7 to 9
By the end of grade 9
Learning outcomes by grade grouping
NATURE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
STSE
It is expected students will…
General learning outcome
109
describe various processes used in science and technology that enable us to understand natural phenomena and develop technological solutions
Specific learning outcomes
109-1
describe the role of collecting evidence, finding relationships, and proposing explanations in the development of scientific knowledge
109-2
describe and explain the role of collecting evidence, finding relationships, proposing explanations, and imagination in the development of scientific knowledge
109-3
describe and explain the role of experimentation, collecting evidence, finding relationships, proposing explanations, and imagination in the development of scientific knowledge
109-4
provide examples of how technologies used in the past were developed through trial and error
109-5
describe how technologies develop as a systematic trial-and-error process that is constrained by the properties of materials and the laws of nature
109-6
illustrate how technologies develop as a systematic trial-and-error process that is constrained by cost, the availability and properties of materials, and the laws of nature
109-7
identify different approaches taken to answer questions, solve problems, and make decisions
109-8
describe scientific inquiry, problem solving, and decision making, and provide examples where they may be applied
109-9
compare scientific inquiry, problem solving, and decision making in terms of their purpose, goals, and applications
109-10
relate personal activities in formal and informal settings to specific science disciplines
109-11
relate personal activities and various scientific and technological endeavours to specific science disciplines and interdisciplinary study areas
109-12
distinguish between terms that are scientific or technological and those that are not
109-13
explain the importance of choosing words that are scientifically or technologically appropriate
109-14
explain the importance of using precise language in science and technology
General learning outcome
110
describe the development of science and technology over time
Specific learning outcomes
110-1
provide examples of ideas and theories used in the past to explain natural phenomena
110-2
distinguish between ideas used in the past and theories used today to explain natural phenomena
110-3
identify major shifts in scientific world views
110-4
describe examples of how scientific knowledge has evolved in light of new evidence
110-5
illustrate examples of conflicting evidence for similar scientific questions
110-6
explain the need for new evidence in order to continually test existing theories
110-7
provide examples of technologies used in the past to meet human needs
110-8
describe examples of how technologies have been improved over time
110-9
compare examples of past and current technologies developed to meet a similar need
Relationships between science and technology
General learning outcome
111
explain how science and technology interact with and advance one another
Specific learning outcomes
111-1
provide examples of scientific knowledge that have resulted in the development of technologies
111-2
provide examples of technologies used in scientific research
111-3
provide examples of technologies that have enabled scientific research
111-4
provide examples of technologies that have enhanced, promoted, or made possible scientific research
111-5
describe the science underlying particular technologies designed to explore natural phenomena, extend human capabilities, or solve practical problems
111-6
apply the concept of systems as a tool for interpreting the structure and interactions of natural and technological systems
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
General learning outcome
112
illustrate how the needs of individuals, society, and the environment influence and are influenced by scientific and technological endeavours
Specific learning outcomes
112-1
describe how an individual’s needs can lead to developments in science and technology
112-2
describe how a community’s needs can lead to developments in science and technology
112-3
explain how society’s needs can lead to developments in science and technology
112-4
provide examples of Canadian institutions that support scientific and technological endeavours
112-5
provide examples of public and private Canadian institutions that support scientific and technological research and endeavours
112-6
provide examples of how Canadian research projects in science and technology are supported
112-7
provide examples of how science and technology affect their lives and their community
112-8
provide examples to illustrate that scientific and technological activities take place in a variety of individual or group settings
112-9
identify science- and technology-based careers in their community
112-10
provide examples of science- and technology-based careers in their province or territory
112-11
describe examples of science- and technology-based careers in Canada, and relate these careers to their studies in science
112-12
provide examples of Canadian contributions to science and technology
General learning outcome
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
Specific learning outcomes
113-1
identify some positive and negative effects and intended and unintended consequences of a particular scientific or technological development
113-2
describe possible positive and negative effects of a particular scientific or technological development, and explain how different groups in society may have different needs and desires in relation to it
113-3
describe possible positive and negative effects of a particular scientific or technological development, and explain why a practical solution requires a compromise between competing priorities
113-4
analyse the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of its impact on their daily lives
113-5
analyse the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of identified criteria such as cost and impact on daily life and the community
113-6
evaluate the design of a technology and the way it functions on the basis of identified criteria such as cost and the impact on daily life and the environment
113-7
suggest solutions to problems that arise from applications of science and technology, taking into account potential advantages and disadvantages
113-8
make informed decisions about applications of science and technology, taking into account personal and social advantages and disadvantages
113-9
make informed decisions about applications of science and technology, taking into account environmental and social advantages and disadvantages
113-10
provide examples of problems that arise at home, in an industrial setting, or in the environment that cannot be solved using scientific and technological knowledge
