Science 9 introduces students to Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Earth Science. This course provides students with a “hands-on” experience to the sciences through a modern teaching laboratory which includes collaboration and group work through the reproduction of classic experiments and problem-solving activities. Topics include: Atoms, elements and compounds, cellular reproduction, static and current electricity, and the study of the flow of energy and matter through the Earth’s major spheres.

This course is combined with Media Design 9.

Are you interested in incorporating more technology into your core classes? Science 9 (Tech Infused) covers both the Science 9 and Media 9 curriculums (4 credits each) but weaves them together over two blocks. Use your video editing skills to make a educational video about cell reproduction. Create a slideshow and add voice-over to explain the history of mining different elements. Create your own game (using Scratch or Flash) to demonstrate Predator-Prey relationships. Demonstrate your knowledge of electrical circuits by building robots. Use graphic design skills to create a brochure explaining an aspect of the nitrogen cycle in the atmosphere. We will still access the science lab for physical experiments but most assignments will be submitted through the course website using Moodle and Google Classroom.

The grade 10 science course is designed so that students  experience biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy. Collaboration, “hands-on” group activities and laboratory-based instruction continue to play a central role. Topics include: The study of DNA and genetics, atoms and chemical reactions, energy and energy transformations including nuclear energy, and the formation of the universe.

Prior learning as a predictor of success: At least a C+ in the following courses: Math Foundations 10 and/or Pre-Calculus 10 and Science 10.  

Chemistry 11 is a course that is an introduction to the basics of chemistry through experimentation in the laboratory. Students will be introduced to the chemistry laboratory, measurement techniques and data manipulation. Topics covered include: the periodic table, the atom, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, the mole, solutions and organic chemistry. If you liked Chemistry in grade 10 you will love this course!

Prior learning for predictor of success: Science 10

A study of the whole Earth including its environment, geology and mineral resources, and ocean and atmospheric sciences; formation of the planet and Earth history; astronomy.  A good writing ability is a strong asset due to the highly descriptive nature of this incredible journey through the earth.  Not to be missed!  

Prior learning as predictor of success: Science 10

Science for Citizens is designed to provide students with a grade 11 science credit and scientific literacy skills with a focus on real world, practical applications of science. The big ideas in this course are: how scientific processes and knowledge inform our decisions and impact our daily life; how scientific knowledge can be used to develop procedures, techniques and technologies that have implications for places of employment; and how scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally. Units of study include health and fitness, scientific technologies for home and workplace, climate and disaster preparedness, sustainability and resources, and forensics.

Prior learning as a predictor of success:  Math Foundations and Pre-Calculus 10 and Science 10 

Welcome to your introduction to classical physics!  Emphasis is placed on how physical laws help reveal the beauty and structure of the natural world.  It includes the laws of motion, measurement, graphing of relationships and energy.  We use many activity-based lessons:  we construct air-cars, a spaghetti bridge and measure the speeds of balloons.  Common words like motion, force and energy are understood from a scientific perspective.  

Life Sciences 11 is a hands-on, experiential education based course that will provide you with an overview of the natural world at both the local and global scale. You will learn about taxonomy, evolution, microscopy, microbiology, protists, plants, animals and ecology. You will be engaged in individual and collaborative course work, project-based learning, lab-based activities and field-work in the local community. Throughout the course you will gain a better understanding of the interactions between yourself, other life forms, and the natural environment. 

Students may only earn credits for Life Science 11 OR Marine Biology 11.

Prior learning as a predictor of success:  Science 9 (May be taken concurrently with Science 10)

This course is designed for grade 10's specifically (and grade 11's) who have a passion for marine organisms, marine ecosystems, and the search for solutions to environmental change. 

Specialized Science 12 credit. This course combines relevant course material from Life Science 11, and Environmental Science 11/12 centered around the following guiding ideas:

1. Biodiversity is dependent upon complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors.  

2. Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health.

3. All members of a species have common characteristics that evolve over time.

These concepts will be taught while using a variety of marine organisms and ecosystems as case studies. Enriched with additional lab work, guest speakers, field trips, and a self-directed research project that involves designing and executing their own research (including designing their own experiments using living organisms) based on questions that students have about the marine or aquatic ecosystems.   Guest speakers and field trips are designed with intent so students connect, learn from and are mentored by local scientists and researchers. The course format is designed to make the learning relevant to students, as they explore the role of researcher and shape their passions and career paths. Course work will make up 50% of the final mark, while field work, labs, experiments and research project makes up 50% of the course. 

This course is year long and offered outside the time table: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:15 to 8:20 am.

Prior learning as a predictor of success: At least a C+ in the following courses: Math Foundations 10 and/or Pre-Calculus 10 and Science 10

If you are interested in how the human body works, or are considering a career in a health-related field, this is the course for you!

Anatomy and Physiology 12 is a challenging academic course that offers an in-depth study of cell biology and the human body systems. You will study cell structure, cell compounds, biological molecules, DNA, protein synthesis, enzymes, cell transport, and the complex interrelationships that exist between the various organ systems and how they relate to the function or dysfunction of the human body.  A strong work ethic and rigorous study skills are required for success in this course. 

Prior learning as a predictor of success: At least a C+ in Chemistry 11 & Pre-Calculus 11.  

Chemistry 12 is a challenging academic course that is a continuation of the Chemistry 11 program. Topics include: the study of acids and bases, electrochemistry, reaction kinetics, solutions, and dynamic equilibrium. The Chemistry 12 curriculum provides students with an opportunity to hone their laboratory skills which will prepare them for their post-secondary education. A strong work ethic and solid mathematics skills are an asset in this course.

Prior learning as a predictor of success:  Physics 11 

Students will be challenged as they study electricity and magnetism, forces, motion, energy and vector mathematics.  It is a continuation of classical physics begun in Physics 11.  Strong mathematical skills are an asset here.  

In Environmental Sciences 12, students will take an in-depth look at the diversity of ecosystems located on the Saanich Peninsula. Students will learn about and research the health and sustainability of these ecosystems and the effects of human actions and stewardship on the local environment. This course will incorporate the local Indigenous knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples through guest speakers, field trips to locations of cultural and ecological significance, and by focusing on traditional ecological knowledge related to environmental stewardship. We will utilize First People's Principles of Learning by focusing on the interconnected nature of our local environment and the history and stories that create a sense of place. Each student will come out of this class with a better understanding of the environmental strengths and challenges faced in our local area, and how they can be addressed in the future.