Course Outline: Science 9
Room and Time:​ 129, Period 2
Teacher:​ Mr. Andrew Bullen
Contact: ​ ​[email protected]
General Outcomes As per Alberta Program of Studies:
Students will…
● Investigate and interpret diversity among species and within species, and describe how
diversity contributes to species survival
● Investigate the nature of reproductive processes and their role in transmitting species
characteristics
● Describe, in general terms, the role of genetic materials in the continuity and variation of
species characteristics; and investigate and interpret related technologies
● Identify impacts of human action on species survival and variation within species, and analyze
related issues for personal and public decision making
● Investigate materials, and describe them in terms of their physical and chemical properties
● Describe and interpret patterns in chemical reactions
● Describe ideas used in interpreting the chemical nature of matter, both in the past and
present, and identify example evidence that has contributed to the development of these
ideas
● Apply simplified chemical nomenclature in describing elements, compounds and chemical
reactions
● Investigate and describe, in general terms, the role of different substances in the environment
in supporting or harming humans and other living things
● Identify processes for measuring the quantity of different substances in the environment and
for monitoring air and water quality
● Analyze and evaluate mechanisms affecting the distribution of potentially harmful substances
within an environment
● Investigate and interpret the use of devices to convert various forms of energy to electrical
energy, and electrical energy to other forms of energy
● Describe technologies for transfer and control of electrical energy
● Identify and estimate energy inputs and outputs for example devices and systems, and
evaluate the efficiency of energy conversions
● Describe and discuss the societal and environmental implications of the use of electrical
energy
● Investigate and describe ways that human understanding of Earth and space has depended on
technological development
● Identify problems in developing technologies for space exploration, describe technologies
developed for life in space, and explain the scientific principles involved
● Describe and interpret the science of optical and radio telescopes, space probes and remote
sensing technologies
● Identify issues and opportunities arising from the application of space technology, identify
alternatives involved, and analyze implications
As we go from chapter to chapter I will provide a breakdown of the specific outcomes you will be
tested on. The guide above and the ones I pass out will be excellent study tools.
Assessment:
Assessment category
Quizzes
Lab Reports/Assignments
Homework
Unit Tests
Midterm Exam
PAT
Weighting (%)
20
20
5
30
10
15
Course Dates​:​ September 2016 - June 2017
Course Materials
● Textbook: Science in Action 9 (Addison Wesley). You will be assigned one textbook, which will
be your responsibility to keep in good repair, and bring to class everyday
● Binder for loose-leaf lined paper and class handouts. Keep all your notes, and handouts
organized in your binder in the order by date. I will give you some handouts to help with this.
● Pencils, erasers​, pens, pencil sharpener. Some parts of this course will involve calculations
which will be much easier to do in pencil.
● Notebook for journaling and notes.
● A calculator, preferably a scientific calculator.
Potentially Controversial Topics
Science 9 may cover some potentially controversial topics that may make some people feel
uncomfortable for personal reasons. Some of the controversial topics that are very likely to come up
in this course are listed below:
● Effects of chemicals on the environment
● Various Environmental issues
● Effects of human behaviour on the environment
● Natural Selection and Evolution
● Sexual reproduction in the context of natural selection
● Genetics
● Should countries continue investing in space technology
● Effects of technology on the environment
● History of Science and experimentation.
Other topics not listed here may come up in class as discussion is encouraged. All controversial
subjects will be taught from a scientific basis, and any positions that are taken are not necessarily my
personal positions, but are those expressed by the scientific community. ​You are not expected to
agree with any or all of these positions, but it is expected that you learn them. ​If you feel
uncomfortable with these topics to the extent that you do not want to learn them, it is your decision;
however these topics will be on the Provincial Achievement Test and if you do not learn these topics,
you will not be able to succeed on this exam, and therefore this course.
General Calendar:​ ​All​ dates are subject to change; take this as a rough guideline
Unit
Chapters
Dates
Biological
Diversity
A: 1-4
SeptemberOctober
Topics
●
●
●
(~20%)
Matter and
Chemical
Change
B:1-4
NovemberDecember
●
●
●
●
(~20%)
Environmental
Chemistry
C:1-3
Starts pg
178
JanuaryFebruary
●
●
●
●
(~20%)
Electrical
Principles and
Technology
D:1-4
March-April
●
●
(~20%)
●
●
Space
Exploration
E:1-4
May-June
●
(~20%)
●
●
●
Assessment
The variety of life on Earth, and the
interactions
Reproduction passes characteristics
from parents to offspring
DNA, genetics, cell division and
inheritance
Human activity impacts biological
diversity
Quizzes: Every chapter
(roughly every 2 weeks)
Matter can be organized and
classified by its properties
The understanding of the nature of
matter has changed over time
Compounds form according to a set
of rules
Substances can undergo chemical
changes to form new substances
Chemicals that support and harm
living things
Measuring quantity of chemicals in
the environment
Harmful chemicals can be spread
and concentrated in various ways
Quizzes: every chapter
Electrical energy can be transferred
and stored
Technologies can be used to transfer
and control energy
Devices can convert electricity with
varying efficiency
Use of electrical energy affects
society
Quizzes: Every chapter
Human understanding of Earth and
space has changed over time
Technological developments are
making space exploration possible
and offer benefits for Earth
Telescopes and other technologies
advance our understanding of space.
