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NPSS Science Mission Statement

Our Science department is committed to the understanding that each student is unique in their learning styles. We aim to provide courses that are both instructive and active in their delivery methods.

 

What courses are available?

Please read the prerequisite chart for grades 9-12 science. Please see below for information about the "IDC3M: Grade 11 Introduction to Forensic Science" course, which is not included on this chart.

Science

Grade 9 De-Streamed:

As of September 2022, this course replaces grade 9 academic and grade 9 applied courses. 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.

 

Academic Courses:

These courses develop students knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate.

 

Applied Courses:

These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study.

 

 

Grade 9 Topics:

Space ecosystem Electricity Matter

 

 

Grade 10 Topics:

Biology Optics Climate chemical

 

 

Grade 11 and 12 Biology:

Biology is the natural science that involves the study of life and living organisms, including their physical structure, chemical composition, function, development and evolution. At Nottawasaga Pines, we offer the following Biology courses...

 

Grade 11 College Biology (SBI3C)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic or Applied Science

 

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, anatomy, and plants.

Grade 11 University Biology (SBI3U)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic Science

 

This course furthers students' understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Units will include genetics, evolution, internal systems, diversity of organisms, and plants.

 Grade 12 University Biology (SBI4U/UP)

Prerequisite: Grade 11 University Biology

 

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study and conduct investigations in biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics.

 

Students interested in taking AP Biology should contact Mr. Trevor Neale for more information.

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade 11 Introduction to Forensic Science (IDC3M):

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic or Applied Science

Forensic scientists use cutting-edge techniques to examine and interpret evidence in connection with civil and criminal proceedings. In criminal law, forensic science can help prove the guilt or innocence of the defendant. In civil actions, forensics can help resolve a broad spectrum of legal issues through the identification, analysis and evaluation of physical evidence. Forensic science draws upon a variety of scientific disciplines, including biology, physics and chemistry. Units of study in this course include:

  • evidence collection and examination
  • blood and fluid analysis
  • trace evidence
  • ballistics and tools
  • forensic science and the law.

 

 

Grade 11 Environmental Science (SVN3M or SVN3E):

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic or Applied Science

This course provides students with the exploration of a range of topics, including the role of sciences in addressing contemporary environmental challenges, the impact of the environment on human health, sustainable agriculture, the reduction of waste, and the conservation of energy. This course is 100% project-based, with the goal of creating environmental stewards. Projects will include:

  • making solar cars
  • designing wind generators
  • creating a school-based waste plan
  • geocaching
  • building a sustainable (model) house

 

 

Grade 11 and 12 Chemistry:

Chemistry is the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed; the investigation of their properties and the ways in which they interact, combine and change; and the use of these processes to form new substances. At Nottawasaga Pines, we offer the following Chemistry courses...

Grade 11 University Chemistry (SCH3U)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic Science

 

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of 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.

Grade 12 College Chemistry (SCH4C)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic or Applied Science

 

This course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of matter and qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, electro-chemistry, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment.

 

*This course is offered every other year, so students may need to take it in their grade 11 year. Please refer to the course calendar for availability.

 Grade 12 University Chemistry (SCH4U)

Prerequisite: Grade 11 University Chemistry

 

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 reactions. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grade 11 and 12 Physics:

Physics is the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. The subject matter of physics, distinguished from that of chemistry and biology, includes mechanics, heat, light and other radiation, sound, electricity, magnetism, and the structure of atoms. At Nottawasaga Pines, we offer the following Physics courses...

Grade 11 University Physics (SPH3U)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic Science

 

This course will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion, different kinds of forces, energy transformations, the properties of mechanical waves and sound, and electricity/magnetism.

Grade 12 University Physics (SPH4U)

Prerequisite: Grade 11 University Physics

 

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformation and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational and magnetic fields. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity.

 Grade 12 College Physics (SCH4C)

Prerequisite: Grade 10 Academic or Applied Science

 

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.

 

*This course is offered every other year, so students may need to take it in their grade 11 year. Please refer to the course calendar for availability.

 

 

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