7 to 9

General learning outcomes

By the end of grade 9

STSE

It is expected that students will...

Nature of science and technology

109

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

110

describe the development of science and technology over time

Relationships between science and technology

111

explain how science and technology interact with and advance one another

Social and environmental contexts of science and technology

112

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

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

Skills

It is expected that students will...

Initiating and planning

208

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

Performing and recording

209

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

Analysing and interpreting

210

analyse qualitative and quantitative data and develop and assess possible explanations

Communication and teamwork

211

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

Knowledge

It is expected that students will...

Life science

304

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

305

explain processes responsible for the continuity and diversity of life

306

describe interactions and explain dynamic equilibrium within ecological systems

Physical science

307

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

308

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

309

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

Earth and space science

310

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

311

explain patterns of change and their effects on Earth

312

describe the nature and components of the universe

7 to 9

General learning outcomes

From grade 7 through grade 9

ATTITUDES

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

Appreciation of science

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ recognize the potential conflicts of differing points of view on specific science-related issues

­ consider more than one factor or perspective when formulating conclusions, solving problems, or making decisions on STSE issues

­ recognize the usefulness of mathematical and problem-solving skills in the development of a new technology

­ recognize the importance of drawing a parallel between social progress and the contributions of science and technology

­ establish the relevance of the development of information technologies and science to human needs

­ recognize that science cannot answer all questions

­ consider scientific and technological perspectives on an issue

­ identify advantages and disadvantages of technology

­ seek information from a variety of disciplines in their study

­ avoid stereotyping scientists

­ show an interest in the contributions women and men from many cultural backgrounds have made to the development of modern science and technology

Interest in science

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ attempt at home to repeat or extend a science activity done at school

­ actively participate in extracurricular activities such as science fairs, science clubs, or science and technology challenges

­ choose to study topics that draw on research from different science and technology fields

­ pursue a science-related hobby

­ discuss with others the information presented in a science show or on the Internet

­ attempt to obtain information from a variety of sources

­ express a degree of satisfaction at understanding science concepts or resources that are challenging

­ express interest in conducting science investigations of their own design

­ choose to investigate situations or topics that are challenging

­ express interest in science- and technology-related careers

­ discuss the advantages of science and technology studies

Scientific inquiry

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ ask questions to clarify meaning or confirm their understanding

­ strive to assess a problem or situation accurately by careful analysis of evidence gathered

­ propose options and compare them when making decisions or taking action

­ honestly evaluate a complete set of data based on direct observation

­ critically evaluate inferences and conclusions, basing their arguments on fact rather than opinion

­ critically consider ideas and perceptions, recognizing that the obvious is not always right

­ honestly report and record all observations, even when the evidence is unexpected and will affect the interpretation of results

­ take the time to accurately gather evidence and use instruments carefully

­ willingly repeat measurements or observations to increase the precision of evidence

­ choose to consider a situation from different perspectives

­ pick out biased or inaccurate interpretations

­ report the limitations of their designs

­ remain skeptical of a proposal until evidence is offered to support it

­ seek a second opinion before making a decision

­ continue working on a problem or research project until the best possible solutions or answers are uncovered

Collaboration

431

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ assume responsibility for their share of the work to be done

­ willingly work with new individuals regardless of their age, their gender, or their physical or cultural characteristics

­ accept various roles within a group, including that of leadership

­ help motivate others

­ consider alternative ideas and interpretations suggested by members of the group

­ recognize that others have a right to their point of view

­ listen to the points of view of others

­ choose a variety of strategies, such as active listening, paraphrasing, and questioning, in order to understand others' points of view

­ seek consensus before making decisions

­ advocate the peaceful resolution of disagreements

­ can disagree with others and still work in a collaborative manner

­ are interested and involved in decision making that requires full-group participation

­ share the responsibility for carrying out decisions

­ share the responsibility for difficulties encountered during an activity

Stewardship

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

Evident when students, for example:

­ show respect for all forms of life

­ consider both the immediate and long-term effects of their actions

­ assume personal responsibility for their impact on the environment

­ modify their behaviour in light of an issue related to conservation and protection of the environment

­ consider the cause-and-effect relationships of personal actions and decisions

­ objectively identify potential conflicts between responding to human wants and needs and protecting the environment

­ consider the points of view of others on a science-related environmental issue

­ consider the needs of other peoples and the precariousness of the environment when making decisions and taking action

­ insist that issues be discussed using a bias-balanced approach

­ participate in school projects that address STSE issues

Safety in science

434

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

435

become aware of the consequences of their actions

Evident when students, for example:

­ read the label on materials before using them, and ask for help if safety symbols are not clear or understood

­ readily alter a procedure to ensure the safety of members of the group

­ select safe methods and tools for collecting evidence and solving problems

­ listen attentively to safety procedures given by the teacher

­ carefully manipulate materials, using skills learned in class or elsewhere

­ ensure the proper disposal of materials

­ immediately react to reminders about the use of safety precautions

­ willingly wear proper safety attire without having to be reminded

­ assume responsibility for their involvement in a breach of safety or waste disposal procedures

­ stay at their own work area during an activity, respecting others' space, materials, and work

­ take the time to organize their work area so that accidents can be prevented

­ immediately advise the teacher of spills, breaks, and unusual occurrences, and use appropriate techniques and materials to clean up

­ clean their work area during and after an activity

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

­ keep the work area uncluttered, with only appropriate materials present

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