STEM Skills and Connections
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills and connections are integrated into all units in the course. Through scientific research, experimentation, and engineering design processes, students will conduct investigations, design solutions to problems, and communicate findings while discovering practical applications that pertain to science and technology. Students will make practical connections between the knowledge students gain and real-world issues in science and technology. Students will also analyse the contributions made by First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities as their knowledge has led to the creation of Indigenous scientific and technical systems.
Cells
In the Cells Unit, students will continue to develop their knowledge of organisms by focusing on the structure and function of plant and animal cells and cell processes. Students will also be introduced to the use of microscopes and be able to describe processes that occur inside cells. Students will explore cells and cell-related technologies in order to understand how cells can be part of complex organisms and how they can be used for various purposes.
Fluids
In the Fluids Unit, students will learn that fluids are essential to many industrial processes and form the basis of hydraulic and pneumatic devices. Students will learn about different liquids and gases, why they have different properties, and how these properties affect their behaviour in different situations. Using this knowledge, students will investigate how fluids are used in real-world applications and potential impacts on the environment.
Systems In Action
In the Systems in Action Unit, students will explore different types of systems along with their purpose and processes. Students will learn to calculate the mechanical advantage of simple machines as well as investigate and build a system. Through investigation, students will learn about the overall safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of systems. Students will learn how different systems increase productivity and efficiency, why productive and efficient systems are important, and how some systems can impact society, the economy, and the environment.
Water Systems
In the Water Systems Unit, students will learn about where all the water comes from on Earth and how the water systems play an important role in global ecosystems. Students will investigate freshwater sustainability issues and learn about different water-related technological innovations. Students will also learn about water systems on Earth, and students will be able to identify and explain why they are important and how they function.
Coding
In the Coding unit, students will identify and describe the impacts of coding as part of automation. Students will also write and execute code that controls automation.
