Science

Biology 9

Teacher: Roger Horton

Text: Prentice Hall Biology, 2006

Biology is the science that seeks to understand the living world. A biologist is someone who uses scientific methods to study living things. The biology curriculum is designed to continue student investigations and deepen student understanding of the biological sciences. The integrating standards (science as inquiry and history & nature of science) are taught in context with the relevant conceptual standards. The conceptual standards are: organic molecules the cell, the molecular basis of heredity, biological evolution, the interdependence of organisms, and energy and organization in living systems.

The unifying concepts: systems, order and organization; evidence, models, and explanation; constancy, change and measurement; evolution and equilibrium; form and function are woven through the concepts and objectives of the course.

Throughout the course, students address the essential question of how people use scientific inquiry to understand the living world.

Resources Used : Laboratory equipment & consumables, Internet, Videos

Chemistry – Grade 10

Teacher: Craig Taylor

Textbook: Chemistry –  2005 Prentice Hall

Our introductory Senior High School Chemistry course builds on the knowledge of Chemistry which students have learned in middle school. Material is studied in more depth than in earlier grades with the aim of students acquiring a thorough understanding of the nature of matter.  Text material will be supplemented by power point lectures, laboratory work, problem practice and audio-visual materials.

Topics to be Studied:

1st   Semester – August to December

Unit 1  An Introduction to Chemistry and Scientific Measurement

Unit 2  Atomic and Nuclear Structure

Unit 3  Electrons and Periodic Behavior

Unit 4  Chemical Bonding in Matter

Unit 5  Reactions Quantitative Relationships in Chemical Changes   

2nd Semester – January to May

Unit 6 Gas Laws and Kinetic Molecular Theory

Unit 7 Water, Aqueous Systems & Solutions

Unit 8  Acids and Bases

Unit 9 Oxidation and Reduction

Unit 10 Thermochemistry, Reaction Rates & Equilibrium

Unit 11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

 

Physics – Grade 11

Teacher: Craig Taylor

Textbook: Conceptual Physics – 2006 Prentice Hall

Introductory Physics will explore topics from both a conceptual and mathematical perspective.  Students taking this course should have good ability to solve problems algebraically.

Topics to be Studied:

1st  Semester

Topic 1: Mechanics                                        

  • Motion including speed, velocity and acceleration.  Projectile Motion & Vectors
  • Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion
  • Momentum and Energy
  • Circular Motion, Centre of Gravity & Rotational Mechanics
  • Universal Gravitation, Gravitational Interactions & Satellite Motion                 

Topic 2: Atomic and Nuclear Physics                     

  • The Atom and the Quantum
  • The Atomic Nucleus and Radioactivity
  • Nuclear Fission & Fusion

2nd Semester

Topic 1: Gravitation                                        

  • Universal Gravitation, Gravitational Interactions, & Satellite Motion                

Topic 2: Properties of Matter                        

  • Solids, Liquids & Gases

Topic 3: Heat – Thermal Physics

  • Temperature and Heat Transfer

 

AP Chemistry – Grade 12

Teacher: Craig Taylor

Text:  “Chemistry”  –  Zumdahl and Zumdahl, 7th ed.  - 2007 Houghton Mifflin Company

AP Chemistry is an advanced chemistry course requiring high level analytical and mathematical skills.   Students should have a high level of interest in Chemistry, and be willing to study diligently to be successful in this course.  Students will write the College Board Advanced Placement Chemistry examination in May.

 

Major Topics to be Studied:

  • Periodic Table & Electron Structure of Elements
  • Chemical Reactions and Equations
  • Stoichiometry
  • Solutions
  • Gases
  • Acids & Bases
  • Thermochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Chemical Equilibria
  • Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Bonding

For the important laboratory aspect of this course, we will be doing a large selection of labs which support learning.  Many labs will use Vernier Logger Pro equipment and probes.

AP Biology

Teacher: Roger Horton

Text:  Biology,  Neil Campbell & Jane Reece 8 th edition  (2008)  Pearson Publishers.

AP Biology is equivalent to a two-semester introductory college biology course taken by students majoring in a biological science. AP Biology differs from regular high school biology through the use of college-level text, a greater range and depth of topics covered, a faster pace of instruction, more sophisticated lab work, and more time and effort required of students in order to succeed in the course. This course has been authorized by the College Board as meeting the requirements for AP Biology.

Students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the biological sciences or medical fields are especially advised to take AP Biology in high school. AP Biology provides students a significant advantage in college by allowing them to acquire the foundation in concepts and skills prerequisite to many college biological science courses. The ability to succeed in AP Biology gives students confidence and a knowledge base to be successful in future science classes.

AP Environmental  Science

Teacher: Jeremy Horton

Text: Wright, Richard T. and Dorothy F. Boorse.  (2011).  Environmental Science: Towards a Sustainable Future (11th ed.)  San Francisco.  Pearson Education, Inc.

AP Environmental Science is a course offered to students who have completed at least one year of biology, chemistry, as well as an integrated math course.  AP biology, physics and chemistry are recommended, but not essential for the course.  Students should be willing to work outdoors, as required by many of the labs.

The overall goal of the course is to raise awareness and understanding of environmental problems, both human made and natural, as well as the concepts, scientific values, and methodologies behind the interrelationships of the natural world.  Students learn how to assess these problems, identify possible solutions, or means to prevent them.  Subjects covered include: ecology, biodiversity, populations, chemicals and hazardous waste, energy use water, soil, and air (as well as their related pollutants), economics, and sustainability.

Resources include labs, texts, internet games, articles, hands-on field trips, and videos.