New Brunswick · Grade 9
Science, Grade 9
New Brunswick’s Grade 9 science course, from Earth and its Place in the Universe to Learning and Living Sustainably.
- Units
- 6
- Lessons
- 7
- Skills
- 19
- Provincial exam
- None
- Official curriculum
- gnb.ca
Unit by unit
Every skill in the course, numbered by unit.
Unit 1 · 4 skills
Earth and its Place in the Universe
Earth in the Universe and Its Systems
Earth and the solar system
I can describe Earth's place in the solar system and how different perspectives interpret space.
Skill 1.1
The Earth system's spheres
I can name and describe the interacting spheres of the Earth system.
Skill 1.2
Water in Earth's surface processes
I can explain how water shapes Earth's surface.
Skill 1.3
Weather systems and climate
I can explain how weather systems and climate arise from the Earth system.
Skill 1.4
The official wording · 4 outcomes
- 1.1
- Earth and the solar system - Perspectives: Scientific (empirical) and technological evidence; cultural interpretations of space phenomena
- 1.2
- The Biosphere: Atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and geosphere
- 1.3
- The role of water in Earth’s surface process
- 1.4
- Weather systems and climate
Key ideas
Earth is one planet orbiting the Sun within the solar system.
Scientific evidence about space comes from observation, measurement, and technology.
Many cultures, including Indigenous peoples, have their own knowledge and interpretations of space phenomena.
Both empirical evidence and cultural knowledge shape our understanding of the sky.
The atmosphere is the layer of gases surrounding Earth.
Watch out for
- Thinking only modern instruments give valid knowledge of the sky - cultural knowledge systems also observe it carefully.
- Thinking Earth is at the centre of the universe - it orbits an ordinary star.
- Thinking the spheres are separate - they exchange matter and energy constantly.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 2 · 4 skills
Ecosystems: Energy, Matter and Interactions
Energy and Matter in Ecosystems
Energy: sources and transfer
I can describe sources of energy and how energy transfers and is conserved.
Skill 2.1
Ecosystem interdependence and matter cycling
I can explain how ecosystems depend on interdependence and the cycling of water, carbon, and nitrogen.
Skill 2.2
The structure of matter and elements of life
I can explain that living things are built from a few key elements that cycle as nutrients.
Skill 2.3
Respiration, photosynthesis, chemosynthesis
I can describe photosynthesis, respiration, and chemosynthesis and what each does.
Skill 2.4
The official wording · 4 outcomes
- 2.1
- Energy: Definitions and source (Radiant energy, electromagnetic radiation, EMS); Energy in chemical processes and everyday life; Conservation and transfer: radiation, conduction, convection
- 2.2
- Ecosystems: Interdependent relationships; Cycling of matter: Water, Carbon and Nitrogen; Energetics: Energy transfer in ecosystems; Ecosystem dynamics: functioning and resilience
- 2.3
- Structure and properties of matter: Elements of life and nutrient cycles
- 2.4
- Biogeochemical reactions: respiration, photosynthesis and chemosynthesis (oceans)
Key ideas
Radiant energy from the Sun is the main energy source for most ecosystems.
Energy is stored and released in chemical processes (like food and fuel).
Energy transfers by radiation, conduction, and convection.
Energy is conserved - it changes form but is not created or destroyed.
Living things in an ecosystem depend on each other (interdependence).
Watch out for
- Thinking energy is used up and gone - it changes form and is conserved.
- Thinking only the Sun matters - energy is also stored chemically and transferred many ways.
- Thinking matter is used up in an ecosystem - it cycles and is reused.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 3 · 2 skills
From Molecules to Organisms
Cells and the Organisation of Life
Cells, division, and reproduction
I can describe the structure and function of cells and how they divide and reproduce.
Skill 3.1
Organisation of matter and energy flow
I can describe how organisms are organized from cells up and how energy flows through them.
Skill 3.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 3.1
- Structure and function: Cells, cell division, and reproduction
- 3.2
- Organisation of matter Energy flow in organisms
Key ideas
The cell is the basic unit of life.
Cells have parts (like the nucleus and membrane) that do different jobs.
Cells divide to grow, repair, and reproduce.
Some organisms reproduce from a single cell dividing.
Cells organize into tissues, tissues into organs, and organs into systems.
Watch out for
- Thinking cells are all the same - different cells are specialized for different jobs.
- Thinking growth means cells get bigger - mostly cells divide to make more cells.
- Thinking organs work as single lumps - they are built from organized cells and tissues.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 4 · 2 skills
Biological Evolution: Variation and Diversity
Biodiversity, Inheritance, and Adaptation
Biodiversity and humans
I can explain what biodiversity is and how it relates to humans.
Skill 4.1
Inheritance of traits and adaptations
I can explain how traits are inherited and how organisms become adapted.