113-11
propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account personal needs
113-12
propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account personal and community needs
113-13
propose a course of action on social issues related to science and technology, taking into account human and environmental needs
INITIATING AND PLANNING
SKILLS
It is expected students will…
General learning outcome
208
ask questions about relationships between and among observable variables and plan investigations to address those questions
Specific learning outcomes
208-1
rephrase questions in a testable form and clearly define practical problems
208-2
identify questions to investigate arising from practical problems and issues
208-3
define and delimit questions and problems to facilitate investigation
208-4
propose alternative solutions to a given practical problem, select one, and develop a plan
208-5
state a prediction and a hypothesis based on background information or an observed pattern of events
208-6
design an experiment and identify major variables
208-7
formulate operational definitions of major variables and other aspects of their investigations
208-8
select appropriate methods and tools for collecting data and information and for solving problems
PERFORMING AND RECORDING
General learning outcome
209
conduct investigations into relationships between and among observations, and gather and record qualitative and quantitative data
Specific learning outcomes
209-1
carry out procedures controlling the major variables
209-2
estimate measurements
209-3
use instruments effectively and accurately for collecting data
209-4
organize data using a format that is appropriate to the task or experiment
209-5
select and integrate information from various print and electronic sources or from several parts of the same source
209-6
use tools and apparatus safely
209-7
demonstrate a knowledge of WHMIS standards by using proper techniques for handling and disposing of lab materials
ANALYSING AND INTERPRETING
General learning outcome
210
analyse qualitative and quantitative data and develop and assess possible explanations
Specific learning outcomes
210-1
use or construct a classification key
210-2
compile and display data, by hand or computer, in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, bar graphs, line graphs, and scatter plots
210-3
identify strengths and weaknesses of different methods of collecting and displaying data
210-4
predict the value of a variable by interpolating or extrapolating from graphical data
210-5
identify the line of best fit on a scatter plot and interpolate or extrapolate based on the line of best fit
210-6
interpret patterns and trends in data, and infer and explain relationships among the variables
210-7
identify, and suggest explanations for, discrepancies in data
210-8
apply given criteria for evaluating evidence and sources of information
210-9
calculate theoretical values of a variable
210-10
identify potential sources and determine the amount of error in measurement
210-11
state a conclusion, based on experimental data, and explain how evidence gathered supports or refutes an initial idea
210-12
identify and evaluate potential applications of findings
210-13
test the design of a constructed device or system
210-14
identify and correct practical problems in the way a prototype or constructed device functions
210-15
evaluate designs and prototypes in terms of function, reliability, safety, efficiency, use of materials, and impact on the environment
210-16
identify new questions and problems that arise from what was learned
COMMUNICATION AND TEAMWORK
General learning outcome
211
work collaboratively on problems and use appropriate language and formats to communicate ideas, procedures, and results
Specific learning outcomes
211-1
receive, understand, and act on the ideas of others
211-2
communicate questions, ideas, intentions, plans, and results, using lists, notes in point form, sentences, data tables, graphs, drawings, oral language, and other means
211-3
work cooperatively with team members to develop and carry out a plan, and troubleshoot problems as they arise
211-4
evaluate individual and group processes used in planning, problem solving, decision making, and completing a task
211-5
defend a given position on an issue or problem, based on their findings
LIFE SCIENCE
KNOWLEDGE
General learning outcome
304
explain and compare processes that are responsible for the maintenance of an organism’s life
Specific learning outcomes
304-1
explain how biological classification takes into account the diversity of life on Earth
304-2
identify the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in a local ecosystem, and describe both their diversity and their interactions
304-3
describe conditions essential to the growth and reproduction of plants and microorganisms in an ecosystem and relate these conditions to various aspects of the human food supply
304-4
illustrate and explain that the cell is a living system that exhibits all the characteristics of life
304-5
distinguish between plant and animal cells
304-6
explain that growth and reproduction depend on cell division
304-7
explain structural and functional relationships between and among cells, tissues, organs, and systems in the human body
304-8
relate the needs and functions of various cells and organs to the needs and functions of the human organism as a whole
304-9
describe the basic factors that affect the functions and efficiency of the human respiratory, circulatory, digestive, excretory, and nervous systems
304-10
describe examples of the interdependence of various systems of the human body
304-11
illustrate and describe the basic process of cell division, including what happens to the cell membrane and the contents of the nucleus
304-12
explain signs of pregnancy and describe the major stages of human development from conception to early infancy
General learning outcome
305
explain processes responsible for the continuity and diversity of life
Specific learning outcomes
305-1
recognize that the nucleus of a cell contains genetic information and determines cellular processes
305-2
distinguish between sexual and asexual reproduction in representative organisms
305-3
compare sexual and asexual reproduction in terms of their advantages and disadvantages
305-4
compare the structure and function of the human reproductive systems
305-5
discuss factors that may lead to changes in a cell’s genetic information
General learning outcome
306
describe interactions and explain dynamic equilibrium within ecological systems
Specific learning outcomes
306-1
describe how energy is supplied to, and how it flows through, a food web
306-2
describe how matter is recycled in an ecosystem through interactions among plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms
306-3
describe interactions between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem
306-4
