Science

The vision of science is to contribute to developing students as inquirers, scientifically literate, caring and responsible individuals who think critically and creatively when solving problems and making decisions about aspects affecting themselves, others and their social and natural environments. Diverse learning experiences allow students to explore, analyze and appreciate the interrelationships among science, technology, society and the environment and develop understandings that will affect their personal lives, careers and futures. Science literacy aims for students to become competent and confident when accessing, using and communicating scientific information. Students are expected to use scientific language correctly and select appropriate oral and written communication formats. Another aim of science is to allow students to show their understanding of the main concepts and processes of science by applying these to solve problems. Students should demonstrate critical thinking skills to analyze and evaluate information to make informed judgments in various contexts. Studying science also prepares students to address global issues from a scientific perspective critically.

Grade 10

5 CREDITS IB MYP Science 10, Y5

Through a course structured around units of study in chemistry, biology, physics and global systems, students: (1) understand and appreciate science and its implications, (2) consider science as a human endeavour with benefits and limitations, (3) cultivate analytical, inquiring and flexible minds that pose questions, solve problems, construct explanations and judge arguments, (4) develop skills to design and perform investigations, evaluate evidence and reach conclusions, (5) build an awareness of the need to collaborate and communicate effectively, (6) apply language skills and knowledge in a variety of real-life contexts, (6) develop sensitivity towards the living and non-living environments, and (7) reflect on learning experiences and make informed choices. Through the investigation of real examples of the application of science, the “one world” objective allows students to gain insight into the tensions and dependencies between science and societal, environmental and ethical factors and will hopefully enable students to use science and technology to acquire new knowledge and solve problems to improve the quality of their own lives and the lives of others. Students also learn to appreciate and respect the ideas of others and further develop their sense of responsibility as individuals towards the natural, built and virtual environment. Their engagement, interest and enjoyment in science should foster a positive response to science and contribute to developing opinion-forming, decision-making and ethical-reasoning skills.

Biology 20

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10 or Principal approval

This course emphasizes the major themes of energy, matter, change, diversity, systems and equilibrium as students continue to develop their scientific competency and understanding. Students will complete laboratory investigations, independent, self-directed learning, and computer simulations to add to their understanding of the scientific principles and concepts associated with the four main units of study. In this process, students will significantly enhance both their critical thinking skills and their awareness of science’s impact on society. The course covers the Alberta Program of Studies Units: (1) Ecosystems and Population Change, (2) Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, (3) Human Systems, and (4) Energy and Matter Exchange in the Biosphere. Specifically, the following topics are studied: cells and cell processes, including nutrient exchange, cellular respiration and photosynthesis; ecology, including the biosphere, energy flow, and matter/energy exchange; evolutionary theory, biodiversity and population dynamics, and human physiology, including nutrition and the digestive system and processes, the cardiovascular system, defence against disease, the respiratory system and gas exchange, and excretory system and waste management.

IB DP Biology, Y1

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10 or Principal approval

This course is based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies (Biology 20) and the IB DP Biology syllabus. In this course, students develop their skills and knowledge across a broad range of biological investigations and appreciate the profound richness and complexity of the living world around them. They also become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. There is an emphasis on practical work and the general aims through the various aspects of the overarching theme of the Nature of Science. Success in this course requires solid academic ability, but more importantly, strong personal motivation and a willingness to work independently. It also requires a strong work ethic, excellent time management, and a willingness to ask questions and reflect critically. The course is comprised of the following topics: Energy and Matter Exchange in the Biosphere, Ecosystems and Population Change, Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration, and Human Systems. The IB Syllabus distributes these topics into four themes: Unity and Diversity, Form and Function, Interaction and Interdependence, and Continuity and Change.

Chemistry 20

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10,Y5 or Principal approval

This course develops students’ understanding of the interconnecting ideas and chemistry principles that transcend and unify the natural science disciplines and their relationship to the technology that students use in their daily lives. Chemistry 20 develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help students become capable of and committed to setting career and/or life goals, make informed choices, and act in ways that will improve the level of scientific awareness essential for a scientifically literate society. Chemistry is an experimental discipline, and laboratory experiences are essential to this course. Students are expected to develop an aptitude for collecting data, observing, analyzing, forming generalizations, hypothesizing, and making inferences from observations.

