SCIENCE 8

Science 8 provides a general background for all students in the major sciences. Theory, scientific literacy, and inquiry based laboratory work are dealt with in all topic areas, which include: Life Sciences (Biology)– characteristics of living things, cells, the body’s immune system, vaccines and antibodies. Physical Science (Optics) – electromagnetic radiation, properties and behavior of light, wave/particle duality, mirrors and lenses, human vision. Physical Science (Chemistry) – kinetic molecular theory, atomic theory and models, quarks and leptons.   Earth and Space Science (Geology) – plate tectonics, layers of Earth, major geological events.

TRANSITIONAL SCIENCE 8

Transitional Science 8 is designed to support English Language Learners by providing language adaptations of the Science 8 curriculum. Students will develop academic and scientific vocabulary and language structures while learning about the major areas of science: Life Sciences (Biology), Physical Science (Optics), Physical Science (Chemistry), and Earth and Space Science (Geology).

SCIENCE 9

Science 9 provides a general background for all students in the major sciences. Theory, scientific literacy and inquiry based laboratory work are dealt with in all topic areas, which include: Life Science (Biology) – asexual and sexual reproduction, mitosis and meiosis. Physical Science (Chemistry) – the periodic table, ionic and covalent compounds. Physical Science (Physics)- series and parallel electrical circuits, voltage, current and resistance. Earth and Space Science (Sustainability) –matter cycles, effects of solar radiation, sustainability of systems.

TRANSITIONAL SCIENCE 9 

Transitional Science 9 is designed to support English Language Learners by providing language adaptations of the Science 9 curriculum. Students will develop academic and scientific vocabulary and language structures while learning about the major areas of science: Life Science (Biology), Physical Science (Chemistry), Physical Science (Physics), and Earth and Space Science (Sustainability).

 

SCIENCE 10

Science 10 provides a general background for all students in the major sciences. Theory, scientific literacy and inquiry based laboratory work are dealt with in all topic areas, which include: Life Science (Biology) – DNA, genes and chromosomes, inheritance, artificial and natural selection, applications of genetics and ethics. Physical Science (Chemistry)– chemical reactions (types, energy involved with and practical applications of), acids and bases. Physical Science (Physics) –nuclear energy and radiation, law of conservation of energy (heat, kinetic and potential energy). Earth and Space Science (Cosmology) – big bang theory, components of the universe over time, astronomical data collection methods.

SCIENCE 10 SEMINAR (PRE-DIPLOMA)

Recommended for students considering IB Sciences, this enriched course is for students who enjoy science and wish to go beyond regular Science 10.  Students will meet before or after school weekly. Students will learn “what science is” and the focus of the course will be on designing and carrying out individualized experiments in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and learning more sophisticated ways of analyzing lab measurements and results in order to form valid conclusions. The course will establish a strong foundation for all of the IB Senior Sciences.

See more about the Pre-Diploma programme on the WVSS IB website.

 

BIOLOGY

LIFE SCIENCE 11 (formerly Biology 11)

The Life Science 11 curriculum introduces the biodiversity of life.  The central theme of the course is the evolution of organisms and their ecology which is explored through the study of the 6 Kingdoms of life. The students will be introduced to a variety of scientific skills through laboratory investigations and inquiry. Units of Content include; Cells, DNA, Evolution, Microbiology, Fungi, Plants and Animals.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 12  (formerly Biology 12)

The Anatomy and Physiology 12 curriculum uses homeostasis as a central theme to study cell biology, biochemistry, and the human body.   Students will develop an understanding of how organ systems such as digestion, circulation, respiration, and the nervous system operate and interact with other systems.  Successful completion of Life Science 11 and Chemistry 11 are assets to this course.

IB BIOLOGY

IB Biology is a rigorous two-year course, intended for motivated students with an interest in understanding the principles, and unifying concepts in Biology.

IB courses may be taken singly or as part of the IB Diploma.  See the WVSS IB website for more information.

Year 1 (HL/SL):   

Year 1 of the course covers Standard Level with some Higher Level curriculum.  Year 1 course content will include Statistical Analysis, Cells Biology, Biochemistry, Nucleic Acids and  Protein Synthesis, Genetics, Biotechnology, Ecology, Evolution and Classification.

