Exploring the Connections

In this course, you’ll dive deeper into the fascinating world of science and explore the connections between biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics.

You’ll learn about:

How cells and systems work together in animals and plants
The chemistry behind acid-base reactions and how they impact our world
The forces that shape our climate and the impact of climate change
The amazing ways that light interacts with matter

Through hands-on investigations and projects, you’ll develop your scientific skills, including planning, conducting, and analyzing experiments.

You’ll also explore the connections between science, technology, society, and the environment, and learn to think critically about the impact of science on our daily lives.

Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Academic or Applied

Unit 1: Biology

The unit will explore the exciting field of systems biology and its impacts on our understanding of living organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. Students will discover how medical and technological advancements have helped us uncover the complex interactions with organisms, leading to new ways to diagnose and treat diseases.

The unit will also examine the social and ethical implications such as concerns about privacy and discrimination based on genetic information. Further, the unit will help students understand the process of cell division, specialization, how cells organize in tissues, organs, and systems in both animals and plants, and how this knowledge has not only revolutionized medical treatments, including cancer therapies but has also brought significant benefits to articulateure and environmental sciences by improving crop varieties and resilience to environmental challenges.

Unit 2: Chemical Reactions

This unit will focus on the environmental and safety aspects of chemical reactions, exploring the properties of chemical reactions to address the environmental challenges. Students will explore topics like the use of cyanide in gold mining, acid precipitation, and chlorine and bromine in swimming pools, and develop skills in asking scientific questions, conducting research, analyzing data, and communicating scientific information accurately.

The unit will introduce students to chemical terminology, molecular structures, and representing chemical reactions. Additionally, students will investigate the conservation of mass in chemical reactions, identify evidence of chemical changes, balance chemical equations, understand types of chemical reactions, and explore the acid-base neutralization process.

By the end of the unit, students will have a solid understanding of chemical reactions, their environmental implications, and the ability to apply their knowledge in various scientific investigations.

Unit 3: Earth and Space Science: Climate Change

In this unit, students will analyze the effects of climate change on human activity and natural systems, evaluate current initiatives addressing climate change, and develop skills in investigating and communicating the topic, including designing greenhouse effect models, analyzing scientific data sources, and examining different hypotheses. Further, students will develop an understanding of fundamental concepts related to Earth’s climate system, such as the natural greenhouse effect and heat transfer in the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

By the end of the unit, students will have a comprehensive understanding of climate change, its impacts, and the ability to evaluate scientific information critically and communicate effectively.

Unit 4: Physics: Light and Geometric Optics

In this unit, students will evaluate the effectiveness of technological devices, and procedures designed to take advantage of the power of light while exploring the properties of light through inquiry and predicting its behavior, focusing specifically on reflection in flat and curved mirrors and refraction in converging lenses. Further, the unit demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of various characteristics and properties of light, concerning reflection in mirrors and reflection and refraction in lenses.

The unit also evaluates the societal benefits of these technological advances and sheds light on the potential impact of light-based technologies in various domains.