Science
Mission
The Science Department aims to stimulate and sustain curiosity, interest and enjoyment in Science, and its many applications, and to promote awareness that the study of Science is relevant to everyday life. The department strives to obtain the equitable balance between content and process. This should contribute to all learners becoming open minded, responsible and caring citizens with respect for others, and for their environment.
Evaluation
In the Science Department, evaluation is based on an appropriate combination of tests, quizzes, examinations, laboratory work, projects and class work. Reading, written assignments, and the completion of laboratory reports are regularly given as homework. At all grade levels, an emphasis is placed on the comprehension and application of scientific concepts. In senior science courses, a mid-year cumulative examination will usually be given.
Junior Science
Science 8
Prerequisite: Science 7
Science 8 covers a variety of topics in (1) Life Science; (cells, biological systems, and immunology); (2) Physical Science (optics, forces, fluids and dynamics) and (3) Earth Science (water systems). An emphasis is also placed on the scientific method and student based experimentation. Students complete an independent science project of their choice.
Textbook: BC Science 8
Science 9
Prerequisite: Science 8
Science 9 covers a variety of topics in: (1) Life Science; (2) Physical Science (atoms, elements, compounds, static and current electricity; and (3) Earth and Space Science (space exploration).
Textbook: BC Science 9
Science 10*
Prerequisite: Science 9
Science 10 prepares students for the senior sciences. Topics of study include: (1) Life Science (sustainability of ecosystems); (2) Physical Science (chemical reactions, radioactivity, and motion); and (3) Earth and Space Science (energy transfer and natural systems, plate tectonics).
Textbook: BC Science 10
*All students will write the provincial examination in June, which will count for 20% of their final grade.
Earth Science
Earth Science 11
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Science 10
Earth Science 11 is an exciting course that is designed to introduce students to the diverse aspects of Earth and Space Science. Earth Science 11 provides a firm foundation for Geography 12 and for the study of Geology at the university level. Students are provided with opportunities to hypothesize and interpret geological situations through the use of hands-on, creative and open-ended activities. Earth Science 11 encompasses a number of sciences including geological science, environmental science, oceanographic science, astronomical science and atmospheric science.
Textbook: Earth Science, Tarbuck and Lutgens
Biology
Biology 11
Prerequisite or Corequisite: Science 10
Biology 11 is a general course designed to provide a background of biological literacy and awareness to any student, as well as a solid basis for the future study of this subject at university. Biology 11 introduces the major concepts of unity and diversity, evolution, biotechnology, and ecological relationships. Students will be encouraged to appreciate the diversity of life on earth as well as how such diversity arose. Laboratory experiences, including dissections, form part of this course. This course may be taken in Grades 11 or 12, or in Grade 10 with permission from the department and successful completion of an assessment exam.
Textbook: Miller and Levine Biology
Biology 12*
Prerequisite: Science 10
Corequisite: Chemistry 11
Biology 12 focuses on human biology, encouraging students to develop an understanding of how the body systems are integrated to maintain homeostasis. The course follows a sequence from the molecular level through cells to tissues, organs and organ systems within the human body. The course also deals with biochemical processes at the cellular level with emphasis on understanding mechanisms of integration and control. Laboratory experiences, including dissections, form part of the work in this course. This course may be taken in Grade 11 or Grade 12. Grade 12 students who do who have not taken Chemistry 11 and intent on pursuing a postsecondary program other than Science, may take Biology 12 with the permission of the Department.
Textbook: Inquiry into Life 10th Ed., Mader
AP Biology 12**
Prerequisites: Biology 11, Biology 12 (86% min.) and Chemistry 11 or permission of instructor
This course is the equivalent of a college introductory biology course and, as such, aims to provide students with the conceptual framework, factual knowledge, and analytical skills necessary to deal critically with the rapidly changing science of biology. Primary emphasis is on developing an understanding of concepts rather than on memorizing terms and technical details. Essential to this conceptual understanding are the following: (1) a grasp of science as a process rather than as an accumulation of facts; (2) personal experience in scientific inquiry; (3) recognition of unifying themes that integrate the major topics of biology; and (4) application of biological knowledge and critical thinking to environmental and social concerns. The main areas of biology covered in the course are: (1) molecular and cell biology; (2) heredity and evolution; and (3) organisms and populations. Students should be prepared to work in the laboratory at lunchtime and after school in order to complete the laboratory requirements of this course. A significant time commitment outside timetabled class time is required for success in this course.
