SNC2D: Grade 10 Academic Science

Course outline and Expectations

Instructor: Paul Mallok

Room: 118

Email: pmteaching@gmail.com

Introduction

This course is designed to teach introductory concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and

climate science, and physics, as well as the interrelationships between science, technology,

society, and the environment. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their scientific

investigation skills. Students will conduct investigations and develop their understanding of

scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants;

chemical reactions, with a particular focus on nomenclature; forces that affect climate and

climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.

Course Outline

Unit Titles and Descriptions Time and

Sequence

Unit

1 Chemistry: Chemical Reactions

In this unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of general principles of chemical

reactions. They will develop ways of communicating these reactions and other chemical

phenomena. Through processes of inquiry and independent investigation, they will use the

scientific method and other skills of criticism and appraisal to determine characteristics of

chemical reactions. They will apply this knowledge to a variety of safety and environmental

issues associated with chemical reactions, and discuss ways in which chemical reactions can be

applied to address environmental challenges.

26 hours

Unit

2 Biology: Tissues, Organs, and Systems of Living Things

In this unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of hierarchies in biology, from

intracellular to organ system levels of organization. Through processes of inquiry and

independent investigation, they will use the scientific method and other skills of criticism and

appraisal to apprehend cell division, specialization, and structure and function of tissues, organs

and organ systems in plant and animal kingdoms. They will consider social, ethical and

ecological implications of biological and biomedical advancements in this multidisciplinary

field of study.

26 hours

Unit

3 Physics: Light and Geometric Optics

In this unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of various characteristics and properties

of light, with particular attention to reflection and refraction. They will develop ways of

communicating predictions and observed results mathematically, verbally and graphically.

Through processes of inquiry and independent investigation, they will use the scientific method

and other skills of criticism and appraisal to determine properties of light and predict its

26 hours

behaviour on and through various media, including various reflective shapes and lenses. They

will discuss the technological devices and procedures designed to make use of light, and

appraise the social implications of these innovations.

Unit

4 Earth and Space Science: Climate Change – Independent Study Unit

In this unit, students will demonstrate an understanding of factors that influence Earth’s climate

and contribute to climate change or stability. They will independently investigate and evaluate

the validity of evidence of climate change and those natural and human factors involved. They

will analyse some of the effects of climate change around the world, and assess the

effectiveness of initiatives that attempt to address the issue of climate change. They will report

their findings in manners conventionally accepted in the scientific community.

8 hours

Review + Final Evaluation

Review will be held in class. The final assessment task is a two hour exam broken into 2 parts

worth 30% of the student’s final mark.

4 hours +

2 hours

Total 92 hours

Assessment:

- 3 unit tests

- 3 quizzes

- 3 informal labs

- 1 formal lab, 1 performance task

Expectations / Policies

Attendance:

It goes without saying that you are expected to attend regularly. Those who miss more than 5

classes or whose attendance is erratic will be removed from the class.

Missed Quizzes / Tests / Labs and late submissions:

There will be no make-up quizzes, tests, or labs. If you miss a quiz, test, or lab this will count as

your lowest mark dropped. There are no exceptions to this rule. Assignments MUST BE

SUBMITTED the day they are due, or, by the time I leave the building. Late submissions are

docked 10% automatically regardless of the reason for the late submission.

Quiz / Test / Assignment Corrections:

In regards to any typos or miscalculated marks, any mistakes made by me personally will be

corrected immediately. However, any “personal disagreements” with marking structure and/or a

specific mark awarded to you will not prompt me to make ANY changes to your mark.