Science

The CCH Science department offers a stimulating array of courses suitable for all interests. In Grade 9 and 10, students are exposed to chemistry, biology, physics and earth sciences. In the senior levels, students can specialize to deepen their knowledge.
 
Courses are offered at the locally developed, applied, academic, workplace, college, university, ESL, and IB streams. Students in the IB program have the option to take standard level Chemistry, Physics, and/or higher level Biology.
 
In a typical science class, students are able to participate in a wide variety of laboratory experiments, virtual and hands-on activities that are engaging and compliment the curriculum.
Event Date Target Students
Boston STEM Trip  Oct 12-16, 2019 Grade 10-12
Women in STEM Case Competition February 1, 2020 Grade 11,12
Lets Talk Cancer Symposium  February 20, 2020 Grade 11,12
Western Neuroscience Outreach February 25, more dates TBD Grade 9
Brain Bee April 18, 2020 Grade 9-12
Discovery Days Health Science May 1, 2020 Grade 11,12
Waterloo Chem 13 contest May 14, 2020 Grade 12
Waterloo Avogadro Chem Contest May 21, 2020 Grade 11
Science Olympics Date TBD Grade 9-12
ELP Trips Various days throughout the Semester Grade 11

 See your science teacher for more information!

Science – SNC1D/SNC1DB - This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and con- duct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.

 

Science – SNC1L - This is an introductory course in science that will allow you to learn about the basic concepts involved in biology, chemistry, physics and scientific inquiry.  Each of these topics explore a range of topics including life-sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms, properties of common materials, electrical circuits and science in daily life.  The course is designed to help you develop your mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing your skills in reading, writing and oral language through practical and relevant science activities.  You will be asked to design and conduct investigations related to the 4 topics of study allowing you to put your practical problem solving abilities to use and to apply your knowledge of science to everyday situations.  This course will provide you with considerable knowledge in science and prepare you for the next level of study and success in everyday life.  If you wish to continue study science this course prepares you for the Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course.

 

Science – SNC1P - This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. They are also given opportunities to develop practical skills related to scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to the impact of human activity on ecosystems; the structure and properties of elements and compounds; space exploration and the components of the universe; and static and current electricity.

 

Science – SNC2D/SNC2DB - 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.

 

Science – SCN2L - 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 Grade 11 Science Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics, including science in media, interactions of common materials, interdependence of organisms in communities, and using electrical energy.

 

Science – SNC2P - This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to apply their knowledge of science in real-world situations. Students are given opportunities to develop further practical skills in scientific investigation. Students will plan and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to human cells and body systems; chemical reactions; factors affecting climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.

Biology – SBI3C - 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.

 

Biology – SBI3U/SBI3UB - 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.

 

Chemistry – SCH3U/SCH3UB - 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.

 

Physics – SPH3U/SPH3UB - 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 trans- formations; 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.

 

Biology – SBI4U/SBI4UB - 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.

 

Chemistry – SCH4C - 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.

 

Chemistry – SCH4U/SCH4UB- 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 and 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.

 

Earth and Space – SES4UE - This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and 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.

 

Science – SNC4E - This course provides students with fundamental science knowledge and workplace skills needed to prepare them for success beyond secondary school. Students will explore hazards in the workplace, chemicals in consumer products, disease and its prevention, electricity at home and at work, and nutritional science. Emphasis is placed on current topics in science and relevant, practical activities that develop students’ literacy and mathematical literacy skills and enhance their scientific literacy.

 

Science – SNC4MB - This course enables students, including those pursuing postsecondary programs outside the sciences, to increase their understanding of science and contemporary social and environmental issues in health-related fields. Students will explore a variety of medical technologies, pathogens and disease, nutritional science, public health issues, and biotechnology. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study and helps refine students’ scientific investigation skills.

 

Physics – SPH4U/SPH4UB - 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, and 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 related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Science Staff
  • Mr. Brown
  • Ms. Dawdy
  • Mr. Geraghty
  • Ms. Mascherin Walton (IB Coordinator)
  • Ms. Quinlan
  • Ms. Santarella (Science Department Head)
  • Ms. Simmons 
  • Mr. Van Haaren