General learning outcomes

By the end of grade 12

STSE

It is expected that students will...

Nature of science and technology

114

describe and explain disciplinary and interdisciplinary processes used to enable us to understand natural phenomena and develop technological solutions

115

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

Relationships between science and technology

116

analyse and explain how science and technology interact with and advance one another Social and environmental contexts of science and technology

117

analyse how individuals, society, and the environment are interdependent with scientific and technological endeavours

118

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

Skills

It is expected that students will...

Initiating and planning

212

ask questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems, and issues

Performing and recording

213

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

Analysing and interpreting

214

analyse data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible explanations

Communication and teamwork

215

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

Knowledge

It is expected that students will...

Life science

313

compare and contrast the reproduction and development of representative organisms

314

determine how cells use matter and energy to maintain organization necessary for life

315

demonstrate an understanding of the structure and function of genetic materials

316

analyse the patterns and products of evolution

317

compare and contrast mechanisms used by organisms to maintain homeostasis

318

evaluate relationships that affect the biodiversity and sustainability of life within the biosphere

Chemistry

319

identify and explain the diversity of organic compounds and their impact on the environment

320

demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics and interactions of acids and bases

321

illustrate and explain the various forces that hold structures together at the molecular level and relate the properties of matter to its structure

322

use the redox theory in a variety of contexts related to electrochemistry

323

demonstrate an understanding of solutions and stoichiometry in a variety of contexts

324

predict and explain energy transfers in chemical reactions

Physics

325

analyse and describe relationships between force and motion

326

analyse interactions within systems, using the laws of conservation of energy and momentum

327

predict and explain interactions between waves and with matter, using the characteristics of waves

328

explain the fundamental forces of nature, using the characteristics of gravitational, electric, and magnetic fields

329

analyse and describe different means of energy transmission and transformation

Earth and space science

330

demonstrate an understanding of the nature and diversity of energy sources and matter in the universe

331

describe and predict the nature and effects of changes to terrestrial systems

332

demonstrate an understanding of the relationships among systems responsible for changes to Earth's surface

333

describe the nature of space and its components and the history of the observation of space

From grade 10 through grade 12

ATTITUDES

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

Appreciation of science

436

value the role and contribution of science and technology in our understanding of phenomena that are directly observable and those that are not

437

appreciate that the applications of science and technology can raise ethical dilemmas

438

value the contributions to scientific and technological development made by women and men from many societies and cultural backgrounds

Evident when students, for example:

­ consider the social and cultural contexts in which a theory developed

­ use a multi-perspective approach, considering scientific, technological, economic, cultural, political, and environmental factors, when formulating conclusions, solving problems, or making decisions on an STSE issue

­ recognize the usefulness of being skilled in mathematics and problem solving

­ appreciate how scientific problem solving and the development of new technologies are related

­ recognize the contribution of science and technology to the progress of civilizations

­ carefully research and openly discuss ethical dilemmas associated with the applications of science and technology

­ show support for the development of information technologies and science as they relate to human needs

­ recognize that western approaches to science are not the only ways of viewing the universe

­ consider the research of both men and women

Interest in science

439

show a continuing and more informed curiosity and interest in science and science-related issues

440

acquire, with interest and confidence, additional science knowledge and skills, using a variety of resources and methods, including formal research

441

consider further studies and careers in science- and technology-related fields

Evident when students, for example:

­ research the answers to their own questions

­ recognize that part-time jobs require science- and technology-related knowledge and skills

­ maintain interest or pursue further studies in science

­ recognize the importance of making connections between various science disciplines

­ explore and use a variety of methods and resources to increase their own knowledge and skills

­ are interested in science and technology topics not directly related to their formal studies

­ explore where further science- and technology-related studies can be pursued

­ are critical and constructive when considering new theories and techniques

­ use scientific vocabulary and principles in everyday discussions

­ readily investigate STSE issues

Scientific inquiry

442

confidently evaluate evidence and consider alternative perspectives, ideas, and explanations

443

use factual information and rational explanations when analysing and evaluating

444

value the processes for drawing conclusions

Evident when students, for example:

­ insist on evidence before accepting a new idea or explanation

­ ask questions and do research to ensure they understand

­ criticize arguments based on the faulty, incomplete, or misleading use of numbers

­ recognize the importance of reviewing the basic assumptions from which a line of inquiry has arisen

­ expend the effort and time needed to make valid inferences

­ critically evaluate inferences and conclusions, cognizant of the many variables involved in experimentation

­ critically assess their opinion of the value of science and its applications

­ criticize arguments in which evidence, explanations, or positions do not reflect the diversity of perspectives that exist

­ insist that the critical assumptions behind any line of reasoning be made explicit so that the validity of the position taken can be judged

­ seek new models, explanations, and theories when confronted with discrepant events

Collaboration

445

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ willingly work with any classmate or group of individuals regardless of their age, gender, or physical and cultural characteristics

­ assume a variety of roles within a group, as required

­ accept responsibility for any task that helps the group complete an activity

­ provide the same attention and energy to the group's product as they would to a personal assignment

­ are attentive when others speak

­ are capable of suspending personal views when evaluating suggestions made by a group

­ seek the point of view of others and consider a multitude of perspectives

­ accept constructive criticism when sharing their ideas or points of view

­ criticize the ideas of their peers without criticizing the persons

­ evaluate the ideas of others objectively

­ encourage the use of procedures that enable everyone, regardless of gender or cultural background, to participate in decision making

­ participate with others in peaceful conflict resolution

­ encourage the use of a variety of communication strategies during group work

­ share the responsibility for errors made or difficulties encountered by the group

Stewardship

446

have a sense of personal and shared responsibility for maintaining a sustainable environment

447

project the personal, social, and environmental consequences of proposed action

448

want to take action for maintaining a sustainable environment

Evident when students, for example:

­ willingly evaluate the impact of their own choices or the choices scientists make when they carry out an investigation

­ assume part of the collective responsibility for the impact of humans on the environment

­ participate in civic activities related to the preservation and judicious use of the environment and its resources

­ encourage their peers or members of their community to participate in a project related to sustainability

­ consider all perspectives when addressing issues, weighing scientific, technological, and ecological factors

­ participate in the social and political systems that influence environmental policy in their community

­ discuss both the positive and negative effects on human beings and society of environmental changes caused by nature and by humans

­ willingly promote actions that are not injurious to the environment

­ make personal decisions based on a feeling of responsibility toward less privileged parts of the global community and toward future generations

­ are critical-minded regarding the short- and long-term consequences of sustainability

Safety

449

show concern for safety and accept the need for rules and regulations

450

be aware of the direct and indirect consequences of their actions

Evident when students, for example:

­ read the label on materials before using them, interpret the WHMIS symbols, and consult a reference document if safety symbols are not understood

­ criticize a procedure, a design, or materials that are not safe or that could have a negative impact on the environment

­ consider safety a positive limiting factor in scientific and technological endeavours

­ carefully manipulate materials, cognizant of the risks and consequences of their actions

­ write into a laboratory procedure safety and waste-disposal concerns

­ evaluate the long-term impact of safety and waste disposal on the environment and the quality of life of living organisms

­ use safety and waste disposal as criteria for evaluating an experiment

­ assume responsibility for the safety of all those who share a common working environment by cleaning up after an activity and disposing of materials in a safe place

­ seek assistance immediately for any first aid concerns like cuts, burns, or unusual reactions

­ keep the work station uncluttered, with only appropriate lab materials present

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