Page 78 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Grade 12, University Preparation
A1. demonstrate scientific investigation skills (related to both inquiry and research) in the four areas of skills (initiating and planning, performing and recording, analysing and interpreting, and communicating);
A2. identify and describe careers related to the fields of science under study, and describe contributions of scientists, including Canadians, to those fields.
A1. Scientific Investigation Skills
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
Throughout this course, students will:
Initiating and Planning [IP]*
A1.1 formulate relevant scientific questions about observed relationships, ideas, problems, or issues, make informed predictions, and/or for- mulate educated hypotheses to focus inquiries or research
A1.2 select appropriate instruments (e.g., dialysis tubing, glassware, sphygmomanometer) and materials (e.g., DNA models, plants, plant cuttings, molecular models), and identify appro- priate methods, techniques, and procedures, for each inquiry
A1.3 identify and locate a variety of print and electronic sources that enable them to address research topics fully and appropriately
A1.4 apply knowledge and understanding of safe laboratory practices and procedures when plan- ning investigations by correctly interpreting Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) symbols; by using appropri- ate techniques for handling and storing laboratory equipment and materials and dis- posing of laboratory and biological materials (e.g., plants and invertebrates); and by using appropriate personal protection
Performing and Recording [PR]*
A1.5 conduct inquiries, controlling relevant vari- ables, adapting or extending procedures as required, and using appropriate materials and equipment safely, accurately, and effectively, to collect observations and data
A1.6 compile accurate data from laboratory and other sources, and organize and record the data, using appropriate formats, including tables, flow charts, graphs, and/or diagrams
A1.7 select, organize, and record relevant infor- mation on research topics from a variety of appropriate sources, including electronic, print, and/or human sources, using suitable formats and an accepted form of academic documentation
Analysing and Interpreting [AI]*
A1.8 synthesize, analyse, interpret, and evaluate qualitative and/or quantitative data to deter- mine whether the evidence supports or refutes the initial prediction or hypothesis and whether it is consistent with scientific theory; identify sources of bias and/or error; and suggest im- provements to the inquiry to reduce the likelihood of error
A1.9 analyse the information gathered from re- search sources for logic, accuracy, reliability, adequacy, and bias
A. Scientific inveStigAtion SkillS And cAreer explorAtion
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
Throughout this course, students will:

* The abbreviation(s) for the broad area(s) of investigation skills – IP, PR, AI, and/or C – are provided in square brackets at the end of the expectations in strands B–F to which the particular area(s) relate (see pp. 20–22 for information on scientific investigation skills).