Page 69 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10: Science, 2008 (revised)

D. Understanding Basic Concepts
By the end of this course, students will:
d3.1 describe the major components of the uni- verse (e.g., planets, moons, stars, galaxies), the motion of the different types of celestial objects, and the distances between certain objects, using appropriate scientific terminology and units (e.g., astronomical units, light years)
d3.2 compare the characteristics and properties of celestial objects that constitute the solar sys- tem, including their motion and their distance from other celestial objects in the solar system (e.g., composition, size, rotation, presence and composition of atmosphere, gravitational pull, magnetic field)
d3.3 identify the factors that make Earth well suit- ed for the existence of life (e.g., a magnetosphere that protects the planet from solar wind; Earth’s distance from the sun; the ability of Earth’s atmosphere to trap heat, preventing extreme fluctuations in temperature)
d3.4 describe the characteristics of the sun and the effects of its energy on Earth and Earth’s atmosphere
d3.5 describe the causes of major astronomical phenomena (e.g., the aurora borealis, solar/lunar eclipses) and how various phenomena can best be observed from Earth (e.g., solar eclipses should be viewed through a telescope equipped with a solar filter, not with the naked eye)
d3.6 describe the role of celestial objects in the traditions and beliefs of selected cultures and civilizations (e.g., Aboriginal peoples; ancient Greek, Mayan civilizations)
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE: SPACE EXPLORATION

Science
SNC1P