7 to 9

By the end of grade 9

Learning outcomes by grade grouping

NATURE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

STSE

It is expected students will...

General learning outcome

109

describe various processes used in science and technology that enable us to understand natural phenomena and develop technological solutions

Specific learning outcomes

109-1

describe the role of collecting evidence, finding relationships, and proposing explanations in the development of scientific knowledge

109-2

describe and explain the role of collecting evidence, finding relationships, proposing explanations, and imagination in the development of scientific knowledge

109-3

describe and explain the role of experimentation, collecting evidence, finding relationships, proposing explanations, and imagination in the development of scientific knowledge

109-4

provide examples of how technologies used in the past were developed through trial and error

109-5

describe how technologies develop as a systematic trial-and-error process that is constrained by the properties of materials and the laws of nature

109-6

illustrate how technologies develop as a systematic trial-and-error process that is constrained by cost, the availability and properties of materials, and the laws of nature

109-7

identify different approaches taken to answer questions, solve problems, and make decisions

109-8

describe scientific inquiry, problem solving, and decision making, and provide examples where they may be applied

109-9

compare scientific inquiry, problem solving, and decision making in terms of their purpose, goals, and applications

109-10

relate personal activities in formal and informal settings to specific science disciplines

109-11

relate personal activities and various scientific and technological endeavours to specific science disciplines and interdisciplinary study areas

109-12

distinguish between terms that are scientific or technological and those that are not

109-13

explain the importance of choosing words that are scientifically or technologically appropriate

109-14

explain the importance of using precise language in science and technology

General learning outcome

110

describe the development of science and technology over time

Specific learning outcomes

110-1

provide examples of ideas and theories used in the past to explain natural phenomena

110-2

distinguish between ideas used in the past and theories used today to explain natural phenomena

110-3

identify major shifts in scientific world views

110-4

describe examples of how scientific knowledge has evolved in light of new evidence

110-5

illustrate examples of conflicting evidence for similar scientific questions

110-6

explain the need for new evidence in order to continually test existing theories

110-7

provide examples of technologies used in the past to meet human needs

110-8

describe examples of how technologies have been improved over time

110-9

compare examples of past and current technologies developed to meet a similar need

Relationships between science and technology

General learning outcome

111

explain how science and technology interact with and advance one another

Specific learning outcomes

111-1

provide examples of scientific knowledge that have resulted in the development of technologies

111-2

provide examples of technologies used in scientific research

111-3

provide examples of technologies that have enabled scientific research

111-4

provide examples of technologies that have enhanced, promoted, or made possible scientific research

111-5

describe the science underlying particular technologies designed to explore natural phenomena, extend human capabilities, or solve practical problems

111-6

apply the concept of systems as a tool for interpreting the structure and interactions of natural and technological systems

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

General learning outcome

112

illustrate how the needs of individuals, society, and the environment influence and are influenced by scientific and technological endeavours

Specific learning outcomes

112-1

describe how an individual's needs can lead to developments in science and technology

112-2

describe how a community's needs can lead to developments in science and technology

112-3

explain how society's needs can lead to developments in science and technology

112-4

provide examples of Canadian institutions that support scientific and technological endeavours

112-5

provide examples of public and private Canadian institutions that support scientific and technological research and endeavours

112-6

provide examples of how Canadian research projects in science and technology are supported

112-7

provide examples of how science and technology affect their lives and their community

112-8

provide examples to illustrate that scientific and technological activities take place in a variety of individual or group settings

112-9

identify science- and technology-based careers in their community

112-10

provide examples of science- and technology-based careers in their province or territory

112-11

describe examples of science- and technology-based careers in Canada, and relate these careers to their studies in science

112-12

provide examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology

General learning outcome

113

analyse 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 few perspectives

Specific learning outcomes

113-1

identify some positive and negative effects and intended and unintended consequences of a particular scientific or technological development

113-2

describe possible positive and negative effects of a particular scientific or technological development, and explain how different groups in society may have different needs and desires in relation to it

113-3

describe possible positive and negative effects of a particular scientific or technological development, and explain why a practical solution requires a compromise between competing priorities

113-4

analyse the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of its impact on their daily lives

113-5

analyse the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of identified criteria such as cost and impact on daily life and the community

113-6

evaluate the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of identified criteria such as cost and the impact on daily life and the environment

113-7

suggest solutions to problems that arise from applications of science and technology, taking into account potential advantages and disadvantages

113-8

make informed decisions about applications of science and technology, taking into account personal and social advantages and disadvantages

113-9

make informed decisions about applications of science and technology, taking into account environmental and social advantages and disadvantages

113-10

provide examples of problems that arise at home, in an industrial setting, or in the environment that cannot be solved using scientific and technological knowledge

113-11

propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account personal needs

113-12

propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account personal and community needs

113-13

propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account human and environmental needs

INITIATING AND PLANNING

SKILLS

It is expected students will...

