describe and explain disciplinary and interdisciplinary processes used to enable us to understand natural phenomena and develop technological solutions
explain how a paradigm shift can change scientific world views
explain the roles of evidence, theories, and paradigms in the development of scientific knowledge
evaluate the role of continued testing in the development and improvement of technologies
identify various constraints that result in tradeoffs during the development and improvement of technologies
describe the importance of peer review in the development of scientific knowledge
relate personal activities and various scientific and technological endeavours to specific science disciplines and interdisciplinary studies
compare processes used in science with those used in technology
describe the usefulness of scientific nomenclature systems
explain the importance of communicating the results of a scientific or technological endeavour, using appropriate language and conventions
distinguish between science and technology in terms of their respective goals, products, and values, and describe the development of scientific theories and technologies over time
distinguish between scientific questions and technological problems
illustrate how science attempts to explain natural phenomena
explain how a major scientific milestone revolutionized thinking in the scientific communities
describe the historical development of a technology
analyse why and how a particular technology was developed and improved over time
explain how scientific knowledge evolves as new evidence comes to light
explain how scientific knowledge evolves as new evidence comes to light and as laws and theories are tested and subsequently restricted, revised, or replaced
analyse and explain how science and technology interact with and advance one another
identify examples where scientific understanding was enhanced or revised as a result of the invention of a technology
analyse and describe examples where scientific understanding was enhanced or revised as a result of the invention of a technology
identify examples where technologies were developed based on scientific understanding
analyse and describe examples where technologies were developed based on scientific understanding
describe the functioning of domestic and industrial technologies, using scientific principles
describe and evaluate the design of technological solutions and the way they function, using scientific principles
analyse natural and technological systems to interpret and explain their structure and dynamics
analyse how individuals, society, and the environment are interdependent with scientific and technological endeavours
compare examples of how society supports and influences science and technology
analyse society's influence on scientific and technological endeavours
describe how Canadian research projects in science and technology are funded
debate the merits of funding specific scientific or technological endeavours and not others
provide examples of how science and technology are an integral part of their lives and their community
analyse why scientific and technological activities take place in a variety of individual and group settings
identify and describe science- and technology-based careers related to the science they are studying
identify possible areas of further study related to science and technology
analyse the knowledge and skills acquired in their study of science, to identify areas of further study related to science and technology
describe examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology
analyse examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology
evaluate social issues related to the applications and limitations of science and technology, and explain decisions in terms of advantages and disadvantages for sustainability, considering a variety of perspectives
compare the risks and benefits to society and the environment of applying scientific knowledge or introducing a technology
analyse from a variety of perspectives the risks and benefits to society and the environment of applying scientific knowledge or introducing a particular technology
evaluate the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of identified criteria such as safety, cost, availability, and impact on everyday life and the environment
evaluate the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of a variety of criteria that they have identified themselves
defend a decision or judgement and demonstrate that relevant arguments can arise from different perspectives
construct arguments to support a decision or judgement, using examples and evidence and recognizing various perspectives
identify instances in which science and technology are limited in finding the answer to questions or the solution to problems
distinguish between questions that can be answered by science and those that cannot, and between problems that can be solved by technology and those that cannot
propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account human and environmental needs
propose courses of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account an array of perspectives, including that of sustainability
ask questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems, and issues
identify questions to investigate that arise from practical problems and issues
define and delimit problems to facilitate investigation
design an experiment identifying and controlling major variables
state a prediction and a hypothesis based on available evidence and background information
identify the theoretical basis of an investigation and develop a prediction and a hypothesis that are consistent with the theoretical basis
design an experiment and identify specific variables
formulate operational definitions of major variables
evaluate and select appropriate instruments for collecting evidence and appropriate processes for problem solving, inquiring, and decision making
develop appropriate sampling procedures
