Science Department

Science Parent Night Brochure2018 (1) (.pdf)

Junior Course Description

Senior Course Description

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Course Descriptions — Junior Science

The goal of the junior science program is to develop students’ skills and knowledge and to interest them in the study of science.  Through their explorations of various sciences in grades 8, 9 and 10, students will discover which sciences they would like to pursue in later years (or, preferably, discover a love for ALL sciences).

Grade 8

Science 8

Students will learn basic science concepts. Safety and laboratory skills are introduced. Curricular topics include the Cell and Body Systems; Optics; Fluids and Water Science. Students will participate in the school’s Science Fair in February.

 

 

Grade 9

Science 9

The Science 9 course covers Chemistry, Reproduction, Ecology and Electricity.  The course builds on concepts learned in Science 8, and encourages critical thinking.

Science 9 Enriched

In addition to the regular Science 9 curriculum, Science 9E includes participation in the Science Fair and a novel study.  Enrollment in this course is capped at 60 students.  Acceptance in to the course will be based upon teacher recommendation.  No application form is required.

Grade 10

Science 10

The new Science 10 Curriculum covers topics in Chemistry, Genetics, Energy Transformation and the Big Bang Theory.

Science 10 Enriched

In addition to the regular Science 10 curriculum, Science 10E includes a novel study and other enrichment activities.  Enrollment in this course is capped at 60 students.  Acceptance in to the course will be based upon teacher recommendation.  No application form is required.

 

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Course Descriptions — Senior Science

Grade 11

Earth Science 11

Earth Science 11 is a survey course that, through lab and field experiences, explores the Earth and its environment in space. Earth science topics include rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, ocean and weather sciences, and oil, gas and mineral exploration. Space science topics include planets and the solar system, stars, galaxies, and deep space objects such as quasars and black holes.

Environmental Science 11

The four big ideas for this course are diversity of ecosystems, changing ecosystems, sustainability of ecosystems and stewardship and restoration. This is also considered a pre-AP course.  Completion of Environmental Science 12/12AP will prepare the student to write the AP exam for this course.

Life Sciences 11

Students are introduced to several important biological themes: Biodiversity, Evolution, and Ecological Relationships.  The laboratory skills and themes studied this year are fundamental preparation for Anatomy and Physiology 12 and future post-secondary studies in Biology.

Biology 11 Enriched/Pre-A.P.

This course should be considered the first year of a two-year program that leads to completion of Advanced Placement Biology 12. It includes more intensive coverage of the topics in Life Sciences 11 as well as the addition of material from the A.P. Biology curriculum.

Chemistry 11

Chemistry 11 is a laboratory course in which students are introduced to the activities of science safety and the scientific method. Topics include classification of matter, quantitative measurement, periodic table, solutions and organic chemistry.   A grade of C+ or higher in Chemistry 11 is recommended for continuation on to Chemistry 12.

Chemistry 11 Enriched/Pre-A.P.

This course should be considered the first year of a two-year program that leads to the completion of Advanced Placement Chemistry 12. This course deals with the topics of Chemistry 11 in greater depth and also includes some topics from A.P. Chemistry 12.  The presentation of material is not linear, therefore it is required that students enroll for both years of the program (11 Enriched followed the next year by 12 AP).

Physics 11

Physics 11 is an introductory course which covers the nature and scope of physics through inquiry and problem-solving, as well as the place of physics in our lives and its applications. Topics include: kinematics, dynamics, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, energy (mechanical and heat), and the transmission of energy (waves).

PREREQUISITES: Completion of Math 10 with a “B” standing.

Physics 11 Enriched/Pre-A.P.

Physics 11E/AP includes all required aspects of BC’s Physics 11 course, and the Newtonian Mechanics section of BC’s Physics 12 course. The AP-1 components of the course are typical of first-semester college or University courses in algebra-based physics. In addition to the BC Physics 11 curriculum topics (Newtonian mechanics in 1 dimension, work, energy, and power, waves/optics, special relativity), the course covers Newtonian mechanics in 2 dimensions (including rotational dynamics and angular momentum); advanced applications of work, energy, and power; and mechanical waves and sound. It also introduces electric circuits.

PREREQUISITES: An “A” in Math 10, or a math assessment exam administered by the science department

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Grade 12

Anatomy and Physiology 12

Students continue to build upon and develop lab skills which were introduced in Life Sciences 11. Important themes learned in Life Sciences 11, such as Homeostasis, Evolution, and Organization of Living Things, are interwoven into the topics studies in this course. These topics include Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Human Anatomy and Physiology.

Biology 12 Advanced Placement

This is a biology course equivalent to a first-year university offering. Topics will include details of human and higher plant physiology and will emphasize laboratory techniques and extended application of the scientific method.  Students will write the Advanced Placement Exam in May.

Chemistry 12

Students will build on the concepts learned in Chemistry 11 with emphasis on reaction rates, reaction and solubility equilibrium, and electrochemistry.   A grade of C+ or higher in Chemistry 11 is recommended for entry into Chemistry 12.

Chemistry 12 Advanced Placement

This is a higher level chemistry course equivalent to first-year university. Topics include reaction types, atomic and molecular structure, equilibrium, kinetics, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics, to name only a few. The program is an integrated two year program which covers provincial grade 11 and 12 topics, as well as first year university. The presentation of material is not linear, therefore it is required that students enroll for both years of the program (11 Enriched followed the next year by 12 AP). Students will write the Advanced Placement Exam in May

Environmental Science 12

The 4 big ideas for this course are: Human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life, Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes, Sustainable land use is essential to meet the needs of a growing population, and Living sustainably supports the well-being of self, community, and Earth. Upon completion of both Environmental

Studies 11 and 12, students will be prepared to write the AP Environmental Studies exam.

Geology 12

Geology 12 explores local and regional geology. Topics include geological time scale, the geological history of Western Canada (including its volcanic past), fossil record, plate tectonics, structural geology, geological hazards such as landslides, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and the mineral wealth of B.C. and Canada.

Physics 12

Students will build upon the concepts learned in Physics 11 with emphasis on mechanics and electromagnetism. This course helps develop analytical, experimental and problem-solving skills. It also helps students appreciate the role and applications of physics in our technological and cultural development

 

Physics 12 Advanced Placement

The course content of Physics 12/AP-2 competes the BC Physics 12 curriculum (Physics 11H/AP-1 plus 12/AP-2 are required for BC Physics 12 credit. Additional topics that are part of the AP-2 curriculum are typical of second-semester college/University courses in algebra-based physics. The course covers fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity and magnetism, optics, and atomic and nuclear physics.

PREREQUISITES: Students should have successfully completed Physics 11/AP-1 or a comparable introductory course in physics. Students should have taken or be concurrently taking pre-calculus or an equivalent math course.