Welcome to Science!
As we enter the twenty-first century, science fills an increasingly important role in the work world. Scientific discoveries support many aspects of modern society, from the development of more efficient computers to the discovery of more efficacious pharmaceuticals. The influence of science on our culture continues to grow, and consequently, students must develop appropriate science literacy and numeracy skills to compete effectively in the global economy. Students participating in science courses acquire the skills to interpret information from various sources, and to critically evaluate the results of their research. Science education supports the development of lifelong learning and a genuine sense of wonder about the living planet.
Why Science at KCI?
A University of Waterloo Dual Credit Course Comes to KCI!
Grade 11 and 12 students at KCI may choose to earn a credit in Earth and Space Science, SES 4UI. If their overall average in this Grade 12 university level course is 75% or higher, they earn a high school science credit, as well as a university level half-credit at the University of Waterloo or Wilfred Laurier University! Help your student reach ahead… save time and money with this exciting learning opportunity at KCI!
Gain Knowledge and Skills in the Specialist High Skills Major Program!
KCI science connects with both the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and the Healthcare: Fitness and Health SHSM. Students who enroll in the SHSM programs are able to demonstrate to post secondary institutions and employers they have gained particular experience through specialized coursework and certificate programs they completed while at KCI. Click for the connections between SHSM, science and co-op.
Connect with Co-op Work Experience!
Students may enrol in a co-op placement after they have completed a course in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, physics or workplace science. High level placements may be available at the University of Waterloo, Laurier University or the University of Guelph.
Work placements at the University of Waterloo may include working in the school of optometry or; psychology (behaviour in mice or brain studies); specialized geological studies: geological engineering; geological chemistry or hydro-geological chemistry as part of the department of Earth Science Department.
Laurier University may offer placements in computer graphics, information technology (IT) support, child psychology, biology (research assistant) or geology.
University of Guelph work placements may include botany or horticulture; veterinary science or exotic animal care; medical illustration; or nutrition and food chemistry.
Many local work placements may support the Specialist High Skills Major program in Health and Wellness. Placements may include:
- veterinary offices
- physicians’ offices
- dental surgery offices or dental offices
- orthodontic care and denture therapy
- physiotherapist and acupuncture,
- pharmacy placement
- physiological studies
- occupational therapy
- nursing, surgical nursing or RNA
- X-ray technician
- MRI tech
- ultrasound technician
- chiropractory
- naturopathy and retail health services
- food quality control technician
Remember that placements are earned but not guaranteed!
For more information about co-op at KCI
What Students Have to Say About Science:
“I never knew I was good at science! It’s totally different from grade 7 and 8. I can’t wait for grade 10!”
“I like that we mix it up – labs, group work, graphing, videos and formal lessons- it makes science interesting. It’s different every day. I love that.”
“At KCI, I gained skills and knowledge that made the transition to university education easy. I left KCI knowing chemistry and physics so well; my first year at university was (almost) a breeze!”
“I like the way science IS everything in the world around us. Everything makes sense in science :-)”
“I love using the whiteboards to figure things out.”
“Chemistry. 😀 Yay!! I love chemistry.”
“Sir, physics blows my mind.”
“Earth and Space: it rocks. ”
Course Descriptions
Grade 9
Science (Single Stream) – SNC 1WI
This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferrable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.
Essential Science/ Fast Forward Science – SNC 1LB
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society, and the environment, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Science Grade 12 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in daily life, properties of common materials, life sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms, and electrical circuits. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities.
Grade 10
Academic Science – SNC 2DI
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid–base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter. Prerequisite: SNC 1DI.
Essential Science / Fast Forward Science – SNC 2LB
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and the environmental impact of science and technology, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in the media, interactions of common materials, interdependence of organisms in communities, and using electrical energy. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities. Prerequisite: SNC 1LB.
Grade 11
Biology – SBI 3UI
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation. Prerequisite: SNC 2DI.
Biology – SBI 3CI
This course focuses on the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, genetics, the anatomy of mammals, and the structure of plants and their role in the natural environment. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite: SNC 2PI or SNC 2DI.
Chemistry – SCH 3UI
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment. Prerequisite: SNC 2DI.
Physics – SPH 3UI
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: SNC 2DI.
Grade 12
Biology – SBI 4UI
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields. Prerequisite: SBI 3UI.
Chemistry – SCH 4UI
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes. They will refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment. Prerequisite: SCH 3UI.
Chemistry – SCH 4CI
This course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of matter and qualitative analysis, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical calculations, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will use a variety of laboratory techniques; develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis; and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and the effects of technological applications and processes on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science: Grade 10, Academic (or Applied for students who took the course prior to September 2024)
Earth and Space Science – SES 4UI
This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of forces in the universe and solar system, and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history. They 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. Prerequisite: SNC 2DI.
Dual Credit in Earth and Space Science!
Grade 11 and 12 students at KCI may choose to earn a credit in Earth and Space Science, SES 4UI. If their overall average in this Grade 12 university level course is 75% or higher, they earn a high school science credit, as well as a university level half-credit at the University of Waterloo or Wilfred Laurier University! Help your student reach ahead… save time and money with this exciting learning opportunity at KCI!
Physics – SPH 4UI
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion. They will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data relating to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: SPH 3UI.
Science – Workplace Preparation – SNC 4EI / 4EB
This course provides students with the science knowledge and workplace skills needed to prepare them for success beyond secondary school. Students will explore safety and hazards in the workplace, chemicals in consumer products, human disease and disease prevention, electricity in the workplace and at home, and nutritional science. Emphasis is placed on current topics in science and relevant, practical skills students require for life beyond secondary school. This course supports the Health and Wellness specialization for the Specialist High Skills Major Program (SHSM). Prerequisite: SNC 2PI or SNC 2LB.
