Grade 10 Science Topics & Portfolio Submission Guidelines

Life Science: Cells

Students will relate organelles to their functions within the cell as well as distinguish between cells based on their different structures and functions. In addition, students will describe factors that limit cell size and compare changes that occur during the stages of a cell’s development. They will also describe the ways in which viruses and bacteria can affect cell functioning and assess the factors that can affect fetal development. Students will conclude their study of cells by comparing and contrasting asexual and sexual reproduction.

Life Science: Genetics

Students will relate the genetic code to the assembly of different proteins and also apply the principles that govern the inheritance of traits to solve problems involving simple Mendelian genetics. Students will summarize factors that may lead to different types of mutations and distinguish among positive, neutral and negative effects of various mutations. For this study, students will also analyze implications of current and emerging biomedical, genetic and reproductive technologies.

Physical Science: Chemicals and Reactions

Students will research and illustrate the development of our understanding of the structure of matter from early times to present as well as describing the arrangement of subatomic particles (electrons, protons, neutrons) in elements. Students will distinguish among atoms, isotopes and ions and explain how chemical and physical characteristics of substance are due to difference in the bonding of their constituent parts. In addition, students will demonstrate a knowledge of chemical formulae, balanced chemical equations and give evidences for and classify the following chemical reactions: synthesis, decomposition, replacement and acid-base.

Physical Science: Electricity and magnetism

Students are expected to state the relationship between charged objects and to demonstrate how electricity results from the movement of charged particles such as electrons and ions. As well, students will describe the interactions between magnetism and electricity and relate these to common devices. Students are also to use apparatus to determine the relationships between current, voltage and resistance in different types of circuits and to relate power and energy to common electrical devices. In addition, students describe the distributions and safety considerations of electricity from its generated source to its use within the home and applying knowledge and data to make recommendation for reducing energy waste.

Physical Science: Radioactivity

Students are to summarize the characteristics of the major components of the electromagnetic spectrum and to differentiate among the following decay products: alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Students are also to compare and contrast fusion reactions and their use in energy production and describe technological applications of radiation as well as evaluate the effects of radiation on living organisms.

Earth and Space Science: Earth Forces

Students in this study are expected to compare a variety of techniques used to learn about the earth and to use fossil evidence to illustrate how life forms change over time. Comparing techniques used for establishing geological time scales and identifying major factors responsible for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, mountain building and formation of ocean ridges are other expectations. Students are also asked to identify evidence that supports the theory of plate tectonics and to assess impacts of volcanoes and earthquakes on the environment.

Portfolio Submission Guidelines:

  • oral or written sample evaluating dangers in particular procedures and equipment and taking responsibility for safety
  • sample experiment and log showing understanding of bias and limitations of accuracy and reliability of an investigation
  • describe an important scientific discovery that results from scientists applying their knowledge and creativity to explore unexpected events
  • written or oral description of the interactions between scientific development and the beliefs and values of society
  • a sample of work that can identify and consider ethical implications of scientific investigations
  • a summary identifying and considering ethical implications of scientific investigations
  • written discussions that indicate an understanding of data and conclusions that may be subject to bias
  • a paragraph analyzing costs and benefits of alternatives in resolving socioscientific issues
  • a marked test (or an unmarked test including the answer key)
  • answers to questions in a science text showing an understanding of the topics listed above
  • a selection of marked and unmarked assignments relating to some of the topics in Grade 10 Science