SNC1W
Science
This Grade 9 Science course develops understanding across biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science while connecting science to real-world issues, STEM careers and diverse contributions. Students use scientific investigation, engineering design and coding throughout.
Grade
9
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
None
About This Course
This Grade 9 Science course develops understanding across biology, chemistry, physics, and Earth and space science while connecting science to real-world issues, STEM careers and diverse contributions. Students use scientific investigation, engineering design and coding throughout.
What You'll Learn
- Use scientific investigation and engineering design processes, including coding where appropriate.
- Explore sustainable ecosystems, climate change and the flow of matter and energy.
- Study the nature of matter, atoms, elements, compounds and the periodic table.
- Investigate static and current electricity and the impacts of electrical-energy production and consumption.
- Explore the solar system, the universe, space exploration and technological innovation.
- Connect scientific concepts to real-world issues, careers and contributions from people with diverse lived experiences.
Skills You'll Develop
- Scientific inquiry and experimental design
- Data collection, interpretation and evidence-based conclusions
- Engineering design and iterative problem-solving
- Coding, modelling and simulation
- Scientific literacy, research and communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply scientific processes and engineering design to investigations and use coding to model scientific concepts and relationships.
- Analyze practical applications of science, real-world issues, careers and diverse contributions to science.
- Assess climate-change impacts and explain ecosystem interactions, matter cycles and energy flow.
- Assess impacts of materials and technologies and explain the nature of matter, atoms, elements and compounds.
- Assess electrical-energy impacts and demonstrate understanding of static and current electricity.
- Evaluate impacts of space exploration and explain major components and phenomena of the solar system and universe.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | STEM Investigation Skills, Careers, Coding and Scientific Literacy (integrated throughout) | 18 hours |
| 2 | Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems and Climate Change | 23 hours |
| 3 | Chemistry: The Nature of Matter | 23 hours |
| 4 | Physics: Principles and Applications of Electricity | 22 hours |
| 5 | Earth and Space Science: Space Exploration | 22 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evaluation evidence gathered throughout the course, with professional judgement and particular consideration for more recent evidence. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 20% | Comprehensive written final examination for Grade 9 Science. |
| Attendance and participation | 15% | Based on meaningful engagement and participation in planned learning. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment may include oral explanations, discussions, demonstrations, investigations, laboratory or simulation records, coding tasks, data analysis tasks, written reports, tests and final evaluations.
Pathways
The course connects STEM learning to occupations, skilled trades, postsecondary pathways and emerging fields. Students examine how scientific understanding drives innovation in health sciences, engineering, environmental science, technology and many other areas.
The course also develops transferable skills that can be applied in other subjects, postsecondary learning, community contexts and future employment.
Teacher Support
- Students learn primarily through the school's secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Teachers guide scientific research, data interpretation, source evaluation and evidence-based reasoning.
- Learning includes guided virtual and/or safe hands-on investigations, simulations, modelling and engineering-design challenges.
- Coding and technology-supported activities help students investigate scientific concepts and relationships.
- Teacher-student conferences, oral explanations, reflective inquiry records and timely feedback help verify and strengthen understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
SNC1W — Science, Grade 9, De-streamed.
How many credits is SNC1W?
The course is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Is there a prerequisite?
No. There is no prerequisite or co-requisite.
What branches of science are studied?
The course includes biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and space science, together with integrated STEM investigation, engineering design and coding throughout.
Are there science investigations in an online course?
Yes. The course uses safe investigations, simulations, demonstrations and teacher-approved alternatives. Activities unsuitable for unsupervised home settings are replaced with virtual or guided alternatives.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 20% mandatory written final examination, and 15% attendance and participation.
Does the course include coding?
Yes. Coding is used to model scientific concepts and relationships as part of STEM investigation skills.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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