Science, Grade 9

Unit 1: Reproduction and Human Development

The transfer of genetic information, cellular reproductive processes including mitosis and meiosis, sexual and asexual reproduction in plants and animals, and human reproduction.

• Chromosomes, genes, DNA, and traits
• Genetics in society and careers

• Cell division and the cell cycle
• Mitosis versus meiosis

• Asexual reproduction
• Sexual reproduction and pollination

• Reproductive systems and human development
• Reproductive and contraceptive technologies

Unit 2: Atoms and Elements

The physical and chemical properties of substances, historical explanations of the structure of matter, and the classification of pure substances including the Periodic Table.

• Physical properties and classifying substances
• Physical versus chemical changes
• Properties, research, and society

• The changing model of the atom
• Building atomic models

• Elements, compounds, and mixtures
• Bohr models of the first 18 elements
• The periodic table and periodicity
• Protons, electrons, and isotopes

Unit 3: Characteristics of Electricity

Static electric charge and current electricity, the relationships among voltage, current, and resistance in circuits, the efficiency of electrical devices, and electrical energy production in Saskatchewan.

• Static electric charge
• Current electricity and resistance
• Electrical dangers and safety technologies

• Measuring series and parallel circuits
• Ohm's Law

• Energy transformations and efficiency
• Cost and design of appliances

• Producing and storing electrical energy
• Generation methods and their impacts

Unit 4: Exploring our Universe

The motion and characteristics of astronomical bodies, scientific explanations of the formation of the solar system and universe, how various cultures understand astronomical phenomena, and human capabilities for exploring the universe.

• Real and apparent motion
• Characteristics of astronomical bodies
• Solar phenomena and astronomical predictions

• Formation of the solar system
• Origin of the universe and life cycle of stars

• Cultures and astronomical phenomena

• Space programs and technologies
• Distances, positions, and space careers