identify signs of ecological succession in a local ecosystem
General learning outcome
307
describe the properties and components of matter, and explain interactions between those components
Specific learning outcomes
307-1
distinguish between pure substances and mixtures using the particle model of matter
307-2
identify and separate the components of mixtures
307-3
describe the characteristics of solutions using the particle model of matter
307-4
describe qualitatively and quantitatively the concentration of solutions
307-5
describe qualitatively the factors that affect solubility
307-6
compare the viscosity of various liquids
307-7
describe factors that can modify the viscosity of a liquid
307-8
describe the relationship between the mass, volume, and density of solids, liquids, and gases using the particle model of matter
307-9
explain the effects of changes in temperature on the density of solids, liquids, and gases and relate the results to the particle model of matter
307-10
describe situations in daily life where the density of substances naturally changes or is intentionally altered
307-11
analyse quantitatively the density of various substances
307-12
investigate materials and describe them in terms of their physical properties
307-13
describe changes in the properties of materials that result from some common chemical reactions
307-14
use models in describing the structure and components of atoms and molecules
307-15
identify examples of common elements, and compare their characteristics and atomic structure
307-16
identify and write chemical symbol or molecular formula of common elements or compounds
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
General learning outcome
308
describe sources and properties of energy, and explain energy transfers and transformations
Specific learning outcomes
308-1
compare various instruments used to measure temperature
308-2
explain temperature using the concept of kinetic energy and the particle model of matter
308-3
explain how each state of matter reacts to changes in temperature
308-4
explain changes of state using the particle model of matter
308-5
compare transmission of heat by conduction, convection, and radiation
308-6
describe how various surfaces absorb radiant heat
308-7
explain, using the particle model of matter, differences among heat capacities of some common materials
308-8
identify and describe properties of visible light
308-9
describe the laws of reflection of visible light and their applications in everyday life
308-10
describe qualitatively how visible light is refracted
308-11
describe different types of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves
308-12
compare properties of visible light to the properties of other types of electromagnetic radiation, including infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, microwaves, and radio waves
308-13
explain the production of static electrical charges in some common materials
308-14
identify properties of static electrical charges
308-15
compare qualitatively static electricity and electric current
308-16
describe the flow of charge in an electrical circuit
308-17
describe series and parallel circuits involving varying resistance, voltage, and current
308-18
relate electrical energy to domestic power consumption costs
308-19
determine quantitatively the efficiency of an electrical appliance that converts electrical energy to heat energy
308-20
describe the transfer and conversion of energy from a generating station to the home
General learning outcome
309
recognize that many phenomena are caused by forces, and explore various situations involving forces
Specific learning outcomes
309-1
describe qualitatively the relationship between mass and weight
309-2
describe the movement of objects in terms of balanced and unbalanced forces
309-3
describe quantitatively the relationship between force, area, and pressure
309-4
explain qualitatively the relationship between pressure, volume, and temperature when liquid and gaseous fluids are compressed or heated
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
General learning outcome
310
explain how Earth provides both a habitat for life and a resource for society
Specific learning outcomes
310-1
describe the composition of Earth’s crust
310-2
classify rocks and minerals based on their characteristics and method of formation
310-3
classify various types of soil according to their characteristics, and investigate ways to enrich soils
General learning outcome
311
explain patterns of change and their effects on Earth
Specific learning outcomes
311-1
explain the processes of mountain formation and the folding and faulting of Earth’s surface
311-2
explain various ways in which rock can be weathered
311-3
relate various meteorological, geological, and biological processes to the formation of soils
311-4
examine some of the catastrophic events, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, that occur on or near Earth’s surface
311-5
analyse data on the geographical and chronological distribution of catastrophic events to determine patterns and trends
311-6
develop a chronological model or time scale of major events in Earth’s history
311-7
describe processes that lead to the development of ocean basins and continental drainage systems
311-8
analyse factors that affect productivity and species distribution in marine and fresh water environments
311-9
describe the interactions of the ocean currents, winds, and regional climates
311-10
explain how waves and tides are generated and how they interact with shorelines
311-11
describe processes of erosion and deposition that result from wave action and water flow
311-12
describe factors that affect glaciers and polar icecaps, and describe their consequent effects on the environment
General learning outcome
312
describe the nature and components of the universe
Specific learning outcomes
312-1
describe theories on the formation of the solar system
312-2
describe and classify the major components of the universe
312-3
describe theories on the origin and evolution of the universe
312-4
describe and explain the apparent motion of celestial bodies
312-5
describe the composition and characteristics of the components of the solar system
312-6
describe the effects of solar phenomena on Earth
From grade 7 through grade 9
ATTITUDES*
It is expected that students will be encouraged to…
General learning outcomes
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
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
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
431
work collaboratively in carrying out investigations as well as in generating and evaluating ideas
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
434
show concern for safety in planning, carrying out, and reviewing activities
435
become aware of the consequences of their actions
*Because of the nature of the attitudes foundation, no specific learning outcomes have been identified.