Science 30 Course Outline

2015/2016

Instructor
Alicea Sliwkanich
Altario School 403-552-3828
alicea.sliwkanich@plrd.ab.ca
www.sliwkanich.weebly.com
Program Rationale
Science programs provide opportunities for students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they
need to become productive and responsible members of society. The programs also allow students to
explore interests and prepare for further education and careers. Students graduating from Alberta
schools require the scientific and related technological knowledge and skills that will enable them to
understand and interpret their world. They also need to develop attitudes that will motivate them to
use their knowledge and skills in a responsible manner.
To become scientifically literate, students need to develop knowledge of science and its relationship to
technologies and society. They also need to develop the broad-based skills required to identify and
analyze problems; to explore and test solutions; and to seek, interpret and evaluate information. To
ensure relevance to students as well as to societal needs, a science program must present science in a
meaningful contextproviding opportunities for students to explore the process of science, its
applications and implications, and to examine related technological problems and issues. By doing so,
students become aware of the role of science in responding to social and cultural change and in meeting
needs for a sustainable environment, economy and society.
Goals of the Course General Outcomes
Units of Study
Unit A Living Systems Respond to Their Environment
o Analyze how the human circulatory system facilitates interaction between blood cells and the external
environment and investigate cardiovascular health
o Analyze the defense mechanisms used by the human body to protect itself from pathogens found in
the external environment
o Apply the principles of heredity and molecular genetics to explain how human diseases can arise from
inherited traits, the risks and benefits of genetic technology, and the need for ethical considerations in
the application of scientific knowledge
Unit B Chemistry and the Environment
o Analyze the sources of acids and bases and their effects on the environment
o Analyze the sources of organic compounds and their effects on the environment
o Analyze, from a variety of perspectives, the risks and benefits of using chemical processes in meeting
human needs and assess technologies for reducing the impact of chemical compounds on the
environment

Science 30 Course Outline

2015/2016

Unit C Electromagnetic Energy

o Explain field theory and analyze its applications in technologies used to produce, transmit and
transform electrical energy
o Describe the properties of the electromagnetic spectrum and their applications in medical
technologies, communication systems and remote sensing technologies used to study the universe
Unit D Energy and the Environment
o Explain the need for balancing the growth in global energy demands with maintaining a viable
biosphere
o Describe the sun as Earths main source of energy and explain the functioning of some conventional
and alternative technologies that convert solar, nuclear, tidal and other energy sources into useable
forms
Labs/Data Analysis
Throughout the semester, we will be completing labs to collect, analyze and interpret data related to
topics we have studied. Completing these labs and data analysis is fundamental to success on your
summative assessments.
Examinations
You will write several quizzes throughout each chapter. (There are two chapters per unit.)You will also
write a unit exam after the completion of each of the unit outcomes. These exams will vary in format
and may contain multiple choice questions, numerical response questions and/or written response
questions and may be written or digital. Your school awarded mark worth 70% of your final grade based
on work in the four units. You will also write a provincial diploma exam worth 30% of your grade. The
date for the exam is Thursday January 28, 2016. (This date may be subject to change by Alberta
Education.)
Course Marks and Weighting
Each unit in Science 30 is weighted at 25%. Unit exams are weighted at 60% of the course mark and
assignments, quizzes, and labs are weighted at 60% of the course mark.
Students will not be graded on homework, however, failure to complete assigned work will be reflected in
summative assessments. At least one week notice will be given for all major exams and at least 2 days notice for
minor assignments, quizzes and lab due dates.
Marks are available on Maplewood. If you or your parents would like to see your current mark, sign into your
Maplewood account.

Science 30 Course Outline

2015/2016

Expectations

1. Be on time for class. You are expected to be in your desk and ready to work by the bell
2. Attend class regularly. You are expected to be present for all classes so that you can take

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an active part in your education. You are responsible for making up work missed when you
are absent.
Hand in Assignments on time. You are expected to hand in assignments on time. Late
assignments will be accepted until the end of the course, however not completing them in a
timely matter will negatively affect your achievement on quizzes and exams.
Bring materials to class. You are expected to bring your textbook, notebook, pen, pencil,
eraser, and scientific calculator to class.
Go to the bathroom before class. You are expected to use the washroom during the breaks
between classes. It is a disruption to the entire class when you need to leave. If you must,
wait for a break in the lesson or during work time to minimize the disruption.
Be organized. You are expected to keep a neat, organized notebook.
If you need extra help.let me know right away so things do not snowball on you. Call me
at the school, email me, ask in class. We can also set up extra time during Flex or lunch to
meet.

To Parents
This class is a video conference class. The best way to contact me is by calling the school at 403-5223828 or emailing me at alicea.sliwkanich@plrd.ab.ca. If your child is going to be missing a block of
classes (for vacation, tournaments, family/medical reasons, etc) I appreciate a notice so I can provide
them with a general guideline of what they will be missing. Marks are available on Maplewood and you
can sign in at your convenience. For Parent Teacher Interviews, there will be time provided by your
school to video conference to me so we can have a conversation.