Science

Biology 20: How and why does energy flow through living systems? Biology 20 students examine the interactions of living systems to better understand the constant flow of energy and the cycling of matter. Specifically, students explore the functioning of the human body and the mechanisms that work to maintain balance in organisms—in ecosystems and in the biosphere.

Chemistry 20: How do atoms combine to form different substances? Students explore matter and how it changes in order to understand the natural world. They investigate the chemical properties of solutions, and they apply their understanding of chemical bonds to explain ionic and molecular compounds. Chemistry 20 students explain the behaviour of gases, using the gas laws, and also work to balance chemical equations.

Physics 20: How does a lacrosse player know when to release the ball? Physics 20 students investigate the motion of objects. They apply Newton’s law of universal gravitation to astronomical observations. They also describe how energy is transmitted by mechanical waves and how waves relate to medical technologies, industry and musical instruments.

Science 20: What changes do we see on Earth? Students in Science 20 extend their study of the biological, chemical, physical and Earth sciences and apply their knowledge to real-life problems. They investigate Newton’s laws of motion, the properties of hydrocarbons and the chemistry of solutions. They examine evidence of how Earth’s surface, climate and life forms have changed and continue to change and cycle in response to natural and human actions.

Science 24: Why do we need vaccines and antibiotics? Science 24 students investigate common chemical reactions and examine energy conversions in biological, chemical, physical and technological systems. They learn about human health and the immune system. They also investigate the principles that describe the motion of objects and apply their knowledge to real-life situations. 

Biology 30: Why is there so much diversity? Biology 30 students conduct lab work and investigate how human systems sense and respond to the environment. They explore human reproduction and development at the cellular level and at the organism level. Students investigate the basic structure and role of DNA and investigate the inheritance of traits in individuals and populations. They analyze the changes in populations resulting from natural and human-induced changes in the environment and discover that living systems are dynamic.

Chemistry 30: How can you predict chemical equilibrium? Chemistry 30 students examine and quantify how thermochemical and electrochemical systems use or provide energy. They explore common organic compounds—those that contain carbon—and how they are used in technological applications and everyday life. Students also investigate acid-base reactions and interpret how they eventually reach equilibrium.

Physics 30: When does a model or a theory need to change? Physics 30 students consider historical experiments and explore why the model of the atom has changed as a result of experiments and observations of natural phenomena. Students apply a quantitative approach to describe conservation of momentum in an isolated system, and they investigate applications and implications of electric and magnetic forces and fields. They also use the concept of wave-particle duality to understand both wave and photon behaviour of electromagnetic radiations.

Science 30: How do we sustain our energy resources? Students sharpen their scientific skills and explore a wide range of scientific concepts to strengthen their foundations in science. They investigate human systems and health, and environmentally sustainable solutions for meeting global energy needs. They also examine the impacts of chemicals in society and the environment and examine the properties and applications of electromagnetic energy.