SCIENCE

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the website for A.Y. Jackson's Science Department. We are excited to share the wonders and mysteries of the natural world through our general science courses in grades 9 & 10 and our specialized courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physics in grades 11 & 12. We also offer grade 11 Environmental Science. All of our courses include rich opportunities to learn through inquiry, lab work, outdoor exploration and engaging lessons and activities.

Information about our Program for Incoming Grade 9s

A.Y. Jackson offers an exciting Science program with rich opportunities to discover and learn about the natural world through inquiry, lab work and interactive lessons and activities. The grade 9 and 10 Science courses are required for all students and provide opportunities to learn about basic concepts in biology, chemistry, physics and earth & space science. Courses are offered in English and in French for our immersion students. The grade 9 and 10 courses will both be offered as destreamed classes in 2023-24, offering all of our junior students the opporunity to learn together. Our grade 11 and 12 biology, chemistry and physics courses are offered at both the university and college level. In addition, we also offer immersion French grade 11 biology and grade 11 open Environmental Science.

Grade 9 science will allow students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.

Grade 10 science will provide students with an opportunity to further their understanding of key concepts in biology, chemistry, physics and earth and space science, and will establish the foundations for further study in our specialized grade 11 courses.

Both of the junior science courses aim to foster scientific literacy and critical thinking and to help students develop some of the skills needed to "do" science. Lab work is a key part of the courses and basic lab skills are emphasized.

Our grade 11 and 12 options provide students with a chance to pursue a deeper understanding of biology, chemistry or physics. These courses, particularly at the grade 12 level, aim to give students a solid foundation for science and engineering programs in post-secondary study.