Here at R.C.I. we believe that science should be fun. From exploding gummy bears, to motion detectors, to DNA fingerprinting, our goal is to excite students. Mind you there are still tests and quizzes and notes to be taken every now and then, but the learning and laughter do set in.

In science, you will acquire knowledge in the fields of physics, chemistry and biology. In order to receive your high school diploma, you will require at least 4 science credits (grade 9 and 10 science are mandatory).  For more info on enriched science, which is offered in our Masters program, click on this link.

Runnymede was one of only 10 schools in the TDSB to receive special funding from the S.T.E.A.M. Project. These funds have enabled us to provide our students with challenging and innovative activities in the fields of Robotics and Bio-Technology.

Lego Robots have been introduced by the Business & Technology Department. Students are designing, constructing and programming these robots. These activities develop higher order problem-solving skills, as well as prepare students for our F.I.R.S.T. Robotics team and international competitions.

The Science Department has expanded its bio-technology enrichment. Students are now engaged in Advanced Placement Laboratory activities such as:

• Bacterial transformation and cloning
• DNA fingerprinting using gel electrophoresis
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis of DNA
• Protein extraction and modification

These techniques are very commonly used in medicine, forensics and genetic investigations in many areas such as pedigrees, socio-demographics and evolutionary changes in populations.

Grade 9 Sciences

SNC1D/3

This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct investigations related to cell division and reproduction; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration; and the principles of electricity.
Prerequisite: None

SNC1P/8

This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to cell division and reproduction, the structure and properties of elements and compounds, astronomy and space exploration, and static and current electricity.
Prerequisite: None

 

Grade 10 Sciences

SNC2D/3

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their skills in scientific inquiry; and to understand the interrelationship among science, technology, and the environment. Students will conduct investigations and understand scientific theories related to: ecology and the maintenance of ecosystems; chemical reactions, with particular attention to acid-base reactions; factors that influence weather systems; and motion.
Prerequisite: Grade 9, Applied or Academic Recommended
Preparation: Science, Grade 9, Academic

SNC2P/8

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their knowledge of science to real-world situations. Students will design and conduct investigations into everyday problems and issues related to ecological sustainability, chemical reactions, weather systems, and motion.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 9, Applied or Academic Recommended
Preparation: Science, Grade 9, Applied 

 

Grade 11 Sciences

SBI3C Biology, College Preparation

This course focuses on the processes involved in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, animal anatomy and physiology, plant structure and physiology, and environmental science. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts and skills needed for further study in the various branches of life sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

SBI3U Biology, University Preparation

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems. Students will study cellular functions, genetic continuity, internal systems and regulation, the diversity of living things, and the anatomy, growth, and functions of plants. This course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

SCH3U Chemistry, University Preparation

This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviours of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that effect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

SPH3U Physics, University Preparation

This course develops students' understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will study the laws of dynamics and explore different kinds of forces, the quantification of forms of energy (mechanical, sound, light, thermal, and electrical), and the way energy is transformed and transmitted. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also analyze the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic

 

Grade 12 Sciences

SBI4U Biology, University Preparation

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students with study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
Prerequisite: Biology, Grade 11, University Preparation

SCH4C Chemistry, College Preparation

This course introduces students to the concepts that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study qualitative analysis, quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, organic chemistry and electrochemistry, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will employ a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products.
Prerequisite: Grade 10 Science, Academic or Applied

SCH4U Chemistry, University Preparation

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Grade 11, University Preparation

SPH4C Physics, College Preparation

This course develops students' understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts as they relate the mechanical, electrical, fluid (hydraulic and pneumatic), and communications systems, as well as to the operation of commonly used tools and equipment. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied

SPH4U Physics, University Preparation

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications of physics.
Prerequisite: Physics, Grade 11, University Preparation