STEM Skills and Connections
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.
Interactions in the Environment
In the Interactions in the Environment Unit, students will learn about interactions within the environment and identify factors that affect the balance between different components of an ecosystem. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of interactions between and among biotic and abiotic elements in the environment. Furthermore, students will assess the impacts of human activities and technologies on the environment and analyse ways to mitigate negative impacts and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Pure Substances and Mixtures
In the Pure Substances and Mixtures Unit, students will investigate the properties and applications of pure substances and mixtures. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of pure substances and mixtures and describe these characteristics using the particle theory. Further, students will evaluate the social and environmental impacts of the use and disposal of pure substances and mixtures.
Form, Function, and Design of Structures
In the Form, Function, and Design of Structures Unit, students will learn to design and construct a variety of structures. Students will investigate the relationship between the design and function of these structures and the forces that act on them. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between structural forms and the forces that act on and within them. Additionally, students will analyze personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that need to be considered in designing and building structures.
Heat in the Environment
In the Heat in the Environment Unit, students will study ways in which heat changes substances and describe how heat is transferred. Students will demonstrate an understanding of heat as a form of energy that is associated with the movement of particles and is essential to many processes within the earth’s systems. Students will also assess the benefits of technologies that reduce heat loss and analyse social and environmental impacts of the use of energy from renewable and non-renewable sources.
Coding
In the Coding Unit, students will use coding in investigations and to model concepts. Students will assess the impact of coding and of emerging technologies on everyday life and in STEM-related fields.
