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Students normally take Science 10 in their first year of high school.
Those interested in science at the post-secondary level can choose from a
variety of courses at the academic level in grades 11 and 12. For highly
motivated students advanced courses are offered in biology, chemistry and
physics. Details on advanced courses are provided on page 2 of this booklet.
Grade Ten Courses
Science 10 A+B Academic 1.0 Credit
Science 10 A+B meets the outcomes of Science 10 but is designed for students
who would prefer a less mathematical approach to science. More emphasis will
be placed on applying science to the world around us. The course will be of
interest to students considering Math Foundations 10 or Math 10+. Although
the course is divided into 4 distinct units, students who do not achieve an
average mark of 50% on the 4 units must repeat the entire course.
Text: Science Power 10
Science 10 Academic 1.0 Credit
In Science 10 students are given an opportunity to explore foundation topics
in four disciplines of science - biology, chemistry, meteorology and physics
- in four separate units of study. Within each unit the students practice
and strengthen the skills required to participate in the activities of
science, and develop an understanding of concepts within that science
discipline. An exploration of the relationship between science, technology,
society and the environment provides a unifying theme across the four areas
of science. Broad topic areas include: sustainability of ecosystems;
chemical reactions; weather dynamics: linear motion. This course serves as a
foundation for further studies in science, particularly in biology,
chemistry and physics.
Text: Science Power 10
Science 10 IB Prep Academic 1.0
Credit
Topics covered include matter
and atomic structure, formula writing (chemistry), Newtonian physics, force,
and motion. as well, basic thermodynamics will be included as a unit on
heat.
Prerequisite: acceptance to
IB through application
Grade 11 Courses
Biology 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
In Biology 11 the students begin by exploring some of the foundation topics
in the science of biology - the characteristics of life, microscopy, cell
biology and the classification and diversity of the biological world,
including an overview of the five kingdoms. The remainder of the course
centers around a comparative study of living systems in humans and other
organisms - digestion, respiration, circulation and excretion. Biology 11
follows a studentcentered approach to learning, allowing the students to
first explore concepts through activities and labs. A further aim of the
course is to improve the students’ understanding of biology as a science
through the integration of mathematics and the strengthening of science
process skills wherever possible. Connections are made to technological,
societal and environmental issues as they relate to the science of biology.
Prerequisite: Science 10
Text: Biology - Living Systems
Advanced Biology 11 Advanced 1.0 Credit
This course parallels the Biology 11 course, but more emphasis is placed on
extra research and independent study and most topics are covered in more
depth. The laboratory is used extensively and some units may be covered as
lab block assignments. Students wishing a more in depth study of biology
should consider this course. It is highly recommended for students
considering a career in biology.
Text: Nelson Biology
Chemistry 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
The high school Chemistry program is divided into two courses, Chemistry 11
and Chemistry 12. Chemistry 11 is designed to be both an introduction to the
fundamentals of chemistry for the science-bound student and a worthwhile
course for the student interested in the humanities. The more rigorous
material required for students taking post- secondary chemistry is reserved
for Chemistry 12. Students will learn about the composition of matter and
how one kind of matter can be changed into other kinds of matter. The topics
covered by the text are reinforced with laboratory work. Topics covered
include: matter, atomic theory, the periodic table, chemical bonding, naming
compounds and writing chemical formulae, types of chemical reactions,
balancing chemical equations, stoichiometry and an introduction to organic
chemistry. Organic chemistry is included in this course because it is
recommended for students taking Biology 12 in Grade Twelve.
Prerequisite: Science 10 and Math 10.
Text: Addison-Wesley Chemistry
Advanced Chemistry 11 Advanced 1.0 Credit
Chemistry 11 is an advanced level course. This program is an excellent
introduction to chemistry for those students who have an above average
interest and proven ability in science. The course focuses on the
development of reasoning skills and problem solving techniques through
experimentation and theory. Concepts and principles are emphasized rather
than content. Topics include: naming compounds and formula writing,
quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, gas laws, gas
stoichiometry, an introduction to solution chemistry, atomic theory,
periodic law and chemical bonds between atoms.
Text: Chemistry Experiments and Principles.
Physics 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course is an introduction to physics. Topics include linear motion,
dynamics [the relationship between force and motion] energy and momentum.
The course concludes with a with a study of sound, light and waves.
Prerequisite: Math 10 and Science 10
Text: Physics: Principles and Problems & Physics
Advanced Physics 11 Advanced 1.0 Credit
This is an introductory course in physics for highly motivated students with
a particular interest in science and proven ability in mathematics. The
topics include: how light behaves, reflections and images, refraction, the
particle model of light, introduction to waves, waves and light,
interference, linear kinematics, vectors, dynamics, Newton’s Laws of Motion
and motion at the earth’s surface.
Text: Physics Giancoli
Human Biology 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course is an academic credit that counts as a second science credit for
high school graduation. The major systems of the human body will be covered
in this course using an issues based or society and technology point of
view. Lab work, projects, group activities and case study examples will be
main learning strategies. This course is designed so that students gain an
appreciation and understanding of the importance of various body functions.