This course comprises five topics of study: (1) Quantitative Relationships (Stoichiometry), (2) Solutions, (3) Acids and Bases, (4) Gases, and (5) Chemical Bonding.

IB DP Chemistry, Y1

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10 or Principal approval

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 20-1

This course is based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies (Chemistry 20) and the IB DP Chemistry, Y1 curriculum. Students develop their skills and knowledge across various chemical investigations and learn the chemical principles underpinning the physical environment and biological systems through studying quantitative chemistry, periodicity, kinetics and other subjects. Laboratory experience is an essential component of this course. It develops in students the skills and knowledge required to design, perform, and analyze investigations. As such, students are expected to develop an aptitude for collecting data, observing, analyzing, forming generalizations, hypothesizing, and making inferences from observations. They also become aware of how scientists work and communicate with each other. Success in this course requires solid academic ability, but more importantly, strong personal motivation and a willingness to work independently. The course is comprised of nine units of study: (1) The Diversity of Matter and Chemical Bonding, (2) Forms of Matter, (3) Acids and Bases, (4) Quantitative Relationships in Chemical Changes, (5) Stoichiometric Relationships, (6) Atomic Core, (7) Periodicity, (8) Chemical Bonding and Structure, and (9) Measurement and Data.

5 Credits

Physics 20

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10 or Principal approval

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 20-1

The main theme of this course focuses on the interaction of matter and energy. We will explore this interaction through hands-on experimental work, project-based learning, computer simulations, quantitative data collection and analysis, and problem-solving. Students also appreciate how the interaction of matter and energy affects our daily lives. Six units of study comprise this course: (1) Kinematics and Graphing, (2) Vectors, Vector Addition and Projectiles, (3) Dynamics, (4) Circular Motion, Gravitational Force and Field, (5) Energy, and (6) Simple Harmonic Motion, Oscillations, and the Behaviour of Mechanical Waves.

IB DP Physics SL, Y1

PREREQUISITE: IB MYP Science 10, Y5 or Principal approval

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 20-1

This course is based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies Physics 20) and the IB DP Physics SL, Y1 curriculum. The interaction of matter and energy is the main theme of this course. Students explore this interaction through hands-on experimental work, computer simulations, quantitative data collection and analysis, and problem-solving. How the interaction of matter and energy affects our daily lives is also a focus of study. In addition to the Physics 20 curriculum, four of the five core IB Physic SL topics comprise the syllabus in this course: (1) Space, Time and Motion, (2) The Particulate Nature of Matter, (3) Wave Behaviour, (4) Fields

5 Credits

• Students can also earn Physics 20 by enrolling in the Design, Technology, and Innovation ‘Formula 1’ course (see p.56).

5 CREDITS

• Students receive credit for Physics 20.

Biology 30

PREREQUISITE: Biology 20 or IB DP Biology, Y1 or Principal approval

This course encourages students to develop a critical sense of wonder and curiosity about scientific and technological endeavours; use science and technology to acquire new knowledge and solve problems so that they may improve the quality of their lives and the lives of others; critically address science-related societal, economic, ethical and environmental issues; create opportunities for them to pursue science-related occupations; and develops in student aptitudes and interests a knowledge of the wide spectrum of careers related to science, technology and the environment. Students will complete laboratory investigations, independent, self-directed learning, and computer simulations to increase their understanding of these four main areas’ scientific principles and concepts. In this process, students will significantly enhance their critical thinking skills and their awareness of science’s impact on society.

The course comprises four key units of study: Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Reproduction and Development, Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Population and Community Dynamics.

IB DP Biology SL, Y2 / IB DP Biology HL, Y2

PREREQUISITE: IB DP Biology, Y1

This course not only covers the Alberta Education Program of Studies established for Biology 30-1, but it also provides students with an opportunity to pursue Y2 concepts covered in the IB DP Biology curriculum at a Standard Level (SL) or Higher Lever (HL). Students will enjoy considerable overlap between the IB curriculum and Biology 30. Students choosing the HL path extend their learning by exploring Biology 30 concepts in greater depth and an additional unit of study in plant biology.

SL and HL topics: Nervous and Endocrine Systems, Reproduction and Development, Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Population and Community Dynamics

HL: Greater depth in Genetics, Ecology, Human Physiology and additional units in Plant Transport, Growth and Reproduction in Angiosperms

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

5 CREDITS

• Students sit an IB examination in May.