conduct investigations into relationships between and among observable variables, and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information
implement appropriate sampling procedures
carry out procedures controlling the major variables and adapting or extending procedures where required
use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data
estimate quantities
compile and organize data, using appropriate formats and data treatments to facilitate interpretation of the data
use library and electronic research tools to collect information on a given topic
select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source
select and use apparatus and materials safely
demonstrate a knowledge of WHMIS standards by selecting and applying proper techniques for handling and disposing of lab materials
analyse data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible explanations
describe and apply classification systems and nomenclatures used in the sciences
identify limitations of a given classification system and identify alternative ways of classifying to accommodate anomalies
compile and display evidence and information, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs, and scatter plots
identify a line of best fit on a scatter plot and interpolate or extrapolate based on the line of best fit
interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer or calculate linear and nonlinear relationships among variables
apply and assess alternative theoretical models for interpreting knowledge in a given field
compare theoretical and empirical values and account for discrepancies
evaluate the relevance, reliability, and adequacy of data and data collection methods
identify and apply criteria, including the presence of bias, for evaluating evidence and sources of information
identify and explain sources of error and uncertainty in measurement and express results in a form that acknowledges the degree of uncertainty
provide a statement that addresses the problem or answers the question investigated in light of the link between data and the conclusion
explain how data support or refute the hypothesis or prediction
identify and correct practical problems in the way a technological device or system functions
construct and test a prototype of a device or system and troubleshoot problems as they arise
propose alternative solutions to a given practical problem, identify the potential strengths and weaknesses of each, and select one as the basis for a plan
evaluate a personally designed and constructed device on the basis of criteria they have developed themselves
identify new questions or problems that arise from what was learned
identify and evaluate potential applications of findings
work as a member of a team in addressing problems, and apply the skills and conventions of science in communicating information and ideas and in assessing results
communicate questions, ideas, and intentions, and receive, interpret, understand, support, and respond to the ideas of others
select and use appropriate numeric, symbolic, graphical, and linguistic modes of representation to communicate ideas, plans, and results
synthesize information from multiple sources or from complex and lengthy texts and make inferences based on this information
identify multiple perspectives that influence a science-related decision or issue
develop, present, and defend a position or course of action, based on findings
work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise
evaluate individual and group processes used in planning, problem solving and decision making, and completing a task
compare and contrast the reproduction and development of representative organisms
analyse and explain the life cycle of a representative organism from each kingdom, including a representative virus
describe in detail mitosis and meiosis
analyse and describe the structure and function of female and male mammalian reproductive systems
explain the human reproductive cycle
explain current reproductive technologies for plants and animals
evaluate the use of reproductive technologies for humans
determine how cells use matter and energy to maintain organization necessary for life
identify chemical elements and compounds that are commonly found in living systems
identify the role of some compounds, such as water, glucose, and ATP, commonly found in living systems
identify and describe the structure and function of important biochemical compounds, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids
explain the critical role of enzymes in cellular metabolism
explain the cell theory
describe cell organelles visible with the light and electron microscopes
compare and contrast different types of procaryotic and eucaryotic cells
describe how organelles manage various cell processes such as ingestion, digestion, transportation, and excretion
compare and contrast matter and energy transformations associated with the processes of photosynthesis and aerobic respiration
demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of genetic material
summarize the main scientific discoveries that led to the modern concept of the gene
describe and illustrate the roles of chromosomes in the transmission of hereditary information from one cell to another
demonstrate an understanding of Mendelian genetics, including the concepts of dominance, co dominance, recessiveness, and independent assortment, and predict the outcome of various genetic crosses
compare and contrast the structures of DNA and RNA and explain their roles in protein synthesis
explain the current model of DNA replication
describe factors that may lead to mutations in a cell's genetic information
predict the effects of mutations on protein synthesis, phenotypes, and heredity
explain circumstances that lead to genetic diseases
demonstrate an understanding of genetic engineering, using their knowledge of DNA
explain the importance of the Human Genome Project and summarize its major findings
analyse the patterns and products of evolution