Human Biology 11 does not prepare students for Biology 12. It is not
recommended that students take both Biology 11 and Human Biology 11.
Permission from the department head is required and would only be given in
very exceptional circumstances
Text: TBA
Oceans 11 Academic 1.0 Credit
Oceans 11 is an academic course that satisfies the second science credit
requirement for high school graduation. Oceans 11 offers students the
opportunity to explore aspects of global and local oceanography and current
ocean-related issues. The course is designed to be flexible and meet the
needs and interests of Nova Scotian students by connecting the study of
oceanography with local economic and community interests. One of the
priorities of the course is to increase students’ knowledge of emerging new
economies and opportunities in such areas as aquaculture and oceans
management, which offer new career opportunities. Oceans 11 consists of four
25-30 hour modules. Successful completion of four modules is required to
earn one science credit. All students must complete Modules I and II
The remaining two modules are selected by the teacher, based on resources
and student interest, from:
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Module III Aquaculture-Farming the Oceans
-
Module IV The Fisheries Resource
-
Module V Our Coastal Zones-Managing Their Use
-
Module VI Ocean industries
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Module VII Coastal Navigation
Prerequisite: Science 10
Text: TBA
Grade Twelve Courses
Note: Grade 12 students who wish to take Biology 12, Chemistry 12, or
Physics 12 must take the grade 11 course first.
Biology 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course has “continuity of life” as a central theme. Students learn
about general reproductive patterns in the biological world, then focus on
embryonic development in animals, culminating in a thorough study of human
reproductive systems and development. Homeostasis through hormonal and
nervous control is studied within this context. Other topics of study
involve genetics, biotechnology and evolution through genetic variation.
Laboratory work, class discussion and project work are stressed. This course
is recommended for students considering careers in science or
science-related fields [e.g. health professions].
Prerequisites recommended:: Biology 11, Chemistry 11
Text: Biology: The Study of Life
Advanced Biology 12 Advanced 1.0 Credit
This course parallels the Biology 12 course, but more emphasis is placed on
extra research and independent study and most topics are covered in more
depth. The laboratory is used extensively and some units may be covered as
lab block assignments. Students wishing a more in depth study of biology
should consider this course. It is highly recommended for students
considering a career in biology.
Prerequisites recommended:: Biology 11, Chemistry 11
Text: Nelson Biology
Chemistry 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This is a continuation of Chemistry 11. Topics include: a review of some of
Chemistry 11, thermochemistry, solutions, kinetics, chemical equilibrium,
acids and bases and oxidation and reduction.
Prerequisites recommended: Chemistry 11 and Math 11 or Advanced Math 11 and
Advanced Math 12
Text: Addison-Wesley Chemistry
Advanced Chemistry 12 Advanced 1.0 Credit
This course is a continuation of Chemistry 11. In addition to the topics
listed below, students will engage in a research project or extra open-ended
experimentation. Also, if time permits, additional topics of interest to
students and their teacher may be included. Topics include: a review of some
of Chemistry 11, molecular structure, thermochemistry, chemical kinetics,
chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, oxidation-reduction and
electrochemistry.
Prerequisites recommended: Chemistry 11 and Math 11 or Advanced Math 11 and
Advanced Math 12
Text: Chemistry Experiments and Principles
Physics 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course is a continuation of Physics 11. The topics include: circular
motion, kinetic and potential energy, static electricity, current
electricity, circuits, magnetism and electromagnetism, heat, atomic
structure, nuclear physics, radioactivity, and nuclear energy. Prerequisites
recommended: Physics 11, Chemistry 11 and Math 11 or Advanced Math 11 and
Advanced Math 12
Text: Physics: Principles and Problems
Advanced Physics 12 Advanced 1.0 Credit
The Advanced Physics 12 course is a continuation of Advanced Physics 11. The
emphasis is on energy and the many forms it can take. The topics include:
momentum and the conservation of momentum, work, power, energy, kinetic and
potential energy, electricity, Coulomb’s Law, circuits, electric fields,
magnetism, magnetic fields, electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic
waves, the structure of the atom and the nucleus, radioactivity, nuclear
energy and nuclear reactors, and a major research project.
Prerequisites recommended: Physics 11, Chemistry 11 and Math 11 or Advanced
Math 11 and Advanced Math 12
Text: Physics by Giancoli
Geology 12 Academic 1.0 Credit
This course is designed to explore the processes at work on Earth today, how
they contribute to the landforms we see around us, and the impact of the
interactions of man and Earth. The topics included are the structure and
history of the Earth, minerals, rocks and the rock cycle, the internal and
external processes that contribute to the development of mineral resources,
mountains, glaciers, groundwater, volcanoes and earthquakes, the theories
geologists have developed to explain their observations, geologic time, and
the impact of man’s decisions on our mineral resources and our environment.
Whenever possible, the local geology will be used to illustrate the topics.
Laboratory work, fieldwork, group and independent projects wi11 enhance the
topics being studied.
Prerequisite recommended: At least one previous science course
Text: TBA
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