Alpha Secondary provides students with a variety of course options for all types of science related fields. Courses at Alpha have no prerequisite and are open to all learners at all levels. Science teaching and learning at Alpha is focused on developing curricular competencies (skills) while exploring different big ideas (content).
Superlab
Alpha’s facilities are the newest in the district. Our Superlab definitely lives up to its name. The lab has dedicated areas for each major specialty and can host three classes at once. Students have opportunities to develop their lab skills and complete inquiry work. Our lab also features some specialty hydroponics and aquaponics systems.
Enrichment
Science Enrichment: Students and families can choose to attempt an enriched course path at the Grades 8-10 levels. These students are integrated with the regular class. The students complete the same curriculum but with added independent research topics completed through further scientific study. Students are generally expected to complete four major projects: a novel study, a place based activity, a community project and a skill/ inquiry experiment. Students will consult with their teacher and discuss an individual plan to enrich their own learning. After successful completion of the criteria, students may be eligible to receive an Enriched designation on their report cards. Success in Science Enrichment means completing requirements independently, meeting deadlines, and checking in regularly with their teacher
Courses
SCIENCE 8
Science 8 focuses on cells, kinetic molecular theory, energy transfer and plate tectonics. Students complete a variety of inquiry-based activities and work to connect their learning to real world applications.
DISCOVERY SCIENCE 8/9 – ACCELERATED
Admission to Alpha’s Discovery program is based on a recommendation from the student’s elementary
teacher. The course is an accelerated delivery of both Science 8 and 9 curriculum. This course is designed for students who are interested in and capable of pursuing a more challenging course load at an accelerated pace.
SCIENCE 9
Science 9 focuses on cell growth and reproduction, electron arrangement of the atom, current and static
electricity, and energy flow in ecosystems. Students complete a variety of inquiry-based activities and work to connect their learning to real world applications.
SCIENCE ENRICHMENT 8, 9, 10
Students in Science Enrichment are integrated with the regular class. The students complete the same
curriculum but with added independent research topics completed through further scientific study. Students are generally expected to complete four major projects: a novel study, a place-based activity, a community project and a skill/ inquiry experiment. Students will consult with their teacher and discuss an individual plan to enrich their own learning. After successful completion of the criteria, students may be eligible to receive an Enriched designation on their report cards. Success in Science Enrichment means completing requirements independently, meeting deadlines, and checking in regularly with their teacher.
SCIENCE 10
Science 10 has four major units: Genetics, Chemical Processes, Energy Transfer and the Big Bang Theory. Students complete a variety of inquiry-based activities and work to connect their learning to real world applications.
EARTH SCIENCE 11
Earth Science 11 examines many of the characteristics, processes, distributions, and interactions among the physical components of the Earth’s surface. These physical components are considered not only for their own importance, but also for the influences they exert on peoples’ activities – the way the physical
environment is used, misused and altered by humans. This course investigates 5 big ideas (1) Earth’s
materials are changed as they cycle through the geosphere and are used as resources, with economic and environmental implications (2) Plate tectonic theory explains the consequences of tectonic plate interactions (3) The transfer of energy through the atmosphere creates weather, and this transfer is affected by climate change (4) The distribution of water has a major influence on weather and climate (5) Astronomy seeks to explain the origin and interactions of Earth and its solar system.
LIFE SCIENCES 11
Biology 11 is designed to introduce students to the diverse adaptations and ecological relationships in a
variety of living organisms. This course covers microbiology, mycology (fungus), plant biology, animal
biology and ecology with themes of evolutionary change throughout the course.
LIFE SCIENCES 11 HONOURS and AP BIOLOGY 12 (students must choose both)
This program is designed to cover both semesters so students must request both courses. The two
courses cover the objectives of Biology 11 and 12 as well as additional material for Advanced Placement.
The AP Biology course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory biology course and is
open to any students who are prepared to do extensive inquiry-based research and labs. More than 25% of the course is practical laboratory work. Upon completion, students will receive a total of 12 credits. The
AP Biology exam is written in May.
CHEMISTRY 11
Chemistry 11 includes the study atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, solution chemistry and organic
chemistry. These concepts are reinforced through laboratory work.
CHEMISTRY 11 HONOURS and AP CHEMISTRY 12 (students must choose both)
This program is designed to cover both semesters so students must request both courses. The two
courses cover the objectives of Chemistry 11 and 12 as well as additional material for Advanced Placement. The AP Chemistry course is designed to be the equivalent of a college introductory chemistry course. College Board guidelines are followed in the design of the course. Many topics in Chemistry 11 and 12 are covered in more detail than in the regular course. In addition, topics such as thermodynamics and thermochemistry are studied. Upon completion, students will receive a total of 12 credits. The AP Chemistry exam will be written in May.
PHYSICS 11
Welcome to the world of Galileo, Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein! These giants of physics teach us how
to see the invisible forces and energies that govern movement of cars and spaceships alike. This course
includes the study of motion, forces, momentum and energy, the properties of mirrors, lenses, waves and
light, nuclear power and Einstein’s special theory of relativity. As part of course requirements, students will contribute by making connections to real physical situations, and inquiry lab experiences.
PHYSICS 11 Honours and AP PHYSICS 12 (students must choose both)
This program is designed to cover both semesters so students must request both courses. Are you up
for the challenge of a first-semester college/university level course that is mathematically rigorous,
requiring problem-solving at a Physics 12 level? This college/university course preparation is faster-paced than Physics 11 and individual study of 1 to 2 hours daily will be necessary to successfully complete the requirements. Upon course completion students get physics 11, 12 and AP Physics 1 credits. Students will be accepted on the recommendation of their teachers, and an application process. The course is also suitable for grade 12’s who only need one physics course.
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY 12
Biology 12 encompasses two major topics of study: Cellular Biology: cell structure/function, biological
molecules DNA, protein synthesis and enzymes; and Human Anatomy and Physiology: digestive,
circulatory, respiratory, nervous, endocrine, excretory and reproductive systems.
CHEMISTRY 12
Chemistry 12 builds on concepts covered in Chemistry 11 and emphasizes the interaction of atoms,
molecules, and ions. The course covers the study of reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, and oxidation/reduction. The concepts are reinforced through laboratory work. Through this investigation, students will gain an increased understanding of the importance of chemistry in the modern world.
PHYSICS 12
Physics 12 is an enrichment of physics 11 course with the addition of the study of classical mechanics in
2D such as projectile motion, forces in 2D, circular motion, torque, as well as units such as static electricity, current electricity, and electromagnetism. Are you up for a challenge? Problem-solving is mathematically much more rigorous than in Physics 11 and takes much more time every night to get the same good grades.
AP Environmental Science 12
The AP Environmental Science course is designed to be the equivalent of a one semester introductory
college course in environmental science. Topics include Earth Systems and Resources, The Living World, Population, Land and Water Use, Energy Resources and Consumption, Pollution and Global Change. Completion of Chemistry 11 and Biology 11 is recommended.