Course Description
Course Outline
| Unit | Unit Titles and Descriptions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chemistry: Chemical Reactions – Students examine the properties of acids and bases, chemical reactions, and pH. They conduct experiments to identify substances, predict reactions, and analyze neutralization processes. Emphasis is placed on laboratory skills, safety, and real-world applications of acid–base chemistry. |
30 hrs |
| 2 | Biology: Tissues, Organs, and System of Living Things – Students investigate the structure and function of cells and how cells form tissues, organs, and systems in plants and animals. They examine relationships between biological systems and analyze how these systems work together to maintain life. |
25 hrs |
| Midterm | Mid Term Exam | 2 hrs |
| 3 | Physics: Light and Geometric Optics – Students investigate the properties of light, including reflection, refraction, and the behaviour of light in different media. They examine optical technologies such as lenses, mirrors, and the human eye, and analyze how light interacts with matter in everyday applications. |
26 hrs |
| 4 | Earth and Space Science: Climate Change – In this unit, students explore Earth’s climate system and the factors that influence climate and climate change. Topics include atmospheric processes, energy balance, human activities, and global climate models. Students analyze data and evaluate strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change. |
25 hrs |
| Final | Final Exam – The final exam assesses students’ understanding of concepts from optics, climate science, chemistry, and biology through multiple-choice, short-answer, and application-based questions. |
2 hrs |
| Total Course Hours | 110 hrs | |
Resources Required
Nelson Science Perspectives 10 or equivalent Ontario-approved text; laboratory equipment and safety materials; teacher-prepared worksheets, lab manuals, and inquiry activities.
Digital Resources and Software:
Google Drive for assignment submission, lab reports, and collaboration; internet access for research, simulations, and virtual labs; online tools such as PhET simulations or equivalent; and Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent.
Teacher Considerations:
Assistive technology, including text-to-speech and speech-to-text, may be used. Flexible formats for lab reports and assessments may be provided.
Key Skills Developed
Assessment
Assessment practices are designed to nurture students’ sense of progress and competency and inform instruction. Diagnostic tools, including checklists and inventories, are used at regular intervals throughout the units to encourage students’ understanding of their current status as learners and to provide frequent and timely feedback on their progress.
| Assessment FOR Learning | Assessment AS Learning | Assessment OF Learning |
|---|---|---|
| Quizzes and knowledge checks | Self- and peer-assessment | Unit tests |
| Assignments and worksheets | Reflections and learning journals | Laboratory reports |
| Ongoing teacher feedback | Learning checklists and goal setting | Research projects |
| Virtual labs and simulations | Peer feedback | Case studies |
| Teacher questioning and discussions | Self-reflection | Practical investigations |
| Practice problems and activities | Student learning reflections | Presentations |
| Exit tickets and review activities | Goal-setting activities | Midterm examination |
| Diagnostic activities | Student self-monitoring | Final examination |
Final Grade
The final grade will be determined as follows (in accordance with Ministry of Education standards):
| Evaluation Component | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Term Work
Based on classroom work completed throughout the course. |
65% |
| Final Evaluation
A final evaluation in the form of a written exam. |
20% |
| Attendance and Participation | 15% |
Final Examination Breakdown
- 20% written exam
The final assessment evaluates achievement of overall course expectations. All final assessments must be completed independently.
Attendance Policy
Regular attendance and active engagement are important for student success. Attendance and participation are monitored through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS).
All online credit courses at ICE are designed to meet or exceed the minimum 110 hours of instructional time required for a credit course.
Online instructional time and engagement are monitored through:
- LMS Engagement:
Students are expected to log in regularly and actively participate in online learning activities. LMS activity records are used to monitor engagement. - Biweekly Check-Ins:
Students complete a brief check-in every two weeks to review their progress and engagement. Additional support may be provided when concerns are identified. - Post-Unit Quizzes:
Short formative quizzes are completed at the end of each unit to monitor student progress and pacing. - Discussion Forums:
Students participate in required unit discussions and peer activities. Participation is monitored based on completion and engagement. - Instructional Records:
The school maintains records of instructional time, attendance, and student engagement.
Students are responsible for maintaining regular participation and completing required learning activities within the course schedule.
Evaluation Model
15% Total Attendance Weight
| Component | Weight | Quantifiable Metric / Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Attendance | 5% | Marked present, or late within 10 minutes, for each scheduled class period; excused absences are removed from the calculation. |
| Weekly Participation Checklist | 5% | Meets at least 3 of 4 weekly in-class engagement indicators (responding/volunteering, group work, guided practice, on-task behaviour). |
| Homework Assignment Punctuality | 5% | Submits homework on or before the due date, through the required platform, with a complete submission. |
Tips for Success
Welcome to SNC2D – Science (Grade 10 Academic)!
Get ready to enjoy the excitement and challenge of learning about SNC2D – Science in an online environment. At the end of this course, you will be well prepared for future senior science courses at the university or college preparation level. Plus, you will have developed strong skills in time management, organization, scientific inquiry, and using technology as a learning tool.
Stay Updated:
Check Announcements, What’s New, and your mailbox every day.
Manage Your Time:
Check the calendar for due dates. It is your responsibility to meet these dates. If you have a problem with a due date, contact your teacher.
Follow Instructions:
Regularly review assignment and evaluation criteria when completing assignments. Make a checklist to ensure that you have included everything in the proper manner and submitted it as requested by the due date.
Ask for Help:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Technical Difficulties:
Contact the Help Desk.
Course-Related Questions:
Contact your teacher using the email provided on the course website. Expect a response within 24 hours. For urgent matters, include “URGENT” in the subject line.
Time Commitment:
Dedicate 1–2 hours every day to your coursework.
Communication:
Regular contact with your teacher is vital.