Year 2 (HL/SL):

In Year 2, all students will attend a mixed SL/HL block to finish covering the core content, while extra time will be provided for Higher Level students in the timetable for one-half of the year alternating with another IB Science Year 2 class.  This extra time allows for the additional Higher Level content to be covered.

The topics that will be covered in year 2 include Homeostasis, the Endocrine System, the Nervous System, Neurobiology, Digestion, Circulation and Blood, Respiration, and Reproduction, Plant Biology, Cell Respiration and Photosynthesis.

Expectations and Evaluation: 

IB Science 11&12 students receive report card marks based on the standard evaluation criteria for Science. 

The final IB score is based on the Scientific Investigation and IB Exams, both of which take place in grade 12.  Students who score well on these may be eligible for university credit and/or placement. 

All IB Science students must complete the Collaborative Science Project at the end of grade 11.

FEE: see IB fee schedule.

 

CHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY 11

Chemistry 11 is a course designed to introduce the main ideas, principles and verifying concepts in chemistry, and provide a basis for Chemistry 12 and university entrance. Skills learned in Mathematics 10 are critical to success in Chemistry 11.

Topics include: Uncertainty in measurement, writing chemical formulae and balancing equations, the mole concept and Avogadro’s Number, problems using balanced equations, gas laws, solutions and ions, molarity, electron configuration and bonding, organic chemistry – nomenclature and an introduction to reactions.

CHEMISTRY 12

Math 12 should be taken concurrently.  A minimum C+ average in Chemistry 11 is strongly recommended.  A good knowledge of stoichiometry and solution chemistry from Chemistry 11 is required for success.

The course topics include reaction rates and energy, equilibrium, equilibrium of solutions, acid/base equilibrium, pH, buffers, redox.

Expectations: Students will be expected to wear appropriate safety equipment during lab procedures.

IB CHEMISTRY

This rigorous course is spread over two years and is intended for motivated students with an interest in Chemistry.  Students entering Year 1 of the course should have achieved a minimum of a B standing in Science 10. Students will be expected to wear appropriate safety equipment during lab procedures.

IB courses may be taken singly or as part of the IB Diploma.  See the WVSS IB website for more information.

Year 1 (HL/SL):

Year 1 of the course covers mostly Standard Level content, with some Higher Level content.

Year 2 (HL/SL):

In Year 2, extra time will be provided in the timetable for one-half of the year alternating with another IB Science Year 2 class.  The extra time allows for the Higher Level content to be covered. 

The topics that will be covered over the 2 years include:

Stoichiometry, Gases, Industrial Applications, Bonding, Organic Chemistry, Atomic Theory and Periodicity, Acids and Bases, Energetics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions

Expectations and Evaluation

IB Science 11&12 students receive report card marks based on the standard evaluation criteria for Science. 

The final IB score is based on the Scientific Investigation and IB Exams, both of which take place in grade 12.  Students who score well on these may be eligible for university credit and/or placement. 

All IB Science students must complete the Collaborative Science Project at the end of grade 11.

FEE: see IB fee schedule.

 

EARTH SCIENCES

EARTH SCIENCE 11

Earth Science 11 introduces students to a group of sciences collectively called “the Earth Sciences”, which apply other sciences to the study of the Earth and its environment. It is a four credit senior science course. The course meets the science requirements for graduation. Course components include: Earth Materials: Earth materials are changed as they cycle through the geosphere and are used as resources, with economic and environmental implications. Plate Tectonic Theory: Explains the consequences of tectonic plate interactions. Atmospheric Science and Climate: The transfer of energy through the atmosphere creates weather and is affected by climate change. Oceanography and the Hydrosphere: The distribution of water has a major influence on weather and climate. Earth within the Solar System: Astronomy seeks to explain the origin and interactions of Earth and its solar system.

