CURRICULUM GUIDE 2014
ACADEMIC CHEMISTRY II
(SCCA2)
This course enables students to develop an understanding of chemistry through the study of matter and qualitative
analysis, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, chemical calculations, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the
environment. Students will use a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific
analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the
role of chemistry in daily life and the effects of technological application and processes on society and the
environment. Prerequisite: 75% or better in SCI2A.
ACADEMIC EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE
(SCEA2)
This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the Universe. Students will investigate the
properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyze techniques scientists use to generate
knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and superficial processes,
and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact as well as how they have changed over time.
Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces, processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The
course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical
processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence. Course fee includes a spot in the Academy
planetarium trip or two admissions to the student’s local planetarium. Prerequisite: 75% or better in SCI2A
ACADEMIC PHYSICS I
(SCPA1)
This course develops students’ understanding of basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with
an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves
and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of
physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the
impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment. Prerequisite: 75% or better in
SCI2A.
ACADEMIC PHYSICS II
(SCPA2)
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue
their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical,
gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light,
quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning,
for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and
principles. Studetns will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the
environment. Prerequisite: 75% or better in SCPA1.
APPLIED PHYSICS II
(SCPP2)
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts
with respect to motion; mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, energy transformation, hydraulic, and pneumatic
systems; and the operation of commonly used tools and machines. They will develop their scientific investigation
skills as they test laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations.
Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: SCI2A or SCI2P.
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