Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute

301 Charles St. E., Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 2P8 (519)578-8330

Course Outline: Science, Grade 12 SES 4UI

Semester: 1 / Block: A / Room: C427
Teacher: Ms. M. Altermann / Teacher Contact Information:
voicemail:519-578-8330 ext. 434
email: / Course/Teacher Website:
CHCI website

Course Description

This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces,

processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.

Required Learning: Big Ideas

To earn this credit, students must demonstrate learning of the following big ideas:

Astronomy (Science of the Universe)

  • The development of more sophisticated technologies has enabled us to achieve a deeper, more thorough understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe.
  • Scientific theories about the universe are refined and altered as new evidence is discovered.

Planetary Science (Science of the Solar System)

  • Space exploration and the technologies that have been developed to facilitate it have had positive and negative effects on society, the economy, and the environment.
  • Space exploration presents many hazards.
  • Interactions among bodies within the solar system have an impact on the existence of life.

Recording Earth’s Geological History

  • Earth is very old, and its atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere have undergone many changes over time.
  • Changing conditions on Earth over time have had positive and negative effects on life on the planet.

Earth Materials

  • Exploration for and extraction and refining of materials from below the surface of Earth have positive and negative effects on the economy, society, and the environment.
  • Different types of rocks have different origins, properties, characteristics, and uses.

Geological Processes

  • Earth’s lithosphere is constantly changing as the result of natural phenomena and human activity.
  • Specialized technologies have enabled us to increase our knowledge and understanding of Earth’s structure and have improved the ability of scientists to monitor and predict changes in the lithosphere.

Evidence of Learning includes:

2 Lab Reports / 70%
of final mark
6 Assignments
STSE
5 Unit Tests
Final Evaluation: Exit interview and Online Exam / 30%
of final mark
Final Evaluation: Exam

Course Evaluation

  • Student work will be evaluated using a balance of the Ministry’s four achievement chart categories: knowledge & understanding, thinking & inquiry, application, and communication.
  • Throughout the course, teachers will gather evidence of student learning through observations, conversations, and student-produced work.
  • Seventy percent (70%) of the final mark will come from term work, and thirty percent (30%) will come from final evaluations. Report card grades will reflect the student’s most consistent level of achievement, with consideration given to more recent evidence.

Learning Skills

The Learning Skills and Work Habits section of the provincial report card is an integral part of a student’s learning. Students will be assessed in the following areas:

  • Responsibility
/
  • Independent Work
/
  • Organization

  • Initiative
/
  • Collaboration
/
  • Self-Regulation

The following scoring system is used for Learning Skills: E=Excellent; G=Good; S=Satisfactory; N=Needs Improvement

Course Materials

In order to be successful it is important to be organized and prepared for each class. You will be expected to have the following items with you in class each day:

  • pens and pencils (at least 2 different colours are helpful); eraser,metric ruler (clear is better)
  • calculator (cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted)
  • binder with dividers (to separate units)
  • student planner or personal organizer

Absences

Absences must be validated and missed work completed outside of class time. If you miss a test/quiz or lab for a valid reason, be prepared to complete it on the day you return. It is your responsibility to find out what you missed and catch up after being absent. If you know ahead of time about an absence make arrangements beforehand!

Extra help is available– your teachers are pleased to assist you! The Science Office is Room F434; please make arrangements with your subject teacher or visit peer tutoring in room A202 if extra help is needed.

For more information about the content of this course outline, please consult:

  • Cameron Heights Collegiate Institute: Student Guidelines
  • CHCI Website
  • WRDSB’s Administrative Procedure 1660 (Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting)
  • The appropriate CHCI teacher or administrator.

Signatures

Please sign below indicating you have read and understood this course outline, including the requirements for successful completion of this course, and return this sheet to your teacher:

Student / Parent/Guardian
Date / Date

SES 4UICourse OutlinePage 1