GEOLOGY 12

Geology 12 Venture into the outdoors to learn about the physical world around you. This course is academic in nature.  This includes: studying the glacial, fluvial, and volcanic history, debris flow/flooding, erosion prevention, and mine contamination. The learning outcomes are: Earth Materials – minerals, igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rocks, energy resources. Plate Tectonic Theory – Tectonic plates are in constant motion and their interactions produce earthquakes, volcanoes, and characteristic landforms on the Earth’s surface. Deformation and Mapping – Geological maps and models are tools used to represent surface features and subsurface structures. Surface Processes and the Hydrosphere – weathering, erosion, running water, glaciers, ground water. Geologic Time – relative and absolute dating, geologic time scale, and fossil identification. It is strongly recommended that at least one Grade 11 level Science course be completed before enrolling in this course. (Earth science 11 is preferred but not required)

Expectations and Evaluation: In addition to the standard evaluation criteria for Science, evaluation in Geology 12 involves both field and laboratory evaluations.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 11/12

Environmental Science is a four credit senior science course. The course meets the science requirements for graduation and is now accepted by most universities.  The course focuses on learning through experience and applied experimentation in an urban environment. Students will explore issues of both local and global environments in this project based course.

The course evaluation includes individual projects designed by students connected to the course competencies as well as online assignments based on curricular outcomes. This format allows for students to focus on topics of personal interest while also meeting the requirements of the course outcomes. Examples of past project include programming and installation of a weather station at WVSS, design and creation of a rain-water irrigation system, winter crop production in the greenhouse, production of beeswax products and honey harvesting, a fruit orchard project and Streamkeepers salmon surveys.

The prerequisites for Environmental Science are Science 10 or instructor approval. To do well in the course, students should: be willing to take initiative for independent work, enjoy learning while outside, and have a passion for sustainable issues and science.

Note: Students registering for the blended learning option require instructor approval.

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PHYSICS

PHYSICS 11 

Physics 11 is a course designed to relate scientific thought and practice with the real world. The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the analytical and experimental methods of inquiry used in science; and to promote an understanding of how Physics applies to everyday life.  Physics 11 is recommended for any student who is curious about how the physical world works. It is a recommended course for many university programs and is especially appropriate for students who plan to study sciences, medicine, or engineering but is also appropriate for humanities-oriented students.

Topics studied include motion (acceleration and velocity), dynamics (Newton’s Laws, friction, springs and gravity), energy, waves, optics, nuclear energy, and relativity.

PHYSICS 12

Students with less than a C+ in Physics 11 are liable to have difficulty with this course.  Math 12 should be taken concurrently.  Continuing on from Physics 11, Physics 12 provides preparation for study at the university level. Topics include vector mechanics in 2 dimensions, equilibrium, energy, circular motion and gravitation, electricity, and electromagnetism.

IB PHYSICS

IB Physics is a course designed to introduce the main ideas, principles, and unifying concepts in physics; to develop an understanding of the analytical and experimental methods of inquiry used in science; and to promote an understanding of how physics applies to everyday life.  IB Physics is recommended especially for students who plan to study pure sciences or engineering related technology but is also appropriate for humanities-oriented students.

IB courses may be taken singly or as part of the IB Diploma.  See the WVSS IB website for more information.

Year 1 (HL/SL):

This rigorous course is spread over two years and is intended for motivated students with an interest in Physics.  Year 1 of the course covers mostly Standard Level content, with some Higher Level content.

Year 2 (HL/SL):

In Year 2, all students will attend a mixed SL/HL block to finish covering the core content, while extra time will be provided for Higher Level students in the timetable for one-half of the year alternating with another IB Science Year 2 class.  The extra time allows for the additional Higher Level content to be covered.

The topics that will be covered over the 2 years include:

SL: mechanics (forces and motion), thermal physics, waves, electricity and magnetism, relativity and nuclear physics.

HL: extensions of all of the above topics, plus electromagnetic induction and quantum physics.

Expectations and Evaluation: 

IB Science 11&12 students receive report card marks based on the standard evaluation criteria for Science. 

The final IB score is based on the Scientific Investigation and IB Exams, both of which take place in grade 12.  Students who score well on these may be eligible for university credit and/or placement. 

All IB Science students must complete the Collaborative Science Project at the end of grade 11.

FEE: see IB fee schedule.