Science, Grade 9

Unit 1: Earth and its Place in the Universe

Earth in the cosmos and Earth's systems: Earth and the solar system with scientific and cultural perspectives; the biosphere's spheres (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere); the role of water in Earth's surface processes; and weather systems and climate.

• Earth and the solar system
• The Earth system's spheres
• Water in Earth's surface processes
• Weather systems and climate

Unit 2: Ecosystems: Energy, Matter and Interactions

Energy and matter in ecosystems: energy definitions, sources and transfer; ecosystem interdependence and the cycling of water, carbon, and nitrogen; the structure and properties of matter as the elements of life; and the biogeochemical reactions of respiration, photosynthesis, and chemosynthesis.

• Energy: sources and transfer
• Ecosystem interdependence and matter cycling
• The structure of matter and elements of life
• Respiration, photosynthesis, chemosynthesis

Unit 3: From Molecules to Organisms

The organisation of living things: cell structure and function, cell division and reproduction, the organisation of matter in organisms, and energy flow in organisms.

• Cells, division, and reproduction
• Organisation of matter and energy flow

Unit 4: Biological Evolution: Variation and Diversity

Biodiversity and change over time: biodiversity and its relationship with humans, the inheritance of traits, and adaptations.

• Biodiversity and humans
• Inheritance of traits and adaptations

Unit 5: Sustainable Development Design Challenge

A community-based design challenge: identify a local challenge connected to at least two UN Sustainable Development Goals (Grade 9: SDGs 3, 13, 14, and 15), then apply an iterative design process to develop a solution.

• A community SDG design challenge

Unit 6: Learning and Living Sustainably

Earth and human activity: how human actions impact Earth systems, drive global climate change, and are limited by carrying capacity; how natural resources are distributed, extracted, and used; and conservation and stewardship, including biodiversity loss, invasive species, and weighing the risks and benefits of new developments.

• Human impacts on Earth systems
• Global climate change
• Populations and carrying capacity
• Natural resources

• Change in environments: biodiversity and invasive species
• Risks and benefits of developments