Society and the environment are
affected by the development of
space technologies
Quizzes: Every chapter
Assignment: Angry
Birds Breeding
Unit Test: ~October 30
Covering Chapter A1-4
Lab: Acids and bases in
the environment
Unit Test: ~November
30
Quizzes: Every chapter
Assignment: TBA
Unit Test: ~February 28
Covering Chapter B1-4
Assignment: Circuit
construction lab
Unit Test: ~April 30
covering chapters D:1-4
Assignment: Rocketry
Unit Test: ~ June 15
covering Chapters E:1-4
General Expectations: How to Succeed in Science 9
● Attendance:​ one of the most important factors for success. It is expected that you attend
every class with all your required materials​.
o If you miss class for any reason, it is your responsibility to catch up on the material
and coursework you missed.
● Bell Work​: When you arrive into the classroom, take your seat and begin the Bell Work. The
Bell Work will cover vital topics from the previous day, will prepare you for exams the
diploma, and will give me information about to what extent you understand the material.
● Missed Exams​: ​If possible, provide notice of your absence so another time may be arranged. If
you do not make arrangements then we will make arrangements on your first day back.
● Due Dates:​ Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the day they are due. If
assignments are not handed in at this time, you will attend study hall at lunch until they are
completed. If the assignment remains incomplete, further measures will be taken. These
measures will vary depending on the situation, and will involve parent contact.
● General Behaviour:​ You are almost adults, and you will be treated as adults; therefore, it is
expected that you behave as such. You are expected to show respect to myself and any
substitute teachers, and to respect your classmates. When you are in class, you will not
disrupt the learning environment. Swearing and other foul language will not be tolerated in
class.
● Electronics: Cell Phones, iPods etc.: ​During class, your electronics are to be used to improve
your education ​only​; therefore, you may use your personal device WITH PERMISSION ONLY!
You may ask for permission to use your device for educational purposes or if Mr. Bullen asks
you to use your device. Grades 7-9 will have their phones collected at the start of classes as a
blanket policy. If you refuse to give up your phone, you will be removed from the room and
will have a discussion with Mr. Taylor or Mrs. Presakarchuk.
● Academics and School Athletics and Extra Curricular Activities​: If you wish to participate in
athletics, SCOER, or other extracurricular activities that will involve missing class time, you
must be in good academic standing in your courses. You must have your assignments handed
in, homework completed regularly, have good attendance, and acceptable grades. ​If these
requirements are not met, you may not be allowed to miss class to participate in a sporting
event or extracurricular activity
● Extra Help: ​If you require extra help, please make use of your SOLE time and speak with me so
I can do what I can to help you out.
● Your learning is your responsibility​, if you attend class, pay attention, complete and hand in
your assignments on time, get extra help as required, and study for exams you can expect to
succeed in this course. ​Success is based on your decisions, and your effort.
Teaching Strategies
● Direct instruction with use of smartboard, diagrams, models, and other props as required.
● Demonstrations of concepts both live and videotaped
● Group work during labs to encourage teamwork and co-operation
● Class discussions led by instructor but also guided by student questions
● Frequent formative assessments to ensure student comprehension of material
● Think-Pair-Share activities to encourage student reflection and peer learning
● Kinaesthetic activities to help model situations outside normal experiences (IE atomic
structure)
● Hands on activities of various types- building safe working environments is key here.
School & Class Code of Conduct
PAUL ROWE HAS S.O.L.E.! (Respect for Self, Others, Learning, and Environment)
Respect Yourself: ​ Dress appropriately, be on time for school, class, and other activities, be ready to
learn, listen to instructions, staff, and others, talk positively - be polite, use language that represents
you in a positive way, celebrate and appreciate your uniqueness; be a leader.
Respect Others: ​ In all the same ways you respect yourself, put people up, not down, give
compliments, we do not accept teasing, taunting, shunning, excluding of others, or bullying, speak up
for others; it is important when you see something which is wrong that you use your voice to help,
being a quiet bystander is not okay, share and respect other people’s things; do not take others’
property without their permission
Respect Property​: Keep our school clean-we do not write on desks, lockers, walls, etc., clean up after
yourself, in your classroom, in the lunch area, and outside, take care of all school equipment; all
property needs to be respected, vandalism of any sort is unacceptable, follow the acceptable
computer use agreement which must be signed by all students and parents.
We work towards developing good character in our students such that they recognize right from
wrong and make decisions that support respectful behaviour. Students are supported in learning
problem-solving skills, critical thinking skills, social skills, citizenship and empathy. These are universal,
human goods, and have been for millennia.
Students and Parents/Guardians Science 9 Course Signature Form
Please sign below that you have read the course outline and understand the requirements of the
course that you/your child are/is going to take, and understand what is expected. This includes
objectives, units, materials required, learning expectations, conduct expectations, and the
controversial topics. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ​[email protected]​ .
Student’s name: ________________________
Student’s Signature:_______________________
Parent/Guardian Name:___________________
Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________
Parent/Guardian Contact Information
Please provide your contact information. I will contact you as required with information relating to
your son/daughter’s academics and behaviour in Science 9 or other school related business.
Parent/Guardian email address:______________________
Preferred method of contact: (circle)
Email
Phone
If phone is your preferred method of contact, please provide your phone number, and the time you
would prefer to be called. Since I am also your child’s homeroom teacher please feel free to leave any
additional information you feel would be useful to me.
Also please note the remind information page just before this one. I would like to use this software
tool to help keep in touch with parents about what’s happening in my class and at our school.
This tool will be used sparingly and is not intended to swamp everybody with constant messages.