Key Changes – Grade 9 Science, De-streamed (SNC1W)

• Introduction
  • Preface
  • Vision and Goals of the Grade 9 Science Course
  • The Importance of STEM Education
  • Curiosity and Wonder in Science

• Introduction
  • Secondary Schools for the 21st Century
  • The Place of Science in the Curriculum
  • The Goals of the Science Program
  • The Nature of Science
  • Roles and Responsibilities in the Science Program

• A focus on the importance of STEM education and fostering curiosity and wonder in science

• The Program in Science
  • Overview
  • Courses in Science, Grades 9 to 12
  • Curriculum Expectations
  • Fundamental Concepts and “Big Ideas” in Science
  • The Strands and Topics in the Grade 9 Science Course
  • Scientific and Engineering Design Processes

• The Program in Science
  • Overview of the Program
  • Curriculum Expectations
  • Strands in the Grade 9 and 10 Science Curriculum
  • Skills of Scientific Investigation (Inquiry and Research)

• Investigation in science using scientific research and experimentation processes, and engineering design process

• Program Planning and Cross-Curricular and Integrated Learning in Science
  • Instructional Approaches in Science
  • Health and Safety in Science Education
  • Coding and the Impact of Emerging Technologies
  • Skilled Trades
  • Climate Change

• Some Considerations for Program Planning
  • Instructional Approaches
  • Health and Safety in Science
  • Planning Science Programs for Students with Special Education Needs
  • Program Considerations for English Language Learners
  • Environmental Education
  • Antidiscrimination Education
  • Critical Thinking and Critical Literacy in Science
  • Literacy, Mathematical Literacy, and Investigation (Inquiry/Research) Skills
  • The Role of Information and Communications Technology in Science
  • The Ontario Skills Passport and Essential
  • Career Education
  • Cooperative Education and Other Forms of Experiential
  • Planning Program Pathways and Programs Leading to a Specialist High Skills Major

• Supporting new learning on coding, the impacts of emerging technology, skilled trades, and climate change
• In addition to the considerations outlined in the curriculum context, all of the general “Program Planning” sections on the Curriculum and Resources website apply to this course, including:
  • Environmental Education
  • Experiential Learning
  • Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Education
  • Indigenous Education
  • Planning for English Language Learners
  • Planning for Students with Special Education Needs
  • Transferable Skills

• Assessment and Evaluation of Student Achievement
  • Culturally Responsive and Relevant Assessment and Evaluation in Science
  • The Achievement Chart for Grade 9 Science

• Assessment and Evaluation of Student Achievement
  • Basic considerations
  • The Achievement Chart for Science
  • Evaluation and Reporting of Student Achievement
  • Reporting on Demonstrated Learning Skills

• Supports educators in designing and implementing culturally responsive and relevant assessment and evaluation strategies

The three goals of the science program are as follows:

1. to develop the skills and make the connections needed for scientific investigation 
2. to relate science to our changing world, including technology, society, the economy, and the environment
3. to investigate and understand scientific concepts

Achieving these three goals will enable students to develop a high degree of scientific literacy.

The three goals of the science program are as follows:

1. to relate science to technology, society, and the environment
2. to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry
3. to understand the basic concepts of science

• A focus on connecting science to a changing world including the economy, in addition to connecting to technology, society, and the environment
• Integrated approach to developing scientific literacy