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students receive credit for Biology 30.

Chemistry 30

PREREQUISITE: Chemistry 20 or IB DP Chemistry, Y1

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 30-1

This course is intended to develop students’ understanding of the interconnecting ideas and chemistry principles that transcend and unify the natural science disciplines and their relationship to the technology that students use in their daily lives. It is of utmost importance to remember that Chemistry 30 is an experimental discipline that develops the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help students become capable of and committed to setting career and/or life goals, make informed choices, and act in ways that will improve the level of scientific awareness essential for a scientifically literate society. Laboratory experience is an essential component of the Chemistry 30 course. Students of Chemistry 30 are expected to develop an aptitude for collecting data, observing, analyzing, forming generalizations, hypothesizing, and making inferences from observations. The course is designed to promote students’ understanding of chemistry concepts and their ability to apply these concepts to relevant situations and communicate in the specialized language of chemistry.

IB DP Chemistry SL, Y2 / IB DP Chemistry HL, Y2

PREREQUISITE: IB DP Chemistry, Y1

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 30-1

This course is based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies (Chemistry 30) and the IB DP Chemistry SL curriculum, which have a high degree of alignment in topics of study. Throughout the course, students will: appreciate scientific study and creativity within a global context through stimulating and challenging opportunities; acquire, apply and use a body of knowledge, methods and techniques that characterize science and technology; develop an ability to analyze, evaluate and synthesize scientific information; develop a critical awareness of the need for, and the value of, effective collaboration and communication during scientific activities; develop experimental and investigative scientific skills including the use of current technologies; develop and apply 21st-century communication skills in the study of science; become critically aware, as global citizens, of the ethical implications of using science and technology; develop an appreciation of the possibilities and limitations of science and technology; and develop an understanding of the relationships between scientific disciplines and their influence on other areas of knowledge. Laboratory experience is an essential component of this course and students will demonstrate their skills in writing lab reports. Students are required to conduct an Individual Investigation, typically a laboratory investigation in this course. Students design their experiments, perform all necessary lab and research work and evaluate the success of their experiments. Success in this course requires academic ability, but more importantly, strong personal motivation and a willingness to work independently. The course is comprised of seven units of study: (1) Thermochemical Changes, (2) Electrochemical Changes, (3) Chemical Kinetics, (4) Chemical Equilibrium, (5) Acids and Bases, (6) Chemical Changes of Organic Compounds, and (7) an additional, varying, unit of study.

5 CREDITS

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

5 CREDITS

• In the HL course, considerably more depth is required in each of these units of study. Additional class time is scheduled to support the increased depth.

• Students sit an IB examination in May.

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students receive credit for Chemistry 30.

Physics 30

PREREQUISITE: Physics 20 or IB DP Physics (Y1), or Principal approval

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 30-1

This course allows students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to become productive and responsible members of society. This course includes topics in both classical and modern physics. We will explore this interaction through handson experimental work, project-based learning, computer simulations, quantitative data collection and analysis, and problem-solving. Students also appreciate how the interaction of matter and energy affects our daily lives.

Four units of study comprise this course: (1) Momentum and Impulse, (2) Forces and Fields, (3) Electromagnetic Radiation, and (4) Atomic Physics.

IB DP Physics SL, Y2

PREREQUISITE: IB DP Physics SL, Y1

COREQUISITE: Mathematics 30-1

This course is based on the Alberta Education Program of Studies Physics 30) and the IB DP Physics SL, Y2 curriculum. Students explore the interaction of matter and energy through hands-on experimental work, computer simulations, quantitative data collection and analysis, and problem-solving. Students also explore how the interaction of matter and energy affects our daily lives.

In addition to the Physics 30 curriculum, eight core topics and one optional topic comprise part of the syllabus in this course: (1) Physics and Physical Measurement, (2) Mechanics, (3) Thermal Physics, (4) Oscillations and Waves, (5) Electric Currents, (6) Fields and Forces, (7) Atomic and Nuclear Physics, and (8) Energy, Power and Climate Change

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students sit an IB examination in May.

• Students sit an Alberta Diploma exam in June.

• Students receive credit for Physics 30.