Sample Course Plans – Grade 9 Science, De-streamed (SNC1W), 2022

Mathematical models predict that the world population will approach 10 billion people by 2050. These predictions motivate us to question the impact of various agricultural strategies on different global populations and to assess how these strategies may contribute to or mitigate climate change.

• Cluster 1: In this cycle, students investigate effective strategies for feeding the growing global human population and that both avoid contributing to climate change, while respecting traditions.
• Cluster 2: Students study the influence of agriculture on the world population, as well as scientific, economic, and social issues relating to this field. In addition, students learn about environmental, economic, and social factors influencing harvests in a region under investigation.
• Cluster 3: Students apply chemistry and physics concepts to explain the operation and efficiency of different appliances used in kitchens around the world.

The Earth's climate is constantly changing and has been for thousands of years. However, since the Industrial Revolution, climate change has been accelerating due to human activity – primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. Collective efforts are needed to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. The use of emerging technologies contributes to the fight against climate change and its impact on society and the environment.

• Cluster 1: Electrical energy is often suggested as an alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students are introduced to this topic through the study of electrical energy and electricity.
• Cluster 2: Students explore the constraints of using electric power as an alternative energy source and the challenges associated with the electrification of transportation. They investigate the idea that regardless of the energy source used, there is an impact on society and the environment, and that energy use must be reconsidered.
• Cluster 3: Students explore the impact of climate change and of energy transformations on ecosystems and the environment, and ways in which emerging technologies are helping to mitigate these impacts.

Waste accumulates wherever humans explore or settle, whether on land, in the oceans, or even in space. It can take the form of chemical waste, nuclear waste, food waste (organic matter), plastic waste, or other substances that negatively impact ecosystems.

• Cluster 1: Students explore chemical and nuclear waste and investigate how these can be disposed of safely.
• Cluster 2: Students investigate the effects of waste on the dynamic equilibrium of ecosystems as well as how to reduce the amount of waste by recycling material.
• Cluster 3: Students explore the impact of space clutter and the dangers posed by this waste.

Since the dawn of time, human beings have always been fascinated by space. Curiosity is at the heart of the human spirit; it is about discovering the unknown and pushing the limits of our knowledge of the universe. In this cycle, students determine the criteria necessary to make another planet in the solar system habitable for humans.

• Cluster 1: Students learn about various emerging technologies that have enabled important scientific discoveries in space exploration and observation.
• Cluster 2: Students analyse discoveries of different celestial bodies in the solar system.
• Cluster 3: Students investigate ideal conditions for producing a viable environment on a celestial body within the solar system.