The Science courses in grades 9 and 10 cover a broad range of topics to give students an awareness of the possibilities available in later science courses. This will allow students to make informed choices for their grades 11 and 12 science courses, which are much more subject specific. Science courses require a scientific calculator.
SCIENCE 9
Science 9 explores a variety of science topics. Life Science focuses on cells and reproduction. In Physical Sciences, students study the periodic table, chemical reactions and atomic structure followed by an introduction to electricity and circuits. Earth Science investigates the relationship between solar radiation and Earth’s systems.
SCIENCE 10
Science 10 continues the exploration of a variety of Sciences. In the Physical Sciences, the study of chemicals and their reactions continues with the addition of radiation and energy transformations. Life Sciences focuses on DNA, genes and inheritance. Finally, Earth Science studies the formation of the Universe.
LIFE SCIENCES 11 (Formerly Biology 11)
Life Sciences 11 is the basis of most post-secondary first year Biology courses. This course focuses on the variety of living organisms found on earth including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Life Sciences 11 also examines Evolution, Ecology and the foundations of Cell Biology, which is continued in Anatomy and Physiology 12. Life Sciences 11 is an activity-based course and requires a willingness to work both independently and in groups. Labs, dissections and microscope use are an integral part of the course.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 12 (Formerly Biology 12)
Anatomy and Physiology 12 focuses on biochemistry, the cell and human biology. This course allows students to develop an interest and understanding of how our various body systems are integrated to maintain homeostasis. Students will examine the connections between the functioning of organ systems and the chemistry behind it. This is a very activity-based course and requires a willingness to work both independently and in groups. Lab activities and microscope use are an integral part of the course. Many of the lab skills needed for this course are taught in Life Sciences 11. Recommendation: C+ or better in Life Sciences/Biology 11 & Chemistry 11 (not concurrent)
CHEMISTRY 11
This course will examine a variety of concepts related to the study of matter with an emphasis on the applications of mathematics to solve problems. Topics include Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, The Mole, Chemical Reactions, Solutions and Organics. Class discussions, experiments and demonstrations will provide the basis for developing key concepts. Recommendation: C+ or better in Science 10 and Foundations / Pre-Calculus Math 10
CHEMISTRY 12
This course is a detailed study of chemical concepts which will enable a student to gain a more useful perspective of chemistry and its relationship to industrial and environmental processes. The topics of reaction kinetics, equilibrium, acids/bases and oxidation will be covered through group discussions, projects and laboratory experiments.
Recommendation: C+ or better in Chemistry 11 and any Math 12 (concurrent OK)
EARTH SCIENCE 11
Earth Science studies the various processes that have shaped and formed our amazing planet. Main topics include: geology (rocks, minerals, resources), tectonic processes (plate tectonics, earth’s interior, earthquakes, volcanoes), geologic time (history of earth, fossils), atmosphere (weather), and astronomy (solar system and beyond).
Note: This course meets the Science requirement for graduation, as well as entrance to most university and college programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 11
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Topics will be based around local environments and the ecosystems within them. Students will increase their scientific and environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society in a variety of areas.
GEOLOGY 12
This course is organized through the following units – Earth Materials, Surficial Processes, Time and the Fossil Record, Internal Processes and Structures, Resources and Comparative Planetology. It is a systematic and integrated study of the dynamic Earth through both theory and practice with both a local B.C. and extended world perspective. The course has a
significant hands-on component aimed at developing both the knowledge and the various skills of science pertaining to the Earth.
PHYSICS 11
Physics 11 requires the rigorous and diverse application of Mathematics on conceptually challenging materials in a senior science course. Topics include the Laws of Motion, the Conservation of Energy, Circuit Electricity, and Wave Phenomena which build on each other and are all interconnected. It is required for students to have a strong foundation in Algebra as it is an essential tool for success in the study of Physics.
Note: Students should own a scientific calculator.
Recommendation: It is necessary for students in Physics 11 to have a solid understanding of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 concepts.
PHYSICS 12
Physics 12 builds on the rigorous and diverse application of Mathematics on the conceptually challenging learning of Physics 11. Topics include the Laws of Circular Motion, Torque, the Conservation of Momentum, Electromagnetic Phenomena, and Special Relativity which build on each other and are all interconnected. It is required for students to have
a strong foundation in Algebra as it is an essential tool in the study of Physics.
Note: students should own a scientific calculator, a ruler, and a protractor
Recommendation: It is necessary for students in Physics 12 to have a solid understanding of Math 11 concepts
SCIENCE FOR CITIZENS 11 (Formerly Science & Tech 11)
This course concentrates on past, present and future applications of science in our society. The core areas include the nature and interaction of Science and Technology as well as computers and Information Technology. Optional modules include Resource Management, Environmental Planning, Medicine, Health, Criminal Investigation, Construction and Transportation.
Note: This course fulfills the Science 11 requirement for graduation but not for university entrance.
SCIENCE CO-OP 11
This program is for students interested in exploring science-related careers and doing enrichment/ application activities to extend science concepts learned in the regular curriculum. Students should have an interest in outdoor recreation (camping, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, etc.). In the second semester of grade 11, as a cohort, students will take Chemistry 11 (CO-OP), Life Sciences 11 (CO- OP), Active Living 11 (outdoor recreation based), Work Experience 12, and Leadership 11/12 (outdoor based). This will allow for a greater amount of hands on experience through field trips and work experience (3 weeks out of the school) without having to miss other classes. Note – a flexible schedule is important as activities will occasionally occur outside of regular school hours.
To be eligible, students need a minimum of C+ in their grade 10 classes and have demonstrated good work habits during their time at Heritage Woods. Acceptance is not guaranteed and is based on an approval process. There is an application and interview upon applying for this program.