General learning outcome

208

ask questions about relationships between and among observable variables and plan investigations to address those questions

Specific learning outcomes

208-1

rephrase questions in a testable form and clearly define practical problems

208-2

identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems and issues

208-3

define and delimit questions and problems to facilitate investigation

208-4

propose alternative solutions to a given practical problem, select one, and develop a plan

208-5

state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events

208-6

design an experiment and identify major variables

208-7

formulate operational definitions of major variables and other aspects of their investigations

208-8

select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data and information and for solving problems

PERFORMING AND RECORDING

General learning outcome

209

conduct investigations into relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data

Specific learning outcomes

209-1

carry out procedures controlling the major variables

209-2

estimate measurements

209-3

use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data

209-4

organize data using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment

209-5

select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source

209-6

use tools and apparatus safely

209-7

demonstrate a knowledge of WHMIS standards by using proper techniques for handling and disposing of lab materials

ANALYSING AND INTERPRETING

General learning outcome

210

analyse qualitative and quantitative data and develop and assess possible explanations

Specific learning outcomes

210-1

use or construct a classification key

210-2

compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs, line graphs, and scatter plots

210-3

identify strengths and weaknesses of different methods of collecting and displaying data

210-4

predict the value of a variable by interpolating or extrapolating from graphical data

210-5

identify the line of best fit on a scatter plot and interpolate or extrapolate based on the line of best fit

210-6

interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer and explain relationships among the variables

210-7

identify, and suggest explanations for, discrepancies in data

210-8

apply given criteria for evaluating evidence and sources of information

210-9

calculate theoretical values of a variable

210-10

identify potential sources and determine the amount of error in measurement

210-11

state a conclusion, based on experimental data, and explain how evidence gathered supports or refutes an initial idea

210-12

identify and evaluate potential applications of findings

210-13

test the design of a constructed device or system

210-14

identify and correct practical problems in the way a prototype or constructed device functions

210-15

evaluate designs and prototypes in terms of function, reliability, safety, efficiency, use of materials, and impact on the environment

210-16

identify new questions and problems that arise from what was learned

COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK

General learning outcome

211

work collaboratively on problems and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures, and results

Specific learning outcomes

211-1

receive, understand, and act on the ideas of others

211-2

communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans, and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language, and other means

211-3

work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise

211-4

evaluate individual and group processes used in planning, problem solving, decision making, and completing a task

211-5

defend a given position on an issue or problem, based on their findings

LIFE SCIENCE

KNOWLEDGE

General learning outcome

304

explain and compare processes that are responsible for the maintenance of an organism's life

Specific learning outcomes

304-1

explain how biological classification takes into account the diversity of life on Earth

304-2

identify the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in a local ecosystem, and describe both their diversity and their interactions

304-3

describe conditions essential to the growth and reproduction of plants and microorganisms in an ecosystem and relate these conditions to various aspects of the human food supply

304-4

illustrate and explain that the cell is a living system that exhibits all the characteristics of life

304-5

distinguish between plant and animal cells

304-6

explain that growth and reproduction depend on cell division

304-7

explain structural and functional relationships between and among cells, tissues, organs, and systems in the human body

304-8

relate the needs and functions of various cells and organs to the needs and functions of the human organism as a whole

304-9

describe the basic factors that affect the functions and efficiency of the human respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous systems

304-10

describe examples of the interdependence of various systems of the human body

304-11

illustrate and describe the basic process of cell division, including what happens to the cell membrane and the contents of the nucleus

304-12

explain signs of pregnancy and describe the major stages of human development from conception to early infancy

General learning outcome

305

explain processes responsible for the continuity and diversity of life

Specific learning outcomes

305-1

recognize that the nucleus of a cell contains genetic information and determines cellular processes

305-2

distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction in representative organisms

305-3

compare sexual and asexual reproduction in terms of their advantages and disadvantages

305-4

compare the structure and function of the human reproductive systems

305-5

discuss factors that may lead to changes in a cell's genetic information

General learning outcome

306

describe interactions and explain dynamic equilibrium within ecological systems

Specific learning outcomes

306-1

describe how energy is supplied to, and how it flows through, a food web

306-2

describe how matter is recycled in an ecosystem through interactions among plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms

306-3

describe interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem

306-4

identify signs of ecological succession in a local ecosystem

General learning outcome

307

describe the properties and components of matter, and explain interactions between those components

Specific learning outcomes

307-1

distinguish between pure substances and mixtures using the particle model of matter

307-2

identify and separate the components of mixtures

307-3

describe the characteristics of solutions using the particle model of matter

307-4

describe qualitatively and quantitatively the concentration of solutions

307-5

describe qualitatively the factors that affect solubility

307-6

compare the viscosity of various liquids

307-7

describe factors that can modify the viscosity of a liquid

307-8

describe the relationship between the mass, volume, and density of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model of matter