describe historical and cultural contexts that have changed evolutionary concepts
evaluate current evidence that supports the theory of evolution and that feeds the debate on gradualism and punctuated equilibrium
analyse evolutionary mechanisms such as natural selection, genetic variation, genetic drift, artificial selection, and biotechnology, and their effects on biodiversity and extinction
outline evidence and arguments pertaining to the origin, development, and diversity of living organisms on Earth
use organisms found in a local or regional ecosystem to demonstrate an understanding of fundamental principles of taxonomy
describe the anatomy and physiology of a representative organism from each kingdom, including a representative virus
compare and contrast mechanisms used by organisms to maintain homeostasis
explain how different plant and animal systems, including the vascular and nervous systems, help maintain homeostasis
analyse homoeostatic phenomena to identify the feedback mechanisms involved
explain the importance of nutrition and fitness to the maintenance of homeostasis
evaluate the impact of viral, bacterial, genetic, and environmental diseases on an organism's homeostasis
evaluate, considering ethical issues, the consequences of medical treatments such as radiation therapy, cosmetic surgery, and chemotherapy
predict the impact of environmental factors such as allergens on homeostasis within an organism
describe how the use of prescription and nonprescription drugs can disrupt or help maintain homeostasis
explain how behaviours such as tropisms, instinct, and learned behaviour help to maintain homeostasis
evaluate relationships that affect the biodiversity and sustainability of life within the biosphere
illustrate the cycling of matter through biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem by tracking carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen
describe the mechanisms of bioaccumulation, and explain its potential impact on the viability and diversity of consumers at all trophic levels
explain why ecosystems with similar characteristics can exist in different geographical locations
explain why different ecosystems respond differently to short-term stresses and long-term changes
explain various ways in which natural populations are kept in equilibrium and relate this equilibrium to the resource limits of an ecosystem
explain how the biodiversity of an ecosystem contributes to its sustainability
compare Canadian biomes in terms of climate, vegetation, physical geography, and location
describe population growth and explain factors that influence population growth
analyse interactions within and between populations
evaluate Earth's carrying capacity, considering human population growth and its demands on natural resources
use the concept of the energy pyramid to explain the production, distribution, and use of food resources
identify and explain the diversity of organic compounds and their impact on the environment
name and write formulas for some common ionic and molecular compounds, using the periodic table and a list of ions
classify substances as acids, bases, or salts, based on their characteristics, name, and formula
illustrate, using chemical formulas, a wide variety of natural and synthetic compounds that contain carbon
explain the large number and diversity of organic compounds with reference to the unique nature of the carbon atom
write the formula and provide the IUPAC name for a variety of organic compounds
define isomers and illustrate the structural formulas for a variety of organic isomers
classify various organic compounds by determining to which families they belong, based on their names or structures
write and balance chemical equations to predict the reactions of selected organic compounds
describe processes of polymerization and identify some important natural and synthetic polymers
demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and interactions of acids and bases
describe various acid-base definitions up to the Brønsted-Lowry definition
predict products of acid-base reactions
compare strong and weak acids and bases using the concept of equilibrium
calculate the pH of an acid or a base given its concentration, and vice versa
describe the interactions between H+ ions and OH- ions using Le Châtelier's principle
determine the concentration of an acid or base solution using stoichiometry
explain how acid-base indicators function
illustrate and explain the various forces that hold structures together at the molecular level, and relate the properties of matter to its structure
represent chemical reactions and the conservation of mass, using molecular models and balanced symbolic equations
describe how neutralization involves tempering the effects of an acid with a base or vice versa
illustrate how factors such as heat, concentration, light, and surface area can affect chemical reactions
illustrate and explain the formation of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds
illustrate and explain hydrogen bonds and van der Waals' forces
write and name the formulas of ionic and molecular compounds, following simple IUPAC rules
identify and describe the properties of ionic and molecular compounds and metallic substances
describe how intermolecular forces account for the properties of ionic and molecular compounds and metallic substances
classify ionic, molecular, and metallic substances according to their properties
relate the properties of a substance to its structural model
explain the structural model of a substance in terms of the various bonds that define it
use the redox theory in a variety of contexts related to electrochemistry
define oxidation and reduction experimentally and theoretically
write and balance half reactions and net reactions
compare oxidation-reduction reactions with other kinds of reactions
illustrate and label the parts of electrochemical and electrolytic cells and explain how they work
predict whether oxidation-reduction reactions are spontaneous based on their reduction potentials