Skill 4.2
The official wording · 2 outcomes
- 4.1
- Biodiversity and humans
- 4.2
- Inheritance of traits Adaptations
Key ideas
Biodiversity is the variety of life in an area or on Earth.
High biodiversity makes ecosystems healthier and more resilient.
Humans depend on biodiversity for food, medicine, and clean air and water.
Human activities can reduce biodiversity.
Traits are features passed from parents to offspring.
Watch out for
- Thinking biodiversity is just about counting animals - it includes all life and their variety.
- Thinking humans are separate from biodiversity - we depend on it.
- Thinking organisms change their own bodies on purpose to adapt - adaptations arise through inherited variation over generations.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 5 · 1 skill
Sustainable Development Design Challenge
Designing for Sustainable Development
A community SDG design challenge
I can identify a community challenge connected to SDGs 3, 13, 14, or 15 and design a solution that I test and improve.
Skill 5.1
The official wording · 1 outcomes
- 5.1
- identify a community-based challenge connected to at least two of sustainable development goals; 3, 13, 14 and 15, then apply an iterative process to design a solution
Key ideas
The UN Sustainable Development Goals name global challenges; Grade 9 focuses on Goal 3 (Good Health), Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).
A good design challenge starts from a real problem in your own community connected to at least two of these goals.
An iterative design process means building, testing, and improving a solution in cycles.
Solutions are evaluated for how well they work and their impact on people and the environment.
Watch out for
- Thinking the first design is the final one - iteration means testing and improving.
- Thinking a solution only needs to work technically - its impact on people and the environment matters too.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Unit 6 · 6 skills
Learning and Living Sustainably
Earth and Human Activity
Human impacts on Earth systems
I can describe ways human activity impacts Earth's systems.
Skill 6.1
Global climate change
I can explain the main causes and consequences of global climate change.
Skill 6.2
Populations and carrying capacity
I can define carrying capacity and explain what limits the size of a population.
Skill 6.3
Natural resources
I can describe how natural resources are distributed, extracted, and used, and why availability varies.
Skill 6.4
Conservation and Stewardship
Change in environments: biodiversity and invasive species
I can explain biodiversity loss and invasive species and how they change environments.
Skill 6.5
Risks and benefits of developments
I can weigh the risks and benefits of a scientific or technological development.
Skill 6.6
The official wording · 6 outcomes
- 6.1
- Human impacts on Earth systems
- 6.2
- Global climate change
- 6.3
- Populations and carrying capacity
- 6.4
- Natural resources: geographic distribution, availability, extraction and use
- 6.5
- Change in environments e.g., biodiversity loss, invasive species
- 6.6
- Risks and benefits of a scientific or technological development
Key ideas
Earth's systems - air, water, land, and life - are connected, so change in one affects the others.
Biodiversity is the variety of living things in an environment.
Human activities like burning fuels, farming, and building alter these systems.
Biodiversity loss happens when species decline or disappear, weakening ecosystems.
Pollution, habitat loss, and resource use are major human impacts.
Watch out for
- Thinking human impacts stay local - effects can spread through connected Earth systems.
- Thinking losing one species does not matter - species are connected, so losses ripple through an ecosystem.
- Thinking nature is separate from humans - people are part of and depend on Earth's systems.
Every skill’s key ideas, worked examples and checks are in MapleMind.Practise this unit
Plan the term
Pick your term and the days you study. Each unit gets its share of the weeks and comes back a week later for a review. The last two weeks go over the whole course.
The official curriculum
This page follows New Brunswick’s own curriculum for Science, Grade 9.
Study it in MapleMind
MapleMind teaches Science, Grade 9 one skill at a time. Each skill gets a short lesson, practice as you go and a check worth up to three stars. It remembers where you stopped.
Course Companion
Your year in one workbook
A fun way to keep Science, Grade 9 organized, get to know your child better and see early when they need a hand. Fill it in on a screen, or print it.
- Pages
- 33
- Fillable fields
- 1,336
- Price
- $4.99
Questions about Science, Grade 9
What is Science, Grade 9?
New Brunswick’s Grade 9 science course: 6 units and 19 skills, from Earth and its Place in the Universe to Learning and Living Sustainably.
What units are in Science, Grade 9?
1. Earth and its Place in the Universe, 2. Ecosystems: Energy, Matter and Interactions, 3. From Molecules to Organisms, 4. Biological Evolution: Variation and Diversity, 5. Sustainable Development Design Challenge and 6. Learning and Living Sustainably.
Is there a provincial exam for Science, Grade 9?
No. New Brunswick gives no provincial exam for Science, Grade 9.
What comes after Science, Grade 9?
Science, Grade 10.
Can MapleMind help with Science, Grade 9?
Yes. MapleMind teaches every skill of Science, Grade 9, step by step, with practice and checks, and its tutor answers questions about any of them. It’s free with daily limits, on iPhone, Android and the web.
Get ready for Science, Grade 9
Practise every skill of Science, Grade 9 in MapleMind, free with daily limits.