307-9

explain the effects of changes in temperature on the density of solids, liquids, and gases and relate the results to the particle model of matter

307-10

describe situations in daily life where the density of substances naturally changes or is intentionally altered

307-11

analyse quantitatively the density of various substances

307-12

investigate materials and describe them in terms of their physical properties

307-13

describe changes in the properties of materials that result from some common chemical reactions

307-14

use models in describing the structure and components of atoms and molecules

307-15

identify examples of common elements, and compare their characteristics and atomic structure

307-16

identify and write chemical symbol or molecular formula of common elements or compounds

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

General learning outcome

308

describe sources and properties of energy, and explain energy transfers and transformations

Specific learning outcomes

308-1

compare various instruments used to measure temperature

308-2

explain temperature using the concept of kinetic energy and the particle model of matter

308-3

explain how each state of matter reacts to changes in temperature

308-4

explain changes of state using the particle model of matter

308-5

compare transmission of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation

308-6

describe how various surfaces absorb radiant heat

308-7

explain, using the particle model of matter, differences among heat capacities of some common materials

308-8

identify and describe properties of visible light

308-9

describe the laws of reflection of visible light and their applications in everyday life

308-10

describe qualitatively how visible light is refracted

308-11

describe different types of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves

308-12

compare properties of visible light to the properties of other types of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves

308-13

explain the production of static electrical charges in some common materials

308-14

identify properties of static electrical charges

308-15

compare qualitatively static electricity and electric current

308-16

describe the flow of charge in an electrical circuit

308-17

describe series and parallel circuits involving varying resistance, voltage, and current

308-18

relate electrical energy to domestic power consumption costs

308-19

determine quantitatively the efficiency of an electrical appliance that converts electrical energy to heat energy

308-20

describe the transfer and conversion of energy from a generating station to the home

General learning outcome

309

recognize that many phenomena are caused by forces, and explore various situations involving forces

Specific learning outcomes

309-1

describe qualitatively the relationship between mass and weight

309-2

describe the movement of objects in terms of balanced and unbalanced forces

309-3

describe quantitatively the relationship between force, area, and pressure

309-4

explain qualitatively the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature when liquid and gaseous fluids are compressed or heated

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

General learning outcome

310

explain how Earth provides both a habitat for life and a resource for society

Specific learning outcomes

310-1

describe the composition of Earth's crust

310-2

classify rocks and minerals based on their characteristics and method of formation

310-3

classify various types of soil according to their characteristics, and investigate ways to enrich soils

General learning outcome

311

explain patterns of change and their effects on Earth

Specific learning outcomes

311-1

explain the processes of mountain formation and the folding and faulting of Earth's surface

311-2

explain various ways in which rock can be weathered

311-3

relate various meteorological, geological, and biological processes to the formation of soils

311-4

examine some of the catastrophic events, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, that occur on or near Earth's surface

311-5

analyse data on the geographical and chronological distribution of catastrophic events to determine patterns and trends

311-6

develop a chronological model or time scale of major events in Earth's history

311-7

describe processes that lead to the development of ocean basins and continental drainage systems

311-8

analyse factors that affect productivity and species distribution in marine and fresh water environments

311-9

describe the interactions of the ocean currents, winds, and regional climates

311-10

explain how waves and tides are generated and how they interact with shorelines

311-11

describe processes of erosion and deposition that result from wave action and water flow

311-12

describe factors that affect glaciers and polar icecaps, and describe their consequent effects on the environment

General learning outcome

312

describe the nature and components of the universe

Specific learning outcomes

312-1

describe theories on the formation of the solar system

312-2

describe and classify the major components of the universe

312-3

describe theories on the origin and evolution of the universe

312-4

describe and explain the apparent motion of celestial bodies

312-5

describe the composition and characteristics of the components of the solar system

312-6

describe the effects of solar phenomena on Earth

From grade 7 through grade 9

ATTITUDES*

It is expected that students will be encouraged to...

General learning outcomes

422

appreciate the role and contribution of science and technology in our understanding of the world

423

appreciate that the applications of science and technology can have advantages and disadvantages

424

appreciate and respect that science has evolved from different views held by women and men from a variety of societies and cultural backgrounds

425

show a continuing curiosity and interest in a broad scope of science-related fields and issues

426

confidently pursue further investigations and readings

427

consider many career possibilities in science- and technology-related fields

428

consider observations and ideas from a variety of sources during investigations and before drawing conclusions

429

value accuracy, precision, and honesty

430

persist in seeking answers to difficult questions and solutions to difficult problems

431

work collaboratively in carrying out investigations as well as in generating and evaluating ideas

432

be sensitive and responsible in maintaining a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment

433

project, beyond the personal, consequences of proposed actions

434

show concern for safety in planning, carrying out, and reviewing activities

435

become aware of the consequences of their actions

*Because of the nature of the attitudes foundation, no specific learning outcomes have been identified.

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