predict the voltage of various electrochemical cells
compare electrochemical and electrolytic cells in terms of energy efficiency, electron flow/transfer, and chemical change
explain the processes of electrolysis and electroplating
explain how electrical energy is produced in a hydrogen fuel cell
develop an understanding of solutions and stoichiometry in a variety of contexts
define molar mass and perform mole-mass interconversions for pure substances
describe the process of dissolving, using concepts of intramolecular and intermolecular forces
define the concept of equilibrium as it pertains to solutions
explain solubility, using the concept of equilibrium
explain how different factors affect solubility, using the concept of equilibrium
determine the molar solubility of a pure substance in water
explain the variations in the solubility of various pure substances, given the same solvent
use the solubility generalizations to predict the formation of precipitates
explain the effect of solutes on the melting point of solid water, using intermolecular forces
identify mole ratios of reactants and products from balanced chemical equations
perform stoichiometric calculations related to chemical equations
identify various stoichiometric applications
predict how the yield of a particular chemical process can be maximized
predict and explain energy transfers in chemical reactions
write and balance chemical equations for combustion reactions of alkanes
define endothermic reaction, exothermic reaction, specific heat, enthalpy, bond energy, heat of reaction, and molar enthalpy
calculate and compare the energy involved in changes of state and that in chemical reactions
calculate the changes in energy of various chemical reactions using bond energy, heat of formation, and Hess's law
illustrate changes in energy of various chemical reactions, using potential energy diagrams
determine experimentally the changes in energy of various chemical reactions
compare the molar enthalpies of several combustion reactions involving organic compounds
analyse and describe relationships between force and motion
describe quantitatively the relationship among displacement, time, and velocity
analyse graphically and mathematically the relationship among displacement, velocity, and time
distinguish between instantaneous and average velocity
describe quantitatively the relationship among velocity, time, and acceleration
use vectors to represent force, velocity, and acceleration
analyse quantitatively the horizontal and vertical motion of a projectile
identify the frame of reference for a given motion
apply Newton's laws of motion to explain inertia, the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration, and the interaction of forces between two objects
analyse quantitatively the relationships among force, distance, and work
analyse quantitatively the relationships among work, time, and power
analyse quantitatively two-dimensional motion in a horizontal plane and a vertical plane
describe uniform circular motion, using algebraic and vector analysis
explain quantitatively circular motion, using Newton's laws
analyse interactions within systems, using the laws of conservation of energy and momentum
analyse quantitatively the relationships among mass, height, speed, and heat energy, using the law of conservation of energy
apply quantitatively Newton's laws of motion to impulse and momentum
apply quantitively the laws of conservation of momentum to one- and two-dimensional collisions and explosions
determine which laws of conservation of energy or momentum are best used to solve particular real-life situations involving elastic and inelastic collisions
describe quantitatively mechanical energy as the sum of kinetic and potential energies
analyse quantitatively problems related to kinematics and dynamics using the mechanical energy concept
analyse common energy transformation situations using the work-energy theorem
determine the per cent efficiency of energy transformations
apply quantitatively the law of conservation of mass and energy, using Einstein's mass-energy equivalence
predict and explain interactions between waves and with matter, using the characteristics of waves
describe the characteristics of longitudinal and transverse waves
apply the wave equation to explain and predict the behaviour of waves
explain quantitatively the relationships between displacement, velocity, time, and acceleration for simple harmonic motion
explain quantitatively the relationship between potential and kinetic energies of a mass in simple harmonic motion
compare and describe the properties of electromagnetic radiation and sound
describe how sound and electromagnetic radiation, as forms of energy, are produced and transmitted
apply the laws of reflection and the laws of refraction to predict wave behaviour
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the phenomena of wave interference, diffraction, reflection, and refraction, and the Doppler-Fizeau effect
describe how the quantum energy concept explains black-body radiation and the photoelectric effect
explain qualitatively and quantitatively the photoelectric effect
summarize the evidence for the wave and particle models of light
explain the fundamental forces of nature, using the characteristics of gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields
describe gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields as regions of space that affect mass and charge
describe gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields by illustrating the source and directions of the lines of force
describe electric fields in terms of like and unlike charges, and magnetic fields in terms of poles
compare Newton's universal law of gravitation and Coulomb's law, and apply both laws quantitatively
analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, the forces acting on a moving charge and on an electric current in a uniform magnetic field
describe the magnetic field produced by current in both a solenoid and a long, straight conductor
analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, electromagnetic induction by both a changing magnetic flux and a moving conductor
develop and compare expressions used when measuring gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields and forces
compare the way a motor and a generator function, using the principles of electromagnetism
analyse and describe different means of energy transmission and transformation
explain quantitatively the Compton effect and the de Broglie hypothesis, using the laws of mechanics, the conservation of momentum, and the nature of light
explain quantitatively the Bohr atomic model as a synthesis of classical and quantum concepts
explain the relationship between the energy levels in Bohr's model, the energy difference between the levels, and the energy of the emitted photons
describe the products of radioactive decay and the characteristics of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation
describe sources of radioactivity in the natural and constructed environments
compare and contrast qualitatively and quantitatively nuclear fission and fusion
use the quantum mechanical model to explain natural luminous phenomena
demonstrate an understanding of the nature and diversity of energy sources and matter in the universe
describe theories and evaluate the limits of our understanding of Earth's internal structure
classify rocks according to their structure, chemical composition, and method of formation
classify common minerals according to their physical and chemical characteristics
analyse the interactions between the atmosphere and human activities
describe the composition and structure of the atmosphere
describe the dominant factors that produce seasonal weather phenomena
describe the characteristics of Canada's three oceans
describe the importance of minerals and mineral exploration at the local, provincial, national, and global levels
describe the historical evolution of extraction and of the use of several resources obtained from the lithosphere
describe the processes and technologies involved in developing an Earth resource, from exploration to extraction to refining
identify factors involved in responsibly developing Earth's resources
use appropriate evidence to describe the geologic history of an area
describe and predict the nature and effects of changes to terrestrial systems
describe and explain heat transfer within the water cycle
describe and explain heat transfer in the hydrosphere and atmosphere and its effects on air and water currents
describe how the hydrosphere and atmosphere act as heat sinks within the water cycle
describe and explain the effects of heat transfer within the hydrosphere and atmosphere on the development, severity, and movement of weather systems
analyse meteorological data for a given time span and predict future weather conditions, using appropriate methodologies and technologies
analyse the impact of external factors on an ecosystem
describe how soil composition and fertility can be altered and how these changes could affect an ecosystem
describe the evidence used to determine the age of Earth, and the historical evolution of establishing Earth's chronology
describe methods of monitoring and predicting earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and plate interactions
demonstrate an understanding of the relationships among systems responsible for changes to Earth's surface
describe interactions of components of the hydrosphere, including the cryosphere
analyse energy and matter transfer in the water cycle
describe major interactions among the hydrosphere, lithosphere, and atmosphere
illustrate the geologic time scale and compare to human time scales
compare and contrast the principles of uniformitarianism and of catastrophism in historical geology
explain the appropriate applications of absolute and relative dating
describe geological evidence that suggests life forms, climate, continental positions, and Earth's crust have changed over time
analyse evidence for plate tectonics theory
relate plate tectonics to the processes that change Earth's surface
describe the nature of space and its components and the history of the observation of space
compare and contrast a variety of theories for the origin of the universe
describe tools and methods used to observe and measure the universe
identify and compare various components of the universe
compare characteristics of various galaxies
describe the life cycles of stars
compare the composition of stars at different stages of their life cycles
value the role and contribution of science and technology in our understanding of phenomena that are directly observable and those that are not
appreciate that the applications of science and technology can raise ethical dilemmas
value the contributions to scientific and technological development made by women and men from many societies and cultural backgrounds
show a continuing and more informed curiosity and interest in science and science-related issues
acquire, with interest and confidence, additional science knowledge and skills, using a variety of resources and methods, including formal research
consider further studies and careers in science- and technology-related fields
confidently evaluate evidence and consider alternative perspectives, ideas, and explanations
use factual information and rational explanations when analysing and evaluating
value the processes for drawing conclusions
work collaboratively in planning and carrying out investigations, as well as in generating and evaluating ideas
have a sense of personal and shared responsibility for maintaining a sustainable environment
project the personal, social, and environmental consequences of proposed action
want to take action for maintaining a sustainable environment
show concern for safety and accept the need for rules and regulations
be aware of the direct and indirect consequences of their actions
* Because of the nature of the attitudes foundation, no specific learning outcomes have been identified.