Science

What You Will Learn

The learning outcomes below outline the key skills and knowledge assessed on the CAEC test for this subject.

Understanding the development and scope of science as both a process and a body of knowledge based on observations of the natural world. The natural world includes all components of the physical universe that can be predicted and measured. Scientific ideas evolve with new evidence and understanding.

1.1 Identify characteristics of science, such as how scientific ideas are developed through a process of ongoing inquiry.

1.2 Distinguish between observations and inferences.

1.3 Distinguish between questions that can be investigated through scientific inquiry and questions that cannot be tested through scientific inquiry, such as aesthetic, moral, and ethical judgements, and the supernatural.

1.4 Explain ways in which reliability, validity, integrity, and credibility of scientific work is maintained, including through scientific methods, placebos, double-blind studies, large sample sizes, random sampling, peer review and replicating research.

1.5 Identify factors that may introduce bias, such as preconceptions of researchers, funding of research by interest groups, and selective reporting of evidence.
Understanding skills, processes and methods required for scientific investigations, communicating scientific ideas and results, and making informed decisions.

2.1 Formulate testable questions, for a given situation, that can be investigated through scientific inquiry.

2.2 Formulate a hypothesis or prediction based on prior knowledge or an observed pattern of events.

2.3 Determine the design elements of scientific investigations, including control groups and variables (independent, dependent, and controlled).

2.4 Identify procedures that set appropriate conditions, limit bias, and use appropriate methods for collecting data.

2.5 Identify the appropriate techniques for storing, handling, and disposing of materials according to WHMIS 2015 and consumer product symbols.

2.6 Demonstrate effective selection and use of scientific tools for data collection, such as a ruler, protractor, thermometer, or graduated cylinder.

2.7 Select appropriate units of measurement to collect and communicate data, including conversions within Système International d'unités (SI).

2.8 Visualize and communicate data in appropriate formats, such as tables, graphs, and diagrams.

2.9 Analyze patterns and trends to describe relationships among variables and data.

2.10 Estimate information from data, graphs, tables, and spreadsheets.

2.11 Evaluate scientific investigations for sources of error and formulate reasonable explanations of the results.

2.12 Evaluate the reliability, validity, and credibility of scientific investigations.

2.13 Transfer conclusions from scientific investigations to everyday life and future investigations.
Understanding how society influences, reacts to, and is changed by scientific research and technologies from a variety of perspectives, including social, cultural, economic, ethical, political, safety, and environmental perspectives.

3.1 Identify intended and unintended consequences for humans and the environment emerging from scientific solutions and technologies.

3.2 Evaluate risks and benefits of scientific solutions and technologies.

3.3 Evaluate factors that influence scientific research.

Science Printed Modules

The checklists below follow the same structure as the printed Science binders. All linked resources referenced in the binders are available here.

Access Notice: The module content and teacher-created practice tests are password protected and intended for registered CVALA learners only. These materials are compiled and adapted for instructional use and are not to be copied, distributed, or shared.

Learning Resources

Webpages, readings, and reference materials

These online resources are available on desktop computers only and are not accessible on mobile devices at this time.