Textbook: Biology, Eighth (AP) Edition, Campbell et. al.
Workbook: Senior Biology I & II
**Students will write the AP exam in May. A minimum score of 3 or higher may grant the student a college credit at some institutions. Students will write the AP subject exam in order to receive AP credit for their course work.
Chemistry
Chemistry 11
Prerequisite: Science 10, Math 10
Corequisite: Math 11
Chemistry 11 is an exciting course which offers a comprehensive look at forms of matter and their interactions. Chemistry 11 provides a good background for future studies in Chemistry 12 and Biology 12. Chemistry 11 is a practical subject that seeks to stimulate the ability to design, plan and carry out a number of laboratory experiments. The course theory includes atomic theory, the mole concept, stoichiometry, classifying chemical reactions and an introduction to organic chemistry. Much of this course deals with unit conversions, factors and numerical relationships. A strong math background is recommended. The course may be taken in Grade 11 or 12.
Textbook: Matter & Change
Workbooks: Chemistry 11 Essential Experiments for Chemistry, Hebden.
Chemistry 12*
Prerequisite: Chemistry 11; (86% min.), Math 11
Recommended: Physics 11
The main topics studied include kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base systems, solubility, oxidation-reduction systems and electrochemistry. This course continues to promote the student’s confidence in designing and carrying out labs while, at the same time, it provides the information necessary for the students to explain what is happening on an atomic level.
Textbooks: Chemistry 12, Essential Experiments for Chemistry, Chemistry: Matter and Change; Hebden.
AP Chemistry 12**
Prerequisite: Chemistry 11
Corequisite: Chemistry 12
This advanced course is open to highly motivated students demonstrating a keen interest in pursuing science related post secondary studies. In particular, the demands of this course require to exhibit exceptionally high levels of commitment, motivation, and academic maturity. A significant time commitment outside timetabled class time is needed for success in this course. There are six major areas covered in the AP syllabus: (1) structure of matter, (2) states of matter, (3) reaction types, (4) descriptive chemistry, (5) laboratory work, and (6) chemical calculations. Please note that the practical aspect of this college-level course places a high emphasis on conducting laboratory experiments.
Textbook: Chemistry, Zumdahl
**Students will write the AP exam in May. A minimum score of 3 or higher may grant the student a college credit at some institutions. Students will write the AP subject exam in order to receive AP credit for their course work.
Physics
Physics 11
Prerequisites: Science 10 and Math 10
Corequisite: Mathematics 11 or Math Honours 11
This is an introductory physics course planned to appeal to a broad range of students’ interests while preparing them for the more rigorous work of Physics 12. We begin with classical Physics in one and two dimensions, which includes kinematics, Newton’s Laws, dynamics, gravitation, and momentum. Energy is then introduced in various forms (including mechanical and thermal). The electromagnetic spectrum is then analyzed through the use of wave theory, which expands on the topic of energy. In the modern physics section, we consider the theory of special relativity and a few parts of nuclear chemistry.
Textbook: Physics: Principles and Problems
Physics 12*
Prerequisite: Physics 11 and Mathematics 11
Corequisite: Mathematics 12
The first section of Physics 12 is an expansion of classical physics learnt in the previous year; many of the Physics 11 concepts are studied using vectors in two dimensions. A strong foundation in Physics 11 is highly advantageous. New topics introduced include: static and rotational equilibrium, circular motion, and universal gravitation. The latter part of the course is comprised of static and current electricity, electric fields, electromagnetism, and electromagnetic induction.
Textbook: Physics: Principles and Problems
Physics AP
Prerequisite: Physics 11
This course provides a systematic introduction to the main principles of physics. Material is covered at a relatively fast pace and the course is meant for strong physics students who have had little difficulty mastering the topics in Physics 11. It emphasizes the development of conceptual understanding and problem-solving ability using algebra and trigonometry, and rarely calculus. In most colleges, this is a one-year introductory physics course including a laboratory component and is not the usual preparation for more advanced physics and engineering courses. However, the course provides a foundation in physics for students in the life sciences, and some applied sciences. Along with AP Physics, the content of Physics 12 will also be covered.
Textbook: Physics Principles with Applications, 5th Edition, Giancoli
**Students will write the AP exam in May. A minimum score of 3 or higher may grant the student a college credit at some institutions. Students will write the AP subject exam in order to receive AP credit for their course work.