Term 1 - STEM

This topic is designed to enhance student learning around STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Learners will have a wide range of choices on topics related to the Science curriculum. The expectation is that students will explore, in enriched detail, at least one of the Big Ideas of these subjects for their particular year.

Grade 6 Big Ideas - Science

Multicellular organisms rely on internal systems to survive, reproduce, and interact with their environment.

Everyday materials are often mixtures.

Newton’s three laws of motion describe the relationship between force and motion.

The solar system is part of the Milky Way, which is one of billions of galaxies.

Grade 7 Big Ideas - Science

Evolution by natural selection provides an explanation for the diversity and survival of living things.

Elements consist of one type of atom, and compounds consist of atoms of different elements chemically combined.

The electromagnetic force produces both electricity and magnetism.

Earth and its climate have changed over geological time.

Life processes are performed at the cellular level.

Grade 8 Big Ideas - Science

The behaviour of matter can be explained by the kinetic molecular theory and atomic theory.

Energy can be transferred as both a particle and a wave.

The theory of plate tectonics is the unifying theory that explains Earth’s geological processes.

Term 2 - Humanities

This topic is designed to enhance student learning around history, geography, economics, and society. Learners will have a wide range of choices on topics related to the Social Studies and English curriculum. The expectation is that students will explore, in enriched detail, at least one of the Big Ideas of their particular year.

Grade 6 Big Ideas:

Economic self-interest can be a significant cause of conflict among peoples and governments.

Complex global problems require international cooperation to make difficult choices for the future.

Systems of government vary in their respect for human rights and freedoms.

Media sources can both positively and negatively affect our understanding of important events and issues.

Grade 7 Big Ideas:

Geographic conditions shaped the emergence of civilizations.

Religious and cultural practices that emerged during this period have endured and continue to influence people.

Increasingly complex societies required new systems of laws and government.

Economic specialization and trade networks can lead to conflict and cooperation between societies.

Grade 8 Big Ideas:

Contacts and conflicts between peoples stimulated significant cultural, social, political change.

Human and environmental factors shape changes in population and living standards.

Exploration, expansion, and colonization had varying consequences for different groups.

Changing ideas about the world created tension between people wanting to adopt new ideas and those wanting to preserve established traditions.

Term 3 - Arts & Applied Skills

This topic is designed to enhance student learning around the many facets available in in the Fine Arts, applied skills, and other artistic avenues of the curriculum. Learners will have a wide range of choices on topics related to these curriculum. The expectation is that students will explore, in enriched detail, at least one of the Big Ideas from any of these subjects for their particular year.

Grade 6 Big Ideas - Language Arts

Language and text can be a source of creativity and joy.

Exploring stories and other texts helps us understand ourselves and make connections to others and to the world.

Exploring and sharing multiple perspectives extends our thinking.

Developing our understanding of how language works allows us to use it purposefully.

Questioning what we hear, read, and view contributes to our ability to be educated and engaged citizens.

Grade 7 Big Ideas - Arts Education

Through art making, one’s sense of identity and community continually evolves.

Experiencing art challenges our point of view and expands our understanding of others.

Dance, drama, music, and visual arts are each unique languages for creating and communicating.

Engaging in the arts develops people’s ability to understand and express complex ideas.

Grade 8 Big Ideas - Applied Skills, Design, and Technologies

Design can be responsive to identified needs.

Complex tasks require the acquisition of additional skills.

Complex tasks may require multiple tools and technologies.