|
The Science Department’s mission is to establish a climate of excellence that supports students in their learning both at school and at home; one which fosters their academic and spiritual growth enabling them to reach their full potential as lifelong learners.
Our Goal
Our goal as science teachers is to create a community of scientific literate students who possess the scientific knowledge, skills and habits of mind required to thrive in the science-based world of the twenty-first century. Accordingly, science courses have been designed for a wide variety of students, taking into account their interests and possible postsecondary destinations. St. Augustine CHS Science Course Expectations Link
Science Course Ontario Curriculum: Grades 9 and 10 and Grades 11 and 12
Science at St. Augustine CHS
In preparing our students for life beyond St. Augustine CHS we focus on how our science curriculum has significant, though varied, connections with many other disciplines. In the Science Department we have established in conjunction with the Mathematics Department an annual Career Fair for the Grade 10 students that, brings in people of varied occupations from Doctors to University Professors to people in Finance from the community to expose our students to possible career options. St. Augustine Career Fair 2005 Pictures Link
In our goal to create a climate of excellence and scientific literacy we also focus on instilling in our students a sense of wonder about the world around them. Our curriculum reflects new developments in the international science scene and we emphasize this by yearly having teacher mentors who support groups of dedicated students competing in the Sanofi Aventis Biotech Challenge 2006 where they choose a project to research, write a proposal that is submitted to a community of scientists and then based on approval further seek out a mentor in the scientific community to engage in experimental research for final competition to a panel of judges at the Ontario Science Centre.
Our science students also compete in a variety of other science competitions annually. The Grade 9 students enter their Biotechnology projects in the Canadians for Health Research Essay contest. The Grade 10 students participate in the University of British Columbia , Michael Smith Science Contest . The Grade 11 and 12 Biology students participate in the University of Toronto National Biology Competition and the Grade 12 Chemistry and Physics students also participate in the Avogadro Chemistry and Sir Isaac Newton Physics competitions.
Another exciting exploration of how science is connected to technology, society and the environment was the GrassRoots Ontario Block Project that involved all teachers in the science department and their classes exploring science through inquiry based projects examining current controversies related to science education and current scientific issues. Students from all grade levels worked diligently on the creation of a website that encompassed all their work, St. Augustine Grassroots Science .
October marked the start of St. Augustine ’s first ever Chemistry Club. Under the leadership of a few grade 12 students the Chemistry Club provides an opportunity for students interested in researching and performing chemical reactions that they have never seen before. The enthusiasm of the members has been impressive and even students not persuing Chemistry academically participate. Reactions performed include making a silver penny, synthesizing carbon from sugar, and the combustion of potassium in gummy bears.
eLearning Focus
At St. Augustine CHS we use technology to enhance our science curriculum. We use a variety of techniques to engage our students whether in the eLearning stream or in the general stream. Here is a sample of some of the interesting resources that are available to our students:
We encourage students to experiment with creative and innovative ways when it comes t inquiry based research. Here is a sample of student exemplars showcasing innovative ways students incorporated technology in their science assignments:
|
Departments 