date.

 

Exam

 

The final exam for the course is NOT a Provincial Exam completed on-line. The final exam will be written in the gym during the scheduled exam period at the end of the semester.

 

Student Requirements:

To be successful in this course will require you to attend all the classes.

Attending class means coming to class rested and prepared with binder, paper, a writing implement, and homework completed.

Attending class means paying attention to everything said in class when the teacher speaks and when students ask questions and the teacher responds.

Attending class means asking a question of the teacher when you donÕt understand a process, or how you will be tested on it.

Attending class means completing the assigned task during the period, not deciding you will do it at home and packing up so you can talk to your neighbor.

Attending class means completing assignments on your own. Copying assignments off a friend will get it ÒdoneÓ but will diminish the assignmentÕs value to you as a learning tool.

Attending class means keeping track of important dates like when assignments are due or tests or exams are scheduled.

Attending class means asking for help when you need it.

 

There are no short cuts in this course.

Hard work each day in class and at home will result in a good grade because you will understand the material and how you will be tested on it. Not paying attention or missing school (same thing really) and copying assignments will result in a low grade because you will not understand the material or how you will be tested on it.