COURSE OUTLINE

The following are the overall expectations for each strand in the grade 11 workplace preparation science course:

SKILLS FOR THE WORKPLACE PORTFOLIO

· Demonstrate and understanding of safe laboratory practices by wearing appropriate protective equipment when working in the laboratory, and by selecting and applying appropriate techniques for handling, storing, and disposing of laboratory materials

· Select appropriate apparatus and instruments and use them effectively and accurately in collecting observations and data

· Demonstrate the skills required to plan and carry out investigations using laboratory equipment safely, effectively, and accurately

· Select and use appropriate numeric, symbolic, graphical, and linguistic modes of representation to communicate scientific ideas, plans, and experimental results

· Locate, select, analyse, and integrate information under study, working independently and as part of a team, and using appropriate library and electronic research tools, including internet sites

· Compile, organize, and interpret data, using appropriate formats and treatments, including tables, flow charts, graphs, and diagrams

· Communicate the procedures and results of lab investigations and research for specific purposes, using data tables and lab reports

· Select and use appropriate SI units

· Identify and collect information on science- and technology-based careers related to the subject area under stufy

MATERIALS AND SAFETY

· Demonstrate an understanding of WHMIS legislation and general safety procedures at they apply to materials in the workplace and home

· Demonstrate safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures for a variety of materials, including some hazardous materials, in the school lab

· Describe practices that promote fire safety, as well as safety in the handling and disposal of materials, in everyday living in the home and workplace

ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS

· Demonstrate an understanding of the components and functions of electrical circuits that are commonly found at home and in the workplace

· Construct, analyse, and repair simple electrical circuits, using schematic diagrams, working with electrical tools and components, and examining small everyday electrical devices and appliances

· Investigate how electrical devices play a role in the economy of the local community and in the improvement of our standard of living

MICRO-ORGANISMS

· Describe the characteristics of some micro-organisms, including ways in which they reproduce and grow in the home, school, and workplace

· Investigate the growth and uses of microbes through lab activities

· Analyse the role of microbes in technology, and their impact on society and the environment

THE IMMUNE SYSTEM AND HUMAN HEALTH

· Demonstrate an understanding of the human immune system and its capacity to combat disease

· Carry out lab studies of micro-organisms that cause disease

· Describe and explain how vaccines and antibiotics are used to assist the immune system in preventing and overcoming disease, and analyse the impact of social and environmental factors on human health

HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT

· Demonstrate an understanding of the impact on the environment, and assess alternative courses of action to protect the environment

· Evaluate, using data obtained from experiments and from print and electronic sources, the costs and benefits to society and the environment of introducing a particular technology or of protecting or not protecting a specific environment

· Analyse some of the environmental, technological, and social factors that affect the sustainability of the human population on Earth

ASSESSMENT and EVALUATION

Students will be assessed and evaluated on their knowledge and understanding of the concepts within the five strands, their inquiry skills and strategies, their ability to communicate information and ideas, and their ability to make connections to technology, society, and the environment. A number of learning skills will also be assessed throughout the course: ability to work independently, teamwork, organization, work habits, and initiative.

Teachers will communicate student performance using the levels of achievement. Level 1 indicates performance that is severely lacking or rarely demonstrated. Level 2 indicates inconsistent performance. Level 3 indicates good, consistent performance. Level 4 indicates exceptional, consistent performance. These levels will be converted to a percentage grade for mid-term and semester-end reports.

The final mark in this course will be calculated as follows:

Term Work 70%

Final Exam 15%

Final Activity 15%

** Please note that students who do not complete the final course evaluations

(exam and/or activity) will receive a zero.

Term work will be subdivided into the following categories:

Knowledge / Understanding 20%

Inquiry 40%

Communication 20%

Making Connections 20%

The combination of final exam and final activity will reflect the same subdivisions.