Page 13 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Science, 2008 (revised)

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
The overall aim of the secondary science program is to ensure scientific literacy for every secondary school graduate. To better achieve this aim, all courses in the program are de- signed to focus on science not only as an intellectual pursuit but also as an activity-based enterprise within a social context.
Courses in the Grade 9 and 10 secondary science curriculum are organized into five strands (see page 17). The first strand focuses on the essential skills of scientific investigation, and on career exploration. The remaining four strands cover the content areas of science, each focusing on one of the scientific subdisciplines – biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics. The content of the Grade 7 and 8 program creates a strong foundation for students entering secondary school science programs. The transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is a smooth one because the content strands of the elementary science and tech- nology program are closely aligned with those of the Grade 9 and 10 science program, as shown in the following chart.
Biology
Chemistry
earth and space science Physics
Courses in Grades 9 and 10
The science courses in the Grade 9 and 10 curriculum are offered in two course types: academic and applied. The course types are defined as follows:
Academic courses develop students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and ab- stract 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 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.
Elementary Science and Technology
Understanding Life systems
Secondary Science
Understanding Matter and energy
Understanding earth and space systems
Understanding structures and Mechanisms
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tHe PRoGRAM In sCIenCe