THE PLACE OF SCIENCE IN THE CURRICULUM
"During the twentieth century, science played an increasingly important role in the lives of all Canadians. It underpins much of what we now take for granted, from life-saving pharmaceuticals to clean water, the places we live and work in, computers and other information technologies, and how we communicate with others. The impact of science on our lives will continue to grow as the twenty-first century unfolds. Consequently, scientific literacy for all has become a goal of science education throughout the world and has been given expression in Canada in the Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes, K to 12: Pan-Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum.” (Council of Ministers of Education, Canada, 1997)
“Scientific literacy can be defined as possession of the scientific knowledge, skills, and habits of mind required to thrive in the science-based world of the twenty-first century.” (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2010, The Ontario Curriculum Grades 11 and 12: Science, pp. 3)
The science department at Thistletown C. I. is committed to supporting excellence in scientific literacy for all through a variety of ways.
The Science Department offers a range of courses for all postsecondary pathways including university, college and workplace. We also offer gifted and enriched science programs. In addition, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to grade 12 students in the subjects of biology, chemistry, and physics.
We use a team work approach to designing and implementing hands-on activities, 3-part lessons, laboratory investigations, simulations, culturally-relevant and responsive approaches, STEM focussed activities and projects, and much more to cater to the needs of diverse learners. Culturally-relevant inquiry projects surrounding real-world sustainability issues and their solutions are embedded across all courses in the science department.
Our department provides a number of experiential learning, career exploration, and enrichment opportunities through excursions and collaboration with a number of outside organizations such as Ontario Science Centre, Downsview Park, University of Toronto, Sick Kids hospital, The PACT Grow-to-Learn Schoolyard Gardening Program, and more. DNA workshop, Stress and Mental Health Coping Strategies, Sick Kids Science Extravaganza, Invasive species, Farmer for a day, Bee hotels, U of T Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical, Brain Injury Days, etc. are some examples of the experiential learning experiences.
The science department also participates in the University of Waterloo grade 11 Avogadro contest and grade 12 Chem 13 News exam. Grade 10 students also have the opportunity to participate in the UBC Michael Smith Challenge exam. A number of activities and competitions, such the Mole Day celebrations, Chemical Scramble, etc., are also organized at the school level. We also organize a Science Olympiad for grade 7 and 8 students for Thistletown’s feeder schools in collaboration with the school SAC.
We are committed to support the academic success and well-being of all students by providing one-on-one science extra help and providing support through guidance, student success, social worker, and attendance counsellor. A formal science extra help schedule is posted in all science classrooms and shared with all students. Extra help is also available through Braeburn Tutoring Program after school. We also strive to promote a safe, caring, and inclusive environment by connecting students with extracurricular activities, programs and clubs of interests and meaningful to them.
(Checkout a few pics below of TCI's Science